Technical guide · 2026-08-14
Cast Magnesium Alloys
Cast magnesium procurement must distinguish sand, permanent-mold and high-pressure die casting because fill, porosity, heat treatment and attainable inspection differ even for related chemistries.
01
Definition and boundary
Covers casting-route selection; excludes wrought properties and generic ingot chemistry as finished-casting acceptance.
Reference information only: final acceptance is controlled by the ordered product specification, condition, dimensions and certified test results.
02
How the material system works
Solidification controls porosity and grain structure.
Die casting enables thin walls but traps gas.
Heat treatment depends on alloy and process.
03
Representative grades and systems
| Grade or system | Selection focus | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| AZ91D die casting | Use AZ91D die casting only with its governing product specification and condition. | Confirm the governing product specification, delivery condition, section size and acceptance tests before treating designations as interchangeable. |
| AM60B die casting | Use AM60B die casting only with its governing product specification and condition. | Confirm the governing product specification, delivery condition, section size and acceptance tests before treating designations as interchangeable. |
| ZE41A sand casting | Use ZE41A sand casting only with its governing product specification and condition. | Confirm the governing product specification, delivery condition, section size and acceptance tests before treating designations as interchangeable. |
04
Properties and trade-offs
Castability
Pressure tightness
Section properties
05
Product forms and supply conditions
06
Applications and selection
Applications and selection
- Gear housings
- Instrument cases
- Automotive brackets
Properties and trade-offs
- Select process from wall and volume.
- Set porosity by function.
- Locate coupons near critical sections.
07
Fabrication, durability and inspection
Use protected melt practice.
Qualify gating and radiography.
Restrict weld repair by drawing.
08
Procurement checklist
- State casting process and alloy.
- Define porosity/NDT and leak test.
- Specify heat treatment, datum and machining stock.
09
Standards, sources and review
Standards and designation context
- Applicable ASTM B07.04 product specification
- ASTM B296 temper practice
- Buyer drawing and acceptance plan