MATERIAL GROUP
Magnesium alloys
Magnesium alloys are lightweight metal options for housings and structural components where mass matters. AZ31B combines low weight, vibration damping and a range of semi-finished forms within this family.
What low weight means in use
The low density of magnesium is particularly useful for reducing the mass of portable or moving parts. Electronic enclosures, portable equipment housings and some transport applications make use of it. Magnesium is a separate material family from aluminium and titanium; the weight benefit of a component also depends on the section and strength it needs.
What does AZ31B identify?
AZ31B is a defined magnesium alloy containing aluminium and zinc. It is encountered as sheet, plate and extrusions. Magnesium alloys do not all serve the same product forms or have the same properties: AZ31B, AZ61 and AZ91 are not interchangeable names. AZ31B is particularly associated with lightweight flat products and mechanical components.
What matters beyond low weight?
Vibration damping describes the tendency of a component to dissipate vibration energy. This contributes to the use of magnesium alloys in some equipment and housings. Surface behaviour in damp conditions and contact with other metals are other aspects of their use. Low weight and vibration behaviour can both be useful in handheld devices and moving housings.
Grades in this group
Grade designations, organised by material group. Designations from different systems do not always imply identical specification requirements.
| Magnesium alloys1 grades | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade / Alloy | EN / W.Nr. | AISI / SAE | UNS | Grade page |
| AZ31BMagnesium based · Low density | — | — | — | |
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