Technical guide · 2026-08-14
Magnesium-Aluminum-Zinc Alloys
AZ magnesium alloys use aluminum and zinc for castability or wrought strength, but AZ31, AZ80 and AZ91 belong to different product routes and temperature capabilities.
01
Definition and boundary
Includes AZ chemistry systems; excludes treating AZ31 wrought and AZ91 cast data as interchangeable.
Reference information only: final acceptance is controlled by the ordered product specification, condition, dimensions and certified test results.
02
How the material system works
Aluminum strengthens and improves castability.
Zinc contributes solution strengthening.
Beta phase can reduce creep and corrosion performance.
03
Representative grades and systems
| Grade or system | Selection focus | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| AZ31B | Use AZ31B 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. |
| AZ80A | Use AZ80A 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. |
| AZ91D | Use AZ91D 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
Formability or castability
Room-temperature strength
Limited creep resistance
05
Product forms and supply conditions
06
Applications and selection
Applications and selection
- Sheet panels
- Forgings
- Die-cast housings
Properties and trade-offs
- Match AZ grade to route.
- Check temperature ceiling.
- Control impurity-driven corrosion.
07
Fabrication, durability and inspection
Protect molten metal.
Control heat treatment by exact alloy.
Use dry fire-safe machining controls.
08
Procurement checklist
- State AZ designation and product standard.
- Report Fe, Ni and Cu impurities.
- Define temper, coating and corrosion acceptance.
09
Standards, sources and review
Standards and designation context
- Applicable ASTM B07.04 product specification
- ASTM B296 temper practice
- Buyer drawing and acceptance plan