Magnesium AZ91B-F (UNS M11912)

Magnesium AZ91B-F is a widely used magnesium alloy known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, good castability, and mechanical performance. This alloy is particularly valued in die casting processes for its balance of strength, ductility, and toughness, making it suitable for high-performance lightweight applications.
| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Magnesium | —— | Remainder |
| Aluminum | 8.3% | 9.7% |
| Copper | —— | 0.35% |
| Manganese | 0.13% | —— |
| Nickel | —— | 0.03% |
| Silicon | —— | 0.5% |
| Zinc | 0.35% | 1.0% |
The following table provides a list of magnesium AZ91B-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 | 1810 kg/m3 |
| Mechanical Properties | Metric |
| Tensile Strength (Ultimate) | 230 MPa |
| Tensile Strength (Yield) | 150 MPa |
| Compressive Strength (Yield) | 165 MPa |
| Fatigue Strength # of Cycles 1.0e+7 | 52 - 65 MPa |
| Shear Strength | 140 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus (E) | 44.8 GPa |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 17 GPa |
| Elongation at Break in 50 mm | 3% |
| Poisson’s Ratio (ν) | 0.35 |
| Brinell Hardness 500 kg load, 10 mm ball | 63 |
| Knoop Hardness Converted from Brinell | 84 |
| Rockwell Hardness | 75 |
| Vickers Hardness Converted from Brinell | 71 |
| Machinability | 100% |
| Charpy Impact V-notch | 2.70 J |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point Incipient Melting | ≥ 421 °C |
| Solidus | 470 °C |
| Liquidus | 595 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 72.7 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 1047 J/kg·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL) | 26.0 1/°C |
| Heat of Fusion | 373 J/g |
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 AZ91B-F
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | Flammability |
| High strength-to-weight ratio | Corrosion susceptibility |
| Good castability | Limited temperature range |
| Enhanced mechanical properties | Higher cost |
| Good electrical and thermal conductivity | Limited weldability |
| Excellent damping capacity | Potential for galvanic corrosion |
Applications of Magnesium AZ91B-F
Thanks to its favorable strength-to-weight ratio and castability, magnesium AZ91B-F is used across diverse industries, including:
- Automotive Industry: Used for components requiring lightweight construction, such as engine blocks, transmission cases, intake manifolds, steering columns, and instrument panels.
- Aerospace Industry: Its low weight makes it ideal for aircraft components like seat frames, brackets, and structural parts, contributing to fuel efficiency and performance.
- Electronics and Communication: Utilized in devices where weight reduction and electromagnetic shielding are critical, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and portable electronics.
- Sports and Recreation: Common in sporting goods such as bicycle frames, golf club heads, tennis rackets, and camping gear due to its lightness, strength, and vibration-damping ability.
- Industrial Machinery: Employed in machinery components, power tool housings, and die-cast parts that benefit from a strong yet lightweight structure.
- Medical Equipment: Explored for biocompatible uses like orthopedic implants, surgical instruments, and casings for medical devices.
- Consumer Goods: Found in products such as camera bodies, portable audio devices, and other lightweight consumer electronics.
