Compared with cast magnesium alloys, AZ31B wrought magnesium alloy has higher strength and better plasticity, making it suitable for thin sheets, extrusions, and forgings. Adding AL and ZN elements to pure magnesium can improve the mechanical and processing properties of AZ31B magnesium alloy.
AZ31B magnesium alloy is known for its excellent forgeability and superior plasticity. Compared to AM60B magnesium alloy, AZ31B is commonly used in engine gearboxes, oil pumps, and oil pipes due to its functional advantages. The following chart outlines the composition of AZ31B magnesium alloy, providing valuable information for your specific needs.
Brand | Mg | Al | Si | Ca | Zn | Mn | Fe | Cu | Ni |
AZ31B | bal | 2.5-3.5 | 0.08 | 0.04 | 0.6-1.4 | 0.2-1.0 | 0.003 | 0.01 | 0.001 |
Within a certain range, the AZ31B magnesium alloy's tensile strength increases with the AL (or ZN) content. When the AL and ZN content is around 3% (by mass), the elongation of the AZ31B magnesium alloy reaches its highest value. And, when the AL and ZN content exceeds 3% (by mass), the β phase is easily precipitated in the casting structure, which reduces the processing properties of AZ31B.
The tensile strength of AZ31B magnesium alloy is 245-274.4 MPa, which is relatively low compared to other magnesium and magnesium alloys and cannot be improved by heat treatment. However, its good forgeability makes it a useful magnesium material.
Cast magnesium alloy AZ31B has high vibration resistance and heat absorption performance, making it an ideal material for manufacturing aircraft wheel hubs. Magnesium alloy AZ31B is stable in gasoline, kerosene, and lubricating oil, making it suitable for manufacturing engine gearboxes, oil pumps, and oil pipes. Az31b magnesium alloy is also used to manufacture moving parts such as rocker arms, cabin doors, and control surfaces due to its low inertia during rotation and reciprocating motion. Magnesium alloy products are widely used in civilian and military aircraft, especially bombers. Click for more about magnesium alloy in aircraft.
AZ31B magnesium alloy is also widely used in automobiles, such as clutch housings, valve covers, transmission casings, cylinder heads, and air conditioning compressor housings. It is also used in steering wheels, steering brackets, brake brackets, etc. Magnesium alloys are used in steering wheels and seats to absorb impact and reduce weight after a collision. According to relevant research, 60% of the fuel used in cars is consumed by the weight of the car itself. Every 10% reduction in the weight of a car can improve fuel efficiency by more than 5%. Every 100 kg reduction in the weight of a car can reduce fuel consumption by about 0.7 L per 100 km. Every 1 L of fuel saved can reduce CO2 emissions by 2.5 g, and annual emissions can be reduced by more than 30%. Therefore, reducing the weight of cars has a significant impact on the environment and energy, and lightweight is an inevitable trend for automobiles. Click for more about magnesium alloys in automotive industry.