Magnesium AZ61A-F (UNS M11610)

Image of Magnesium AZ61A-F bars
Credit: CSIRO, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

AZ61A-F is a magnesium alloy that is commonly used in a variety of applications, including aerospace, automotive, and industrial. It is known for its good strength, corrosion resistance, and weldability.

Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
MagnesiumRemainder
Aluminum5.8%7.2%
Copper0.05%
Iron0.005%
Manganese0.15%
Nickel0.005%
Silicon0.10%
Zinc0.4%1.5%

The following table provides a list of magnesium AZ61A-F properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.

Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Magnesium AZ61A-F Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Density1800 kg/m3
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)295 MPa
Tensile Strength (Yield)180 MPa
Compressive Strength (Yield)125 MPa
Bearing Strength (Ultimate)500 MPa
Bearing Strength (Yield)285 MPa
Shear Strength145 MPa
Young’s Modulus (E)45 GPa
Shear Modulus (G)17 GPa
Elongation at Break in 50 mm12%
Poisson’s Ratio (ν)0.35
Brinell Hardness 500 kg load, 10 mm ball55
Knoop Hardness Converted from Brinell70
Vickers Hardness Converted from Brinell66
Machinability100%
Charpy Impact V-notch3.00 J
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Melting Point Incipient Melting≥ 418 °C
Solidus525 °C
Liquidus620 °C
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp)1050 J/kg·K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL)26.0 1/°C
Heat of Fusion370 J/g
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Electrical Resistivity1.25×10-5 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 AZ61A-F

AdvantagesDisadvantages
LightweightCorrosion susceptibility
High strength-to-weight ratioLimited temperature range
Good vibration dampingLimited formability
Good weldabilityHigher cost
Good machinabilityFire hazard

Applications of Magnesium AZ61A-F

Magnesium AZ61A-F, as a lightweight and moderately strong alloy, finds applications in various industries where weight reduction, strength, and good formability are important considerations. Some common applications of Magnesium AZ61A-F include:

  • Aerospace industry: Magnesium AZ61A-F is used in aerospace applications such as aircraft components, including structural parts, engine housings, brackets, and interior components.
  • Automotive industry: Magnesium AZ61A-F is utilized in automotive applications where weight reduction is crucial for fuel efficiency and improved performance. It can be found in parts like transmission cases, engine blocks, steering columns, intake manifolds, and various interior components.
  • Sporting goods: The lightweight and vibration-damping properties of Magnesium AZ61A-F make it suitable for sporting goods like golf club heads, bicycle frames, and tennis rackets. Its high strength-to-weight ratio contributes to enhanced performance.
  • Consumer electronics: Magnesium AZ61A-F is used in the manufacturing of lightweight consumer electronics like laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. It allows for compact and portable designs while providing adequate structural strength.
  • Tooling and equipment: The machinability and good weldability of Magnesium AZ61A-F make it suitable for tooling and equipment applications. It can be used in the production of jigs, fixtures, and machinery components, where weight reduction and ease of fabrication are desired.
  • Medical devices: Magnesium AZ61A-F is also utilized in the medical industry for lightweight and biocompatible applications. It can be found in the manufacturing of implants, surgical instruments, and medical equipment.
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