Aluminum ADC12 vs. Magnesium AZ31B-H24

Compare Aluminum ADC12 vs. Magnesium AZ31B-H24 strength, stiffness, weight and thermal properties.

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Mechanical
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Yield strength	149MPasourceone test result, 0.2% proof stress, as cast, ASTM tensile bar (Daiki)	220MPasourcetypical, H24, 0.5-6 mm, 0.2 % proof stress
Ultimate tensile strength	345MPasourceone test result, as cast, ASTM tensile bar (Daiki)	290MPasourcetypical, H24, 0.5-6 mm
Elongation at break	2.3%sourceone test result, as cast, ASTM tensile bar (Daiki)	13%sourcetypical, H24, 0.5-6 mm, gauge 5.65√A
Young's modulus (stiffness)	79.8GPasourcestandard value (S.S.Aluminum)	44.8GPasourcetypical (handbook physical constant)
Density	2,680kg/m³sourcemeasured (Daiki)	1,769kg/m³sourcenominal
Strength to weight	55.6kN·m/kg	124kN·m/kg2.24x higher
Stiffness to weight	29.8MN·m/kg18% higher	25.3MN·m/kg
Poisson's ratio	not sourced	0.35sourcetypical (handbook physical constant)
Shear modulus	not sourced	16.6GPa
Bulk modulus	not sourced	49.8GPa
Speed of sound	5,457m/s	5,032m/s
Thermal
Thermal conductivity	125W/m·Ksourcemeasured on specimens cut from a 50 x 100 x 5 mm flat die casting (Daiki)	76.9W/m·Ksourcetypical (temper/temperature not stated)
Thermal expansion	21µm/m·Ksourcemeasured, temperature range not stated (Daiki)	26.8µm/m·Ksourcetypical (temperature range not stated)
100 mm part over a 50 °C swing	105µm growth28% less	134µm growth
Specific heat	911J/kg·Ksourcemeasured (Daiki)	1,040J/kg·Ksourcetypical
Heats up and cools (diffusivity)	51.2mm²/s22% faster	41.8mm²/s
Thermal shock resistance	not sourced	9,159W/m
Melting point	515–582°Csourcesolidus-liquidus (Daiki)	not sourced
Max service temperature	not sourced	149°Csourcestated application limit
Values for	JIS ADC12 (Al-Si-Cu, about A383 / EN AC-46100) high-pressure die-casting alloy, as cast; physical properties from Daiki Aluminium Industry (ADC12 ingot producer) measured values; modulus from S.S.Aluminum (ADC12 ingot producer) standard values.	AZ31B-H24 sheet 0.016-0.062 in., MIL-HDBK-5J Table 4.2.1.0(b) (AMS 4377); strengths are S-basis MINIMUMS

Every value links to the document that states it. "Not sourced" means no citable source states it (or only a specification minimum); figures computed from it are left out too.

Questions

Is Aluminum ADC12 stronger than Magnesium AZ31B-H24?

Magnesium AZ31B-H24 is stronger: its yield strength is 220 MPa against 149 MPa for Aluminum ADC12 (48%).

Which is lighter, Aluminum ADC12 or Magnesium AZ31B-H24?

Magnesium AZ31B-H24 is lighter: 1,769 kg/m³ against 2,680 kg/m³ for Aluminum ADC12.

Which is stiffer, Aluminum ADC12 or Magnesium AZ31B-H24?

Aluminum ADC12 is stiffer: Young's modulus 79.8 GPa against 44.8 GPa for Magnesium AZ31B-H24, so the same part in Aluminum ADC12 deflects less under the same load.

Which is lighter for the same job, Aluminum ADC12 or Magnesium AZ31B-H24?

For the same stiffness or strength: Aluminum ADC12 is lighter for a stiff rod or tie (tension); Magnesium AZ31B-H24 is lighter for a stiff beam (bending), stiff panel or plate, strong rod or tie, strong beam, strong panel or plate.

Part that must be	Aluminum ADC12	Magnesium AZ31B-H24
Stiff rod or tie (tension)	lighter	18% heavier
Stiff beam (bending)	14% heavier	lighter
Stiff panel or plate	25% heavier	lighter
Strong rod or tie	2.24x heavier	lighter
Strong beam	1.96x heavier	lighter
Strong panel or plate	1.84x heavier	lighter

For the same stiffness or strength, mass scales with density over stiffness (or strength) raised to a power set by how the part is loaded: 1 for a rod in tension, 1/2 for a beam in bending, 1/3 for a panel (the standard material-selection indices).

Which conducts heat better, Aluminum ADC12 or Magnesium AZ31B-H24?

Aluminum ADC12 conducts heat better: 125 W/m·K against 76.9 W/m·K for Magnesium AZ31B-H24.

Which expands less with temperature?

Aluminum ADC12 expands less: 21 µm/m·K against 26.8 µm/m·K for Magnesium AZ31B-H24.

Among 72 materials

Stiffness against density

Strength against density