Material Description. This material specification applies to magnesium alloys for cast parts for automotive and other allied industries. This standard governs only the chemical composition of parts made with magnesium alloys that represent common materials for identical product requirements across GM worldwide. Casting processes, thermal treatments, casting quality, microstructure, and mechanical properties are discussed, but are not controlled by this standard. Many metallic elements readily alloy with magnesium, but only a few are used in commercial magnesium based alloys. Principle alloying elements include aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), silicon (Si), and rare earth (RE) elements.

Symbols. Not applicable.

Applicability. Magnesium castings are widely used in automotive applications. Typical applications and alloy selection criteria for major subsystems are given in Appendix A, Table A1. Also see Appendix C.