Magnesium AZ31B-H24 vs. Stainless 17-4PH

Compare Magnesium AZ31B-H24 vs. Stainless 17-4PH strength, stiffness, weight and thermal properties.

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Mechanical
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Yield strength	220MPasourcetypical, H24, 0.5-6 mm, 0.2 % proof stress	1,275MPasourcetypical, transverse, sheet/strip
Ultimate tensile strength	290MPasourcetypical, H24, 0.5-6 mm	1,379MPasourcetypical, transverse, sheet/strip
Elongation at break	13%sourcetypical, H24, 0.5-6 mm, gauge 5.65√A	9%sourcetypical, transverse, in 2 in. (50.8 mm)
Young's modulus (stiffness)	44.8GPasourcetypical (handbook physical constant)	197GPasourceH 900
Density	1,769kg/m³sourcenominal	7,800kg/m³sourceH 900
Strength to weight	124kN·m/kg	163kN·m/kg31% higher
Stiffness to weight	25.3MN·m/kg	25.3MN·m/kg
Poisson's ratio	0.35sourcetypical (handbook physical constant)	0.272sourceH 900 (column)
Shear modulus	16.6GPa	77.4GPa4.67x stiffer in shear
Bulk modulus	49.8GPa	144GPa
Speed of sound	5,032m/s	5,026m/s
Thermal
Thermal conductivity	76.9W/m·Ksourcetypical (temper/temperature not stated)	17.9W/m·Ksourceat 149 °C (300 °F), H 900
Thermal expansion	26.8µm/m·Ksourcetypical (temperature range not stated)	10.8µm/m·Ksourcemean, 21–93 °C (70–200 °F), H 900
100 mm part over a 50 °C swing	134µm growth	54µm growth2.48x less
Specific heat	1,040J/kg·Ksourcetypical	460J/kg·Ksourcemean, 0–100 °C, H 900
Heats up and cools (diffusivity)	41.8mm²/s8.38x faster	4.99mm²/s
Thermal shock resistance	9,159W/m17% more resistant	7,809W/m
Max service temperature	149°Csourcestated application limit	316°Csourcestrength-retention limit (not oxidation)
Values for	AZ31B-H24 sheet 0.016-0.062 in., MIL-HDBK-5J Table 4.2.1.0(b) (AMS 4377); strengths are S-basis MINIMUMS	Cleveland-Cliffs 17-4 PH, Condition H 900, sheet/strip, transverse (Product Data Bulletin, May 2021)

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 Magnesium AZ31B-H24 stronger than Stainless 17-4PH?

Stainless 17-4PH is stronger: its yield strength is 1,275 MPa against 220 MPa for Magnesium AZ31B-H24 (5.8x).

Which is lighter, Magnesium AZ31B-H24 or Stainless 17-4PH?

Magnesium AZ31B-H24 is lighter: 1,769 kg/m³ against 7,800 kg/m³ for Stainless 17-4PH.

Which is stiffer, Magnesium AZ31B-H24 or Stainless 17-4PH?

Stainless 17-4PH is stiffer: Young's modulus 197 GPa against 44.8 GPa for Magnesium AZ31B-H24, so the same part in Stainless 17-4PH deflects less under the same load.

Which is lighter for the same job, Magnesium AZ31B-H24 or Stainless 17-4PH?

For the same stiffness or strength: Magnesium AZ31B-H24 is lighter for a stiff beam (bending), stiff panel or plate, strong beam, strong panel or plate; Stainless 17-4PH is lighter for a strong rod or tie.

Part that must be	Magnesium AZ31B-H24	Stainless 17-4PH
Stiff rod or tie (tension)	about equal	about equal
Stiff beam (bending)	lighter	2.1x heavier
Stiff panel or plate	lighter	2.69x heavier
Strong rod or tie	31% heavier	lighter
Strong beam	lighter	37% heavier
Strong panel or plate	lighter	1.83x heavier

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, Magnesium AZ31B-H24 or Stainless 17-4PH?

Magnesium AZ31B-H24 conducts heat better: 76.9 W/m·K against 17.9 W/m·K for Stainless 17-4PH.

Which expands less with temperature?

Stainless 17-4PH expands less: 10.8 µm/m·K against 26.8 µm/m·K for Magnesium AZ31B-H24.

Among 59 materials

Stiffness against density

Strength against density