Magnesium AZ31B

Principal Design Features

Certainly the most widely available of the magnesium grades, AZ31B is produced in a wide variety of shapes from sheet and plate through bar forms. It is commonly used as an alternative to aluminum alloys due to its high strength to weight ratio. Care must be taken in machining the grade, however, because the chips and powder can be flammable.

Applications

Used in a variety of aerospace applications and general commercial applications requiring good properties and high strength to weight ratio.

Machinability

Very high machinability rating. As with any magnesium alloy, great care should be taken because this material is flammable. To avoid this potential hazard, positive cuts should be taken, as large chips are less likely to ignite. Flooding with lubricant is also required and good procedure should include constant monitoring of the operation by a machinist equipped with a magnesium fire arresting kit, such as black powder.

Forming

Best results are obtained by preheating the material to 500 F. Bend radii of twice the material thickness is possible with proper procedures.

Welding

Best welded by the inert gas tungsten arc and metal arc methods.

Heat Treatment

See annealing

Annealing

Stress relieve at 300 F for 30 to 60 minutes, followed by air cooling. For full annealing, heat to 650 F and furnace cool slowly.

 

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