The frictional properties of two types of magnesium alloys, i.e. AZ80 and ZE10 were investigated. A purpose-developed sheet metal forming simulator was used to conduct the experiments under constant plastic deformation. Both lubricated and dry sliding contact conditions were simulated and the effect of key process parameters such as contact pressure and sliding velocity on the frictional properties of these alloys were investigated. Due to the different sliding velocities, the contact pressure rose during each experiment which enables the measurement of the coefficient of friction for a wide range of contact pressures. The results showed an increase in the friction coefficients of both alloys with increasing contact pressure. Furthermore, a decrease of the friction coefficient was observed for higher sliding velocities.