Technical guide · 2026-08-14

Wrought Magnesium Alloys

Wrought magnesium sheet, extrusion and forgings develop route-dependent texture and anisotropy, so temper, grain direction, formability and corrosion finish must accompany the alloy designation.

01

Definition and boundary

Covers mechanically worked products; excludes casting acceptance and chemistry-only substitution.

Reference information only: final acceptance is controlled by the ordered product specification, condition, dimensions and certified test results.

02

How the material system works

01

Rolling texture drives directionality.

02

Extrusion refines grains and raises directional strength.

03

Temper controls forming and residual stress.

03

Representative grades and systems

Grade or systemSelection focusQualification
AZ31B-H24Use AZ31B-H24 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.
ZK60A-T5Use ZK60A-T5 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.
WE43 extrusionUse WE43 extrusion 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

01

Sheet formability

02

Extrusion strength

03

Directional properties

05

Product forms and supply conditions

Specified magnesium productMachined lightweight componentProtected finished assembly

06

Applications and selection

Applications and selection

  • Aircraft sheet
  • Seat frames
  • Extruded housings

Properties and trade-offs

  • Choose product route first.
  • Align test direction with design.
  • Plan finish and galvanic isolation.

07

Fabrication, durability and inspection

01

Use warm forming when qualified.

02

Control machining chips and ignition risk.

03

Avoid iron contamination.

08

Procurement checklist

  • State form, temper and grain direction.
  • Define flatness and surface finish.
  • Specify coating and mechanical test orientation.
Discuss a material requirement

09

Standards, sources and review

Standards and designation context

  • Applicable ASTM B07.04 product specification
  • ASTM B296 temper practice
  • Buyer drawing and acceptance plan

Authoritative research sources