Magnesium Aluminium Manganese AM Series (e.g., AM60, AM50):

Magnesium Alloys AM Series: Overview

Key Characteristics

• Base Metal: Magnesium (Mg)
• Primary Alloying Element: Aluminum (Al)
• Secondary Alloying Elements: Manganese (Mn), sometimes zinc (Zn)
• Designation: “AM” stands for Aluminum-Manganese
• Typical Uses: Automotive, aerospace, electronics, and consumer goods

AM50 (Mg-5Al-0.3Mn)

Composition

• Aluminum (Al): ~4.4–5.4%
• Manganese (Mn): ~0.26–0.6%
• Magnesium (Mg): Balance

Properties

• Density: ~1.77 g/cm³
• Tensile Strength: ~220–250 MPa
• Yield Strength: ~130–150 MPa
• Elongation: ~10–15%
• Corrosion Resistance: Good, especially with proper surface treatment
• Castability: Excellent, suitable for die casting

Applications

• Automotive: Instrument panels, seat frames, steering wheels
• Electronics: Laptop and mobile device casings
• Consumer Goods: Power tool housings, sporting goods

AM60 (Mg-6Al-0.3Mn)

Composition

• Aluminum (Al): ~5.6–6.4%
• Manganese (Mn): ~0.24–0.6%
• Magnesium (Mg): Balance

Properties

• Density: ~1.80 g/cm³
• Tensile Strength: ~220–260 MPa
• Yield Strength: ~130–160 MPa
• Elongation: ~8–15%
• Corrosion Resistance: Good, but may require coatings for harsh environments
• Castability: Excellent, widely used in high-pressure die casting

Applications

• Automotive: Wheel rims, transmission cases, engine cradles
• Aerospace: Lightweight structural components
• Industrial: Machinery parts, brackets, and enclosures

Comparison: AM50 vs. AM60

Advantages of AM Series Alloys

• Lightweight: Ideal for weight reduction in transportation and portable devices.
• High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Competitive with aluminum and some steels.
• Good Damping Capacity: Reduces noise and vibration.
• Recyclability: Magnesium alloys are highly recyclable.

Limitations

• Corrosion Susceptibility: Requires protective coatings or treatments.
• Flammability: Magnesium can ignite at high temperatures; proper handling is essential.
• Cost: Generally more expensive than aluminum or steel.