Magnesium Alloy AZ31B vs ZK60A
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy AZ31B and ZK60A are both magnesium alloy grades. ZK60A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for AZ31B, about 73% more; tensile strength follows at 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) vs 255 MPa (37 ksi). In exchange, AZ31B is the more ductile: elongation 21% versus 14% for ZK60A, and ZK60A is harder (75 HB vs 49 HB). AZ31B is lighter (1.77 g/cm³ vs 1.83 g/cm³ for ZK60A) and ZK60A runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous). On the shop floor, AZ31B welds better (very good vs poor).
AZ31BChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
ZK60AChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
AZ31B vs ZK60A: 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)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 14 MPa·√m12.7 ksi·√in
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
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,000 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 26 µm/m·K14.4 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -80°C-112 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -1.55 V · Corrosion Resistance 25 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 95 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 400% · Castability 40 / 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 | AZ31B | ZK60A |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | O | F |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.8 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. Both take the same 7 finishes: Anodizing Type II, Chem Film (Alodine), E-Coating, Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE, Hard Anodizing Type III, Painting, Powder Coating.
AZ31B vs ZK60A — frequently asked
Is ZK60A stronger than AZ31B?
Yes. ZK60A has a typical yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for AZ31B — about 73% more. Tensile strength is 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) vs 255 MPa (37 ksi).
Which is cheaper, AZ31B or ZK60A?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$, standard); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, AZ31B or ZK60A?
AZ31B. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against poor (25/100) for ZK60A.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AZ31B and ZK60A 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.