Aluminum ZL301
GB ZL301 · JIS AC7A
ZL301 (ZAlMg10, close to 520.0 and AC7A) is a high-magnesium GB cast aluminum alloy that relies on solution treatment and natural ageing rather than silicon for strength.
Values for the F condition
ZL301 tempers and conditions
ZL301 is supplied in 2 conditions, soft to hard. F is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 2 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FDefault As fabricated | Pick only for non-structural or trial castings — as-cast Al-10Mg is brittle because of the Mg₅Al₈ network at the grain boundaries. | 110 | 160 | 3 | 55 HB | 24 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and naturally aged | The only temper registered for ZL301 in GB/T 1173 and the standard supply condition — use it for marine hardware and high-toughness structural sand/permanent-mould castings. | 155 | 300 | 11 | 65 HB | 21 % IACS |
What is ZL301?
ZL301 (ZAlMg10, close to 520.0 and AC7A) is a high-magnesium GB cast aluminum alloy that relies on solution treatment and natural ageing rather than silicon for strength. It is chosen for marine and decorative sand or permanent-mould castings for its corrosion resistance and free machining, with typical F/T4 values of 110 MPa yield, 160 MPa tensile, 3% elongation and 55 HB. The melt is oxide- and hot-crack sensitive, the alloy is not suited to die casting or pressure-tight parts, and service temperature is limited to about 100 °C. ZL101A/A356 is the easier-casting alternative. ZL301 has a density of 2.57 g/cm³ (0.0928 lb/in³), lighter than 99% of aluminum grades. It melts at 450°C (842 °F). ZL301 has a yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) — weaker than 81% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 68 GPa (9.86 Msi).
What is ZL301 used for?
- Marine castings
- Naval components
- Deck and hull fittings
- Decorative and architectural castings
- Anodized instrument housings
- Pump and valve bodies for seawater service
- Machined brackets exposed to salt spray
Advantages
- Polishes to a fine finish — 75/100, better than 90% of aluminum grades
- Easy to machine — 78/100, better than 89% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Low electrical conductivity — 24 % IACS, worse than 95% of aluminum grades
- Poor heat conductor — 100 W/m·K (57.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of aluminum grades
- Limited service temperature — 100°C (212 °F), worse than 91% of aluminum grades
- Low strength — 110 MPa (16 ksi), worse than 81% of aluminum grades
- Limited formability — 10/100, worse than 80% of aluminum grades
ZL301 properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZL301-F; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
ZL301 has a density of 2.57 g/cm³ (0.0928 lb/in³), lighter than 99% of aluminum grades. It melts at 450°C (842 °F).
Mechanical12
ZL301 has a yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) — weaker than 81% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 68 GPa (9.86 Msi).
Thermal6
ZL301 is rated for continuous service to 100°C (212 °F). It conducts heat at 100 W/m·K (57.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 25.2 µm/m·K (14 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZL301 conducts electricity at 24 % IACS, worse than 95% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (62/100), better than 67% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZL301 takes about 195 MJ of energy and emits 13.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 86% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 15%.
Manufacturability8
ZL301's machinability is very good (78/100, better than 89% of aluminum grades); weldability fair (45/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the aluminum family
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade FabDigit runs. ZL301 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with ZL301
Is ZL301 easy to machine?
Machines very freely with sharp polished-flute tools, high speed and light feeds; use kerosene/emulsion coolant and beware of gummy chips and Mg dust fire risk when dry grinding.
Can ZL301 be welded?
TIG/MIG repair with ER5356 (Al-5Mg) filler only; preheat lightly, keep heat input low and re-solution treat where full properties are needed — the high-Mg matrix is oxide- and hot-crack sensitive.
Can ZL301 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand and permanent-mould casting only (not for die casting or pressure-tight parts); needs dry, well-vented moulds, a protective flux/cover gas over the melt, chills for feeding and a long high-temperature solution soak followed by natural ageing.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to ZL301. Every ZL301 part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Good78 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | N.1 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 350 / 420 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.5 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 8× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 0.8 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
ZL301 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Mgprincipal alloying element | 9.5 – 11 | 10.2 |
| Siimpurity limit | ≤ 0.3 | |
| Feimpurity limit (sand casting) | ≤ 0.3 | |
| Cuimpurity limit | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Mnimpurity limit | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Znimpurity limit | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Tigrain refiner / impurity | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Beoptional melt-oxidation inhibitor where permitted | ≤ 0.07 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on ZL301?
Responds well to clear and hard-coat anodizing and to chemical brightening; chromate/trivalent conversion coating plus epoxy primer is preferred for marine paint systems.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on aluminum parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Passivation
Conversion Coating
PVD Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Aluminum ZL301 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
How much does ZL301 cost?
ZL301 is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 62% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
ZL301 — frequently asked
What is ZL301 used for?
ZL301 is typically used for marine castings, naval components, deck and hull fittings, decorative and architectural castings, anodized instrument housings and pump and valve bodies for seawater service. In short: china GB Al-Mg cast; corrosion-resistant.
What is the yield strength of ZL301?
ZL301 has a typical yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) — weaker than 81% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is ZL301 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (78/100, better than 89% of aluminum grades). Machines very freely with sharp polished-flute tools, high speed and light feeds; use kerosene/emulsion coolant and beware of gummy chips and Mg dust fire risk when dry grinding.
Can ZL301 be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (45/100). TIG/MIG repair with ER5356 (Al-5Mg) filler only; preheat lightly, keep heat input low and re-solution treat where full properties are needed — the high-Mg matrix is oxide- and hot-crack sensitive.
What surface finishes work on ZL301?
Responds well to clear and hard-coat anodizing and to chemical brightening; chromate/trivalent conversion coating plus epoxy primer is preferred for marine paint systems.
Can ZL301 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand and permanent-mould casting only (not for die casting or pressure-tight parts); needs dry, well-vented moulds, a protective flux/cover gas over the melt, chills for feeding and a long high-temperature solution soak followed by natural ageing.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZL301?
ZL301 is rated for continuous use to about 100°C (212 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between ZL301-F and ZL301-T4?
F is the default condition — pick only for non-structural or trial castings — as-cast Al-10Mg is brittle because of the Mg₅Al₈ network at the grain boundaries. T4: the only temper registered for ZL301 in GB/T 1173 and the standard supply condition — use it for marine hardware and high-toughness structural sand/permanent-mould castings. Yield strength is 110 MPa in F versus 155 MPa in T4.
How much does ZL301 cost?
ZL301 is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 62% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in ZL301?
Yes — ZL301 is available for CNC machining; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- GB/T 1173 (Cast aluminium alloys) (2013)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys (520.0 data) — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys — ASM International (1993)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.