Magnesium alloys

Cast alloys of magnesium consist of different amounts of aluminium, manganese and zinc as principal alloying elements. Other alloying elements have been used, as well, mostly to enhance creep resistance, such as zirconium and rare-earth metals.

Wrought alloys are alloys subjected to mechanical working, such as forging, extrusion, and rolling operations, to reach the desired shape. Aluminium, manganese and zinc are also the main alloying elements. Wrought alloys of magnesium are sorted into heat treatable and non-heat treatable alloys.

Available alloys

Cast alloys: AZ91D, AM50, AM60B, WE43;
Wrought alloys: AZ3IB, AZ6IA, AZ80A, ZK60A.

Alloying elements

Properties of alloys change based on their chemical compositions.

• Aluminium improves strength, hardness and ductility, facilitating the alloy’s casting process.
• Zinc increases room-temperature strength, fluidity in casting, and corrosion resistance.
• Manganese increases the resistance of AM and AZ alloys to saltwater corrosion by forming intermetallic compounds with iron-like metals, to be removed during melting.
• Rare earth metals help increase strength and resistance to high-temperature creep and corrosion, and decrease porosity and weld cracking.
• Zirconium is a strong grain refiner when added to alloys containing zinc and rare earth metals.
• Beryllium helps decrease surface oxidation during casting and welding.
• Calcium increases grain refinement, which helps in controlling the metallurgy of the alloy.