Magnesium Alloy EV31A vs ZM3
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy EV31A and ZM3 are both magnesium alloy grades. EV31A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 110 MPa (16 ksi) against 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) for ZM3, about 16% more; tensile strength follows at 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) vs 145 MPa (21 ksi). EV31A is the more ductile: elongation 4% versus 3% for ZM3. ZM3 runs hotter in service (250°C vs 150°C continuous) and ZM3 conducts electricity better (24 % IACS vs 9.5 % IACS). On the shop floor, EV31A sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than ZM3 (premium, $$$).
EV31AChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZM3Choose it when the part sees heat.
EV31A vs ZM3: 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.
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Reduction in Area
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 44 GPa6.4 Msi · Shear Modulus 17 GPa2.5 Msi · Shear Strength 125 MPa18.1 ksi · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 3 J2.2 ft·lbf · Hardness, Brinell 55 HB · Hardness, Vickers 58 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 545°C1,013 °F · Liquidus Temperature 640°C1,184 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 100 W/m·K57.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,000 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°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.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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 | EV31A | ZM3 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
EV31A vs ZM3 — frequently asked
Is EV31A stronger than ZM3?
Yes. EV31A has a typical yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) against 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) for ZM3 — about 16% more. Tensile strength is 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) vs 145 MPa (21 ksi).
Which is cheaper, EV31A or ZM3?
EV31A is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while ZM3 is premium ($$$). 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, EV31A or ZM3?
EV31A. Its weldability rates very good (72/100) against good (65/100) for ZM3.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in EV31A and ZM3 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.