Elektron A8 Magnesium Alloy，,E FOUR

### **Elektron A8 Magnesium Alloy** **Product Overview** Elektron A8 is a high-performance magnesium casting alloy specifically engineered for applications requiring excellent corrosion resistance combined with good mechanical properties. As part of the magnesium-aluminum system with precise chemistry control, A8 represents an optimized version of traditional AM-series alloys, offering enhanced purity and consistent performance for demanding applications in aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors. The alloy is particularly noted for its exceptional corrosion resistance, making it suitable for components exposed to harsh environmental conditions. This alloy is primarily supplied as die castings, sand castings, and permanent mold castings, with properties that make it suitable for both structural and non-structural components where weight reduction and durability are critical. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** Elektron A8 features a carefully controlled aluminum-manganese system with stringent impurity limits to maximize corrosion performance. | Element | Composition (% by Weight) | | :---------------- | :-------------------------------- | | **Aluminum (Al)** | 7.5 - 8.5 % | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.15 - 0.30 % | | **Zinc (Zn)** | ≤ 0.05 % | | **Silicon (Si)** | ≤ 0.08 % | | **Copper (Cu)** | ≤ 0.025 % | | **Iron (Fe)** | ≤ 0.004 % | | **Nickel (Ni)** | ≤ 0.001 % | | **Other Impurities** | ≤ 0.02 % (each) | | **Magnesium (Mg)** | Balance | *Note:* The exceptionally low levels of **iron, copper, and nickel** are critical for achieving superior corrosion resistance. The **aluminum** content provides good castability and strength, while **manganese** helps to neutralize the harmful effects of iron impurities by forming benign intermetallic compounds. --- #### **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** Elektron 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:** 26.5 μm/m·°C (20-200°C) * **Thermal Conductivity:** 65 W/m·K * **Specific Heat Capacity:** 1050 J/kg·K **Typical Mechanical Properties (As-Cast):** * **Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS):** 180 - 220 MPa (26 - 32 ksi) * **Tensile Yield Strength (TYS):** 110 - 140 MPa (16 - 20 ksi) * **Elongation:** 3 - 8% * **Compressive Yield Strength:** 110 - 140 MPa (16 - 20 ksi) * **Shear Strength:** 125 - 150 MPa (18 - 22 ksi) * **Hardness:** 60 - 70 HBW * **Modulus of Elasticity:** 45 GPa (6.5 × 10³ ksi) **Corrosion Performance:** * **Salt Spray Resistance:** > 500 hours to first signs of corrosion (ASTM B117) * **Galvanic Corrosion Resistance:** Excellent when properly isolated * **Stress Corrosion Cracking Resistance:** Good resistance in most environments --- #### **3. International Standards & Specifications** Elektron A8 complies with several international standards and proprietary specifications. * **ASTM International:** **ASTM B94** (Standard Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Die Castings) * **SAE International:** **SAE J465** * **ISO Standards:** **ISO 16220** (Magnesium and magnesium alloys - Castings) * **Proprietary Designation:** **Elektron A8** (Luxfer MEL Technologies) * **Aerospace Standards:** Often approved under internal specifications of major aerospace manufacturers --- #### **4. Product Applications** Elektron A8 is specified for applications where corrosion resistance is paramount. * **Aerospace & Defense:** * **Aircraft Instrument Housings** * **Avionics Equipment Casings** * **Communication Equipment Enclosures** * **Military Radio Components** * **Satellite Housing Components** * **Automotive & Transportation:** * **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** * **Heat Sink Applications** * **Industrial & Consumer:** * **Power Tool Housings** * **Industrial Control System Enclosures** * **Medical Equipment Components** * **Marine Environment Components** --- #### **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 **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 --- **Summary** **Elektron A8 Magnesium Alloy** represents a significant advancement in corrosion-resistant magnesium casting technology. Through precise chemistry control, particularly the **ultra-low iron, copper, and nickel content**, A8 delivers **exceptional corrosion performance** that exceeds conventional magnesium-aluminum alloys. The optimized **aluminum-manganese system** provides good mechanical properties combined with excellent castability, making it suitable for manufacturing complex, thin-walled components. While compliance with **ASTM B94** and **ISO 16220** ensures material consistency, the alloy's superior corrosion resistance makes it particularly valuable for aerospace electronics, automotive components, and applications exposed to demanding environmental conditions. Elektron A8 continues to expand the application boundaries for magnesium alloys in corrosion-sensitive applications, offering engineers a lightweight solution without compromising durability or service life.

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 3404 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.