Magnesium AZ31B-O (UNS M11311)
AZ31B-O is a lightweight magnesium alloy commonly used in aerospace and general commercial applications. It is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, making it a suitable material for applications where weight reduction is crucial.
| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Magnesium | Remainder | |
| Aluminum | 2.5% | 3.5% |
| Calcium | 0.04% | |
| Copper | 0.05% | |
| Iron | 0.005% | |
| Manganese | 0.20% | |
| Nickel | 0.005% | |
| Silicon | 0.10% | |
| Zinc | 0.6% | 1.4% |
The following table provides a list of magnesium AZ31B-O properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.
Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Density | 1770 kg/m3 |
| Mechanical Properties | Metric |
| Tensile Strength (Ultimate) | 255 MPa |
| Tensile Strength (Yield) | 150 MPa |
| Compressive Strength (Yield) | 110 MPa |
| Bearing Strength (Ultimate) | 485 MPa |
| Bearing Strength (Yield) | 290 MPa |
| Fatigue Strength # of Cycles 1.0e+7 | 120 - 145 MPa |
| Shear Strength | 145 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus (E) | 45 GPa |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 17 GPa |
| Elongation at Break in 50 mm | 21% |
| Poisson’s Ratio (ν) | 0.35 |
| Brinell Hardness 500 kg load, 10 mm ball | 56 |
| Knoop Hardness Converted from Brinell | 71 |
| Vickers Hardness Converted from Brinell | 83 |
| Machinability | 100% |
| 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-O
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Low density | Limited availability |
| Excellent corrosion resistance | Requires specialized welding techniques |
| Good machinability and formability | Limited temperature range for structural applications |
| Recyclable and environmentally friendly | |
| Good damping capacity |
Applications of Magnesium AZ31B-O
Magnesium AZ31B-O has a range of applications due to its favorable combination of properties. Here are some common applications of Magnesium AZ31B-O:
- Automotive Industry: Magnesium AZ31B-O is widely used in the automotive industry for various components. It is used in lightweight structural parts, such as body panels, interior trim, seat frames, and brackets.
- Aerospace Industry: Magnesium AZ31B-O finds applications in the aerospace sector. It is used in aircraft structures, including fuselage components, wing panels, and interior parts.
- Electronics and Consumer Goods: The alloy is employed in the electronics industry for lightweight and compact devices. It can be used in the manufacturing of laptop casings, cell phone frames, cameras, and other electronic housings.
- Sports and Recreation Equipment: Magnesium AZ31B-O is utilized in sporting goods due to its lightweight nature and vibration-damping properties. It can be found in bicycle frames, golf club heads, tennis racket frames, and various other sports equipment.
- Medical Applications: The alloy is used in certain medical applications, such as lightweight orthopedic implants, surgical instruments, and medical devices.
- Industrial and General Applications: Magnesium AZ31B-O is also employed in various industrial and general applications. It can be used in sheet metal forming, extrusions, die casting, and other fabrication processes. It is sometimes utilized in architectural applications, such as decorative panels and lightweight structures.