Magnesium Alloy AZ31B vs ZK30
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy AZ31B and ZK30 are both magnesium alloy grades. ZK30 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for AZ31B, about 30% more; tensile strength follows at 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) vs 255 MPa (37 ksi). In exchange, AZ31B is the more ductile: elongation 21% versus 13% for ZK30, and ZK30 is harder (58 HB vs 49 HB). ZK30 conducts heat better (122 W/m·K vs 96 W/m·K). On the shop floor, AZ31B welds better (very good vs poor) and AZ31B sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than ZK30 (high, $$$$).
AZ31BChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
ZK30Choose it when strength drives the design.
AZ31B vs ZK30: 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
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 5 J3.7 ft·lbf
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
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,000 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 340 J/g146 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 120°C248 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 25 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Machinability 95 / 100 · Castability 40 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 330 MJ/kg141,875 BTU/lb · Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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 | AZ31B | ZK30 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Default condition | O | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Anodizing Type II | Yes | — |
| Chem Film (Alodine) | Yes | — |
| E-Coating | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodizing Type III | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Powder Coating | Yes | — |
AZ31B vs ZK30 — frequently asked
Is ZK30 stronger than AZ31B?
Yes. ZK30 has a typical yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for AZ31B — about 30% more. Tensile strength is 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) vs 255 MPa (37 ksi).
Which is cheaper, AZ31B or ZK30?
AZ31B is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while ZK30 is high ($$$$). 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, AZ31B or ZK30?
AZ31B. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against poor (30/100) for ZK30.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AZ31B and ZK30 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.