FabDigitFabDigit

Magnesium Alloy AS41B vs ZC63

Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison

Magnesium Alloy AS41B and ZC63 are both magnesium alloy grades. ZC63 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) for AS41B, about 12% more. In exchange, AS41B is the more ductile: elongation 6% versus 5% for ZC63, and AS41B is harder (75 HB vs 62 HB). AS41B is lighter (1.77 g/cm³ vs 1.87 g/cm³ for ZC63) and AS41B runs hotter in service (175°C vs 120°C continuous). On the shop floor, AS41B sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than ZC63 (premium, $$$).

AS41BChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.

ZC63Choose it when strength drives the design.

AS41B vs ZC63: properties

AS41BZC63

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

215 MPa31.2 ksi
240 MPa34.8 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

140 MPa20.3 ksi
145 MPa21 ksi

Elongation at Break

6%
5%

Compressive Strength

140 MPa20.3 ksi
—

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

70 MPa10.2 ksi
75 MPa10.9 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

13 MPa·√m11.8 ksi·√in
14 MPa·√m12.7 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

3 J2.2 ft·lbf
4 J3 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

75 HB
62 HB

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 · Shear Strength 140 MPa20.3 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

1.77 g/cm³0.06 lb/in³
1.87 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

565°C1,049 °F
465°C869 °F

Liquidus Temperature

620°C1,148 °F
630°C1,166 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

68 W/m·K39.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F
122 W/m·K70.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

1,020 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F
1,000 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

26.1 µm/m·K14.5 µin/in·°F
27 µm/m·K15 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

175°C347 °F
120°C248 °F

Min Service Temperature

-70°C-94 °F
-100°C-148 °F

Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 340 J/g146 BTU/lb

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

13.5 % IACS
29 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.27×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5 µΩ·in
6×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.36 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-1.6 V
-1.55 V

Corrosion Resistance

30 / 100
22 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

400%
350%

Castability

85 / 100
75 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

15 / 100
20 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 95 / 100 · Weldability 35 / 100 · Formability (cold) 10 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

32 kg CO₂/kg
33 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

30%
20%

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 320 MJ/kg137,575 BTU/lb · Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

121 kN·m/kg
128 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

25.4 MN·m/kg
24.1 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

218 kJ/m³
234 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

37.7 mm²/s
65.2 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

12
24

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.

701001502001.41.51.61.71.8Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleAS41BZC63

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityAS41BZC63
CNC machiningYes—
Default conditionAs Cast—
Relative cost$$ Standard$$$ Premium
Min. machined wall0.8 mm—
Best machined surfaceRa 0.8 µm—
Anodizing Type IIYes—
Chem Film (Alodine)Yes—
E-CoatingYes—
Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFEYes—
Hard Anodizing Type IIIYes—
PaintingYes—
Powder CoatingYes—

AS41B vs ZC63 — frequently asked

Is ZC63 stronger than AS41B?

Yes. ZC63 has a typical tensile strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) for AS41B — about 12% more.

Which is cheaper, AS41B or ZC63?

AS41B is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while ZC63 is premium ($$$). 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 AS41B over ZC63?

Pick AS41B when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint. Pick ZC63 when strength drives the design.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AS41B and ZC63 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.