Magnesium Alloy AM60B vs ZC63A
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy AM60B and ZC63A are both magnesium alloy grades. ZC63A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 145 MPa (21 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for AM60B, about 12% more. In exchange, AM60B is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 5% for ZC63A. AM60B is lighter (1.8 g/cm³ vs 1.87 g/cm³ for ZC63A) and ZC63A runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous). On the shop floor, AM60B sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than ZC63A (premium, $$$).
AM60BChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
ZC63AChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
AM60B vs ZC63A: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all magnesium alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all magnesium alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Reduction in Area
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 17 GPa2.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Compressive Strength 130 MPa18.9 ksi · Shear Strength 140 MPa20.3 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -100°C-148 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 95 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 500% · Weldability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 330 MJ/kg141,875 BTU/lb · Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every magnesium alloy grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | AM60B | ZC63A |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Default condition | As Cast | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Anodizing Type II | Yes | — |
| Chem Film (Alodine) | Yes | — |
| E-Coating | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodizing Type III | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Powder Coating | Yes | — |
AM60B vs ZC63A — frequently asked
Is ZC63A stronger than AM60B?
Yes. ZC63A has a typical yield strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for AM60B — about 12% more. Tensile strength is 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi).
Which is cheaper, AM60B or ZC63A?
AM60B is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while ZC63A is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose AM60B over ZC63A?
Pick AM60B when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint. Pick ZC63A when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AM60B and ZC63A side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.