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This study was conducted to determine the effect of long term exposure to moderate temperatures on the mechanical properties of aluminum-manganese (AM Alloys) and aluminum-rare earth (AE Alloys) based magnesium alloys produced by the vertical vacuum die casting process. The “as-cast” mechanical properties of the vertical vacuum die cast samples are “as good” to “significantly better” than conventionally cast magnesium alloys. The effect of aging at temperatures between 79°C and 107°C varies and is dependent on time, temperature, and alloy content.

Magnesium alloys offer the designer many unique properties not found in other alloy systems. Magnesium's low density and good strength have contributed to its successful use in a number of automotive applications. However, even with this successful track record, magnesium may still not be considered for future applications due to a lack of complete information about the metal and its alloys. This paper is intended to provide the automotive designer with a single source for properties by exploring the relationship between alloying elements and the physical and mechanical properties of die cast magnesium alloys.