Magnesium AZ31B-F (UNS M11311)

AZ31B-F is a medium-strength magnesium alloy widely utilized in aerospace and automotive industries. It offers excellent weldability, corrosion resistance, and a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it an ideal choice for lightweight structural components where durability and performance are critical.
| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Magnesium | —— | Remainder |
| Aluminum | 2.5% | 3.5% |
| Calcium | —— | 0.04% |
| Copper | —— | 0.05% |
| Iron | —— | 0.005% |
| Manganese | 0.2% | —— |
| Nickel | —— | 0.005% |
| Silicon | —— | 0.1% |
| Zinc | 0.6% | 1.4% |
The following table provides a list of magnesium AZ31B-F properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.
Click on the button to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Density | 1770 kg/m3 |
| Mechanical Properties | Metric |
| Tensile Strength (Ultimate) | 260 MPa |
| Tensile Strength (Yield) | 200 MPa |
| Compressive Strength (Yield) | 97 MPa |
| Bearing Strength (Ultimate) | 385 MPa |
| Bearing Strength (Yield) | 230 MPa |
| Shear Strength | 130 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus (E) | 45 GPa |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 17 GPa |
| Elongation at Break in 50 mm | 15% |
| Poisson’s Ratio (ν) | 0.35 |
| Brinell Hardness 500 kg load, 10 mm ball | 49 |
| Charpy Impact V-notch | 4.30 J |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | 605 - 630 °C |
| Solidus | 605 °C |
| Liquidus | 630 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 96 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 1000 J/kg·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL) | 26.0 1/°C |
| Heat of Fusion | 340 J/g |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Electrical Resistivity | 9.20×10-6 Ω·cm |
The values in this table are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as the specific manufacturing process and heat treatment applied to the alloy.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Magnesium AZ31B-F
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Lightweight: low density | Corrosion susceptibility in certain environments |
| High strength-to-weight ratio | Limited elevated temperature applications |
| Good machinability | Limited weldability |
| Good damping capacity | Higher cost compared to some other alloys |
Applications of Magnesium AZ31B-F
Magnesium AZ31B-F is employed across various industries for lightweight, durable components, including:
- Automotive Industry: Used for lightweight components such as engine parts, transmission cases, instrument panels, steering columns, and other structural elements.
- Aerospace Industry: Utilized for lightweight structural parts including aircraft seats, frames, brackets, and other components where weight reduction enhances fuel efficiency and performance.
- Electronics: Valued for excellent electromagnetic shielding, it is employed in laptops, tablets, smartphones, and various electronic casings.
- Sports Equipment: Applied in manufacturing tennis rackets, baseball bats, golf club heads, and bicycle frames, benefiting from its lightweight and good damping capacity.
- Medical Applications: Used in surgical instruments and lightweight orthopedic implants, favored for biocompatibility and dimensional stability.
- Industrial Applications: Found in machinery components, tooling, and jigs due to its excellent machinability and ease of fabrication.
