Elektron AZ91 Magnesium Alloy,E FOUR

### **Elektron AZ91 Magnesium Alloy** **Product Overview** Elektron AZ91 is one of the most widely used and commercially important magnesium casting alloys, belonging to the Mg-Al-Zn system. Known for its excellent combination of castability, strength, and corrosion resistance, AZ91 serves as the benchmark for general-purpose magnesium die castings. The alloy offers an optimal balance of mechanical properties, manufacturing characteristics, and cost-effectiveness, making it the first choice for high-volume production across automotive, electronics, and industrial sectors. This alloy is typically supplied as die castings, sand castings, and permanent mold castings, with the high-purity version (AZ91E) providing enhanced corrosion resistance for more demanding applications. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** The composition of AZ91 is optimized for strength, castability, and corrosion performance. | Element | Composition (% by Weight) | | :---------------- | :-------------------------------- | | **Aluminum (Al)** | 8.3 - 9.7 % | | **Zinc (Zn)** | 0.35 - 1.0 % | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.13 - 0.50 % | | **Silicon (Si)** | ≤ 0.20 % | | **Copper (Cu)** | ≤ 0.10 % | | **Iron (Fe)** | ≤ 0.005 % | | **Nickel (Ni)** | ≤ 0.002 % | | **Other Impurities** | ≤ 0.02 % (each) | | **Magnesium (Mg)** | Balance | *Note:* The **aluminum** content provides excellent castability and strength through the formation of Mg₁₇Al₁₂ precipitates. **Zinc** enhances strength and fluidity, while **manganese** improves corrosion resistance by combining with iron impurities. The high-purity version (AZ91E) features even stricter controls on iron, copper, and nickel content. --- #### **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** AZ91 offers a well-balanced property profile suitable for a wide range of applications. **Physical Properties:** * **Density:** 1.81 g/cm³ (0.065 lb/in³) * **Melting Range:** 470 - 595 °C (878 - 1103 °F) * **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion:** 26.0 μm/m·°C (20-200°C) * **Thermal Conductivity:** 51 W/m·K * **Specific Heat Capacity:** 1050 J/kg·K **Typical Mechanical Properties (As-Die Cast):** * **Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS):** 230 - 250 MPa (33 - 36 ksi) * **Tensile Yield Strength (TYS):** 150 - 170 MPa (22 - 25 ksi) * **Elongation:** 3 - 7% * **Compressive Yield Strength:** 150 - 170 MPa (22 - 25 ksi) * **Shear Strength:** 130 - 140 MPa (19 - 20 ksi) * **Hardness:** 65 - 75 HBW * **Modulus of Elasticity:** 45 GPa (6.5 × 10³ ksi) **Elevated Temperature Performance:** * **Useful mechanical properties up to 120°C (248°F)** * **Good creep resistance below 100°C** * **Gradual strength reduction above 120°C** --- #### **3. International Standards & Specifications** AZ91 is recognized by multiple international standards organizations. * **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 M11917** * **German Standards:** **DIN MgAl9Zn1** * **Japanese Standards:** **JIS H 5203** * **Proprietary Designation:** **Elektron AZ91** (Luxfer MEL Technologies) --- #### **4. Product Applications** AZ91 finds extensive use across multiple industries due to its versatile properties. * **Automotive Industry:** * **Transmission Housings** * **Intake Manifolds** * **Steering Wheel Components** * **Seat Frames** * **Bracket and Mounting Systems** * **Electronics & Consumer Goods:** * **Laptop Computer Housings** * **Digital Camera Bodies** * **Power Tool Housings** * **Portable Electronic Device Frames** * **Aerospace & Defense:** * **Aircraft Instrument Housings** * **Avionics Equipment Casings** * **Military Radio Components** * **Industrial Applications:** * **Power Tool Components** * **Material Handling Equipment** * **Textile Machinery Parts** * **Office Equipment Housings** --- #### **5. Manufacturing Characteristics** **Casting Performance:** * Excellent fluidity and castability * Good pressure tightness * Low hot tearing tendency * Suitable for thin-walled castings * Good dimensional stability **Secondary Processing:** * Excellent machinability * Good surface finish quality * Responsive to various surface treatments * Good weldability using TIG and MIG processes * Compatible with most coating systems --- **Summary** **Elektron AZ91 Magnesium Alloy** stands as the industry standard for magnesium die castings, offering an unparalleled combination of **mechanical properties**, **castability**, and **cost-effectiveness**. Its well-balanced **aluminum-zinc-manganese** system provides good strength-to-weight ratio, reliable performance, and adequate corrosion resistance for most applications. The alloy's compliance with major international standards including **ASTM B94** and **ISO 16220** ensures consistent quality and reliability across global supply chains. While newer specialty alloys offer superior properties for specific applications, AZ91 remains the most versatile and widely specified magnesium casting alloy, continuing to drive the adoption of magnesium components across automotive, electronics, and industrial sectors where weight reduction and performance are critical requirements.

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 3405 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.