ASTM B107 Standard Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Profiles, Tubes, and Wire

ASTM B107 Introduction

Magnesium alloys are lightweight, ductile, and well-suited for aerospace, automotive, electronics, and defense industries because of their high strength-to-weight ratio. ASTM B107 guarantees that extruded products conform to standardized physical and mechanical performance standards for solid forms and hollow structures from the extrusion process. It establishes parameters like alloy designation, acceptable variation in dimensions, and mechanical property specifications. It has provisions for heat treatment and testing procedures as well. Following ASTM B107 allows manufacturers and users to ensure that performance and safety are consistent with a broad range of magnesium alloy products, ranging from structural profiles to precision wire.

ASTM B107 Test Method

ASTM B107 Equipment and Sample Preparation

ASTM B107 Results and Interpretation

Tensile test data are compared against minimum standards for the alloy and temper involved. Failure to achieve elongation or tensile strength requirements generally points to improper processing or nonuniformity in the material. Dimensional inspection needs to ensure that the product falls within acceptable bands of tolerance for outside diameter, wall thickness, and straightness. Chemical testing verifies alloy compliance and aids in the detection of possible off-spec additions or contamination. Products not meeting any key parameter can be reprocessed or downgraded according to deviation severity.

ASTM B107 Related Articles

ASTM B93 specifies standard terminology and general requirements for magnesium alloys, providing background to B107’s terms. ASTM B557 specifies tensile testing procedures for wrought metals, including details for magnesium alloys. ASTM E29 gives guidance on rounding significant figures and tolerances in mechanical properties and dimensional readings, ensuring consistency during assessment.

Materials Commonly Tested with ASTM B107 

Typical magnesium alloys tested under B107 are AZ31B, ZK60A, and WE43, which are characterized by their light weight, moderate strength, and good machinability. These alloys are often chosen for extrusion because they respond well to forming and finishing operations.

Applications of ASTM B107 in Industry

Magnesium extrusions that conform to B107 are utilized extensively in the aerospace industry for brackets, housings, and lightweight structural components. The automotive industry uses them for steering columns, transmission cases, and elements that minimize crashes. Consumer electronics utilize precision extrusions in casings and frames, while defense manufacturers appreciate the correlation of strength with lower weight for field equipment.

Safety and Best Practices in ASTM B107 

The standard mandates good handling of magnesium as a flammable material in fine form and a reactive material when machined. Pre-conditioning of materials, clean and non-contaminating tools, and temperature control procedures in testing are all advised in the standard. Training of personnel to prevent exposure to magnesium dust and handling of specimens in a dry condition is required for thermal or electrical tests.

Importance of ASTM B107 

The specification is vital in ensuring the structural integrity and safety of magnesium-alloy extruded products. It gives unambiguous standards for performance, dimensional quality, and chemical purity, creating trust in the use of the material in high-risk and high-performance sectors. Uniform application of the standard also minimizes variability, enhances quality control, and enables international material compatibility.