Magnesium HK31A-T6 (UNS M13310)

Image of Magnesium HK31A-T6 bars
Credit: CSIRO, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

HK31A-T6 is a high-strength, cast magnesium alloy valued for its superior castability, pressure tightness, and resistance to creep. Commonly applied across aerospace, automotive, and industrial machinery, this alloy combines lightweight properties with durability, making it ideal for demanding structural components and performance-critical applications.

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Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
Magnesium——Remainder
Copper——0.1%
Nickel——0.01%
Thorium2.5%4.0%
Zinc——0.3%
Zirconium0.4%1.0%

The following table provides a list of magnesium HK31A-T6 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.

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

Table of Magnesium HK31A-T6 Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Density1800 kg/m3
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)220 MPa
Tensile Strength (Yield)120 MPa
Compressive Strength (Yield)105 MPa
Bearing Strength (Ultimate)420 MPa
Bearing Strength (Yield)275 MPa
Fatigue Strength # of Cycles 1.0e+870 MPa
Shear Strength145 MPa
Young’s Modulus (E)45 GPa
Shear Modulus (G)17 GPa
Elongation at Break in 50 mm8%
Poisson’s Ratio (ν)0.35
Brinell Hardness 500 kg load, 10 mm ball55
Knoop Hardness Converted from Brinell70
Machinability100%
Charpy Impact V-notch3.80 J
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Melting Point590 - 650 °C
Solidus590 °C
Liquidus650 °C
Thermal Conductivity92 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp)1000 J/kg·K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL)26.8 1/°C
Heat of Fusion325 J/g
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Electrical Resistivity7.70×10-6 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 HK31A-T6

AdvantagesDisadvantages
High strength-to-weight ratioReactive to oxidation
Good damping capacityLimited temperature range
Good corrosion resistanceHigher cost
Excellent machinability

Applications of Magnesium HK31A-T6

HK31A-T6 is widely utilized in aerospace and defense industries, offering excellent corrosion resistance and lightweight durability in applications including:

  • Aircraft Components: Used in manufacturing structural parts such as fuselage frames, wing structures, and landing gear components.
  • Engine Components: Suitable for lightweight, strong parts including engine housings, gearbox casings, and other structural elements.
  • Helicopter Components: Applied in rotor hubs, transmission housings, and other structural parts requiring low density and high strength.
  • Spacecraft Applications: Employed in satellite structures, propulsion systems, and components needing an optimal balance of weight and strength.
  • Defense Industry: Used in military aircraft, missiles, and defense structures demanding lightweight materials without sacrificing strength or durability.
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