Magnesium Alloy M1A · temper
Magnesium Alloy M1A-F
Properties of the F condition, compared with the other M1A tempers.
Standard condition for ASTM B107 extrusions and B91 forgings — best strength/ductility combination available in M1A.
What is M1A-F?
M1A-F is M1A in the F temper — standard condition for ASTM B107 extrusions and B91 forgings — best strength/ductility combination available in M1A. M1A-F has a yield strength of 179 MPa (26 ksi) and a tensile strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) — stronger than 75% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi). M1A-F has a density of 1.76 g/cm³ (0.0636 lb/in³), lighter than 94% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 648°C (1,198 °F). O is the default condition FabDigit quotes; F is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Conducts heat well — 138 W/m·K (79.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 98% of magnesium alloy grades
- High electrical conductivity — 33 % IACS, better than 97% of magnesium alloy grades
- Readily welded — 88/100, better than 96% of magnesium alloy grades
- Forms and bends easily — 40/100, better than 91% of magnesium alloy grades
- High strength — 179 MPa (26 ksi), better than 75% of magnesium alloy grades
M1A-F properties
Typical room-temperature values for M1A-F — 10 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every M1A temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the magnesium alloy grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
M1A-F has a density of 1.76 g/cm³ (0.0636 lb/in³), lighter than 94% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 648°C (1,198 °F).
Mechanical13
M1A-F has a yield strength of 179 MPa (26 ksi) and a tensile strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) — stronger than 75% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
Thermal6
M1A-F is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 138 W/m·K (79.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 98% of magnesium alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 26 µm/m·K (14.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
M1A-F conducts electricity at 33 % IACS, better than 97% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (28/100), better than 78% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of M1A-F takes about 350 MJ of energy and emits 32 kg of CO₂ — more than 74% of magnesium alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability8
M1A-F's machinability is excellent (96/100, better than 87% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability excellent (88/100); formability fair (40/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other M1A tempers and conditions
M1A is also supplied in 2 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the M1A overview.
- ODefaultSoftest, most formable condition — pick for deep forming, bending and welded fabrications from sheet.115 MPa yield · 44 HB
- H24Hard-rolled sheet for flat panels and skins where higher yield strength matters more than bend radius.180 MPa yield · 50 HB
- FStandard condition for ASTM B107 extrusions and B91 forgings — best strength/ductility combination available in M1A.179 MPa yield · 44 HB
Working with M1A-F
Is M1A easy to machine?
Cuts faster and with lower power than any other structural metal — use sharp high-rake tools, high speed, no water-based coolant, and keep fine chips/dust controlled to avoid fire.
Can M1A be welded?
Excellent GTAW/GMAW weldability with EZ33A or M1A/AZ61A filler under argon or helium; Mg-Mn is not susceptible to stress-corrosion cracking, so post-weld stress relief is usually unnecessary.
Can M1A be formed, bent or molded?
Cold formability is limited by the HCP structure — warm form at 200–350 °C for tight bends, deep draws and stretch forming; anneal 340–370 °C between passes.
What surface finishes work on M1A?
Do not sulfuric-anodize; apply chromate/fluoride conversion or magnesium anodic coatings (Dow 17, HAE, Keronite) followed by epoxy primer/paint, and isolate from steel, brass and carbon fibre with sealants or non-metallic washers.
M1A chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Mnmanganese is the only intentional addition | 1.2 – 2 | 1.5 |
| Alimpurity limit | ≤ 0.3 | — |
| Ca | ≤ 0.3 | — |
| Cu | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Si | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Nikept very low for corrosion resistance | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Others (each)total 0.30 max | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Mg | balance | — |
M1A-F — frequently asked
What is M1A-F used for?
M1A-F is typically used for sacrificial anodes for water heaters and tanks, automotive trim and covers, welded magnesium sheet assemblies, corrosion-exposed marine hardware, formed housings and panels and extruded low-stress profiles. In short: weldable magnesium sheet.
What is the yield strength of M1A-F?
M1A-F has a typical yield strength of 179 MPa (26 ksi) and a tensile strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) — stronger than 75% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is M1A-F easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (96/100, better than 87% of magnesium alloy grades). Cuts faster and with lower power than any other structural metal — use sharp high-rake tools, high speed, no water-based coolant, and keep fine chips/dust controlled to avoid fire.
Can M1A-F be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (88/100). Excellent GTAW/GMAW weldability with EZ33A or M1A/AZ61A filler under argon or helium; Mg-Mn is not susceptible to stress-corrosion cracking, so post-weld stress relief is usually unnecessary.
What surface finishes work on M1A-F?
Do not sulfuric-anodize; apply chromate/fluoride conversion or magnesium anodic coatings (Dow 17, HAE, Keronite) followed by epoxy primer/paint, and isolate from steel, brass and carbon fibre with sealants or non-metallic washers.
Can M1A-F be formed, bent or molded?
Cold formability is limited by the HCP structure — warm form at 200–350 °C for tight bends, deep draws and stretch forming; anneal 340–370 °C between passes.
What is the maximum service temperature of M1A-F?
M1A-F is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between M1A-O and M1A-H24?
O is the default condition — softest, most formable condition — pick for deep forming, bending and welded fabrications from sheet. H24: hard-rolled sheet for flat panels and skins where higher yield strength matters more than bend radius. Yield strength is 115 MPa in O versus 180 MPa in H24.
Can FabDigit make parts in M1A-F?
Yes — M1A-F is available for CNC machining and sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM B107/B107M — Magnesium-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Profiles, Tubes and Wire — ASTM International (2021)
- ASTM B90/B90M — Magnesium-Alloy Sheet and Plate — ASTM International (2021)
- ASTM B91 — Magnesium-Alloy Forgings — ASTM International (2017)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys (Magnesium alloys) — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 13B — Corrosion of Magnesium and Magnesium Alloys — ASM International (2005)
- ASTM D1732 / MIL-M-3171 — Magnesium conversion and anodic coatings — ASTM / US DoD (2019)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.