Elektron W14 Magnesium Alloy，A8 (AZ81),E FOUR

### **Elektron W14 / A8 (AZ81) Magnesium Alloy** **Product Overview** Elektron W14, commercially designated as A8 or AZ81, is a high-purity magnesium-aluminum-zinc casting alloy that offers an excellent balance of mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and castability. As part of the Mg-Al-Zn system with controlled chemistry, A8 provides enhanced corrosion performance compared to standard AZ-series alloys while maintaining good strength characteristics. The alloy is particularly valued for applications requiring reliable performance in corrosive environments combined with the lightweight advantages of magnesium. This alloy is suitable for various casting processes including sand casting, permanent mold casting, and high-pressure die casting, making it versatile for different industrial applications. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** A8 features a carefully controlled aluminum-zinc composition with stringent impurity limits. | Element | Composition (% by Weight) | | :---------------- | :-------------------------------- | | **Aluminum (Al)** | 7.0 - 8.5 % | | **Zinc (Zn)** | 0.4 - 1.0 % | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.15 - 0.30 % | | **Silicon (Si)** | ≤ 0.08 % | | **Copper (Cu)** | ≤ 0.03 % | | **Iron (Fe)** | ≤ 0.004 % | | **Nickel (Ni)** | ≤ 0.001 % | | **Other Impurities** | ≤ 0.02 % (each) | | **Magnesium (Mg)** | Balance | *Note:* The controlled **aluminum** content provides good strength through the formation of Mg₁₇Al₁₂ precipitates while maintaining adequate ductility. The strict limits on **iron, copper, and nickel** are crucial for achieving superior corrosion resistance compared to standard AZ81 alloys. --- #### **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** A8 offers a balanced combination of physical and mechanical properties optimized for corrosion resistance. **Physical Properties:** * **Density:** 1.80 g/cm³ (0.065 lb/in³) * **Melting Range:** 550 - 620 °C (1022 - 1148 °F) * **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion:** 26.0 μm/m·°C (20-200°C) * **Thermal Conductivity:** 65 W/m·K **Typical Mechanical Properties (As-Cast):** * **Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS):** 190 - 220 MPa (28 - 32 ksi) * **Tensile Yield Strength (TYS):** 110 - 140 MPa (16 - 20 ksi) * **Elongation:** 4 - 8% * **Compressive Yield Strength:** 110 - 140 MPa (16 - 20 ksi) * **Shear Strength:** 125 - 145 MPa (18 - 21 ksi) * **Hardness:** 60 - 70 HBW * **Modulus of Elasticity:** 45 GPa (6.5 × 10³ ksi) **Corrosion Performance:** * **Excellent salt spray resistance** (> 500 hours to first corrosion) * **Good general corrosion resistance** in various environments * **Improved galvanic corrosion performance** compared to standard AZ81 * **Suitable for coated and uncoated applications** --- #### **3. International Standards & Specifications** A8 is recognized under various international and proprietary specifications. * **ASTM International:** **ASTM B94** (Standard Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Die Castings) * **ISO Standards:** **ISO 16220** (Magnesium and magnesium alloys - Castings) * **SAE International:** **SAE J465** * **UNS Designation:** **UNS M11810** * **German Standards:** **DIN MgAl8Zn1** * **Proprietary Designation:** **Elektron A8** / **W14** (Luxfer MEL Technologies) --- #### **4. Product Applications** A8 is widely used across multiple industries where corrosion resistance and lightweight properties are essential. * **Aerospace & Defense:** * **Aircraft Instrument Housings** * **Avionics Equipment Casings** * **Communication Equipment Enclosures** * **Military Electronic Housing Components** * **Automotive Industry:** * **Transmission Housings** * **Engine Components** * **Bracket and Mounting Systems** * **Steering Column Components** * **Electronics & Telecommunications:** * **Server and Network Equipment Housings** * **Portable Electronic Device Frames** * **Antenna Housing Components** * **Industrial & Consumer Applications:** * **Power Tool Housings** * **Industrial Control System Enclosures** * **Medical Equipment Components** * **Marine and Outdoor Equipment Parts** --- #### **5. Manufacturing Characteristics** **Casting Performance:** * Excellent fluidity and castability * Good pressure tightness for leak-proof components * Low tendency for hot cracking * Suitable for thin-walled castings * Consistent mechanical properties **Secondary Processing:** * Good machinability with excellent surface finish * Responsive to various surface treatments and coatings * Good weldability using TIG and MIG processes * Compatible with most conversion coatings and painting systems * Excellent paint adhesion characteristics --- **Summary** **Elektron W14 / A8 (AZ81) Magnesium Alloy** represents a significant advancement in corrosion-resistant magnesium casting technology, offering superior performance compared to standard AZ81 alloys. Through precise chemistry control, particularly the **ultra-low iron, copper, and nickel content**, A8 delivers **exceptional corrosion performance** that meets the requirements of demanding applications in aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries. The optimized **aluminum-zinc-manganese system** provides good mechanical properties combined with excellent castability, making it suitable for manufacturing complex components. Compliance with international standards including **ASTM B94** and **ISO 16220** ensures material consistency and reliability. Elektron A8 continues to expand the application boundaries for magnesium alloys in corrosion-sensitive environments, offering engineers a lightweight solution that doesn't compromise on durability or service life, while maintaining the cost-effectiveness and manufacturability advantages of the AZ alloy system.

Packing of Standard Packing: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 3416 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.