Magnesium Alloy AM60B vs ZM1
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy AM60B and ZM1 are both magnesium alloy grades. ZM1 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for AM60B, about 27% more; tensile strength follows at 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi). ZM1 is harder — 70 HB against 62 HB for AM60B — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. ZM1 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous) and ZM1 conducts heat better (117 W/m·K vs 61 W/m·K). On the shop floor, AM60B welds better (fair vs poor) and AM60B sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than ZM1 (premium, $$$).
AM60BChoose it when it will be welded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
ZM1Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
AM60B vs ZM1: 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.
Shear Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Elongation at Break 8%
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)
Min Service Temperature
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.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Same in both: Machinability 95 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: 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 | ZM1 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 ZM1 — frequently asked
Is ZM1 stronger than AM60B?
Yes. ZM1 has a typical yield strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for AM60B — about 27% more. Tensile strength is 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi).
Which is cheaper, AM60B or ZM1?
AM60B is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while ZM1 is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which welds better, AM60B or ZM1?
AM60B. Its weldability rates fair (40/100) against poor (30/100) for ZM1.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AM60B and ZM1 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.