Magnesium Alloy QE22A vs ZM2
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy QE22A and ZM2 are both magnesium alloy grades. QE22A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for ZM2, about 39% more; tensile strength follows at 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) vs 210 MPa (30.5 ksi). In exchange, ZM2 is the more ductile: elongation 3.5% versus 3% for QE22A, and QE22A is harder (80 HB vs 62 HB). QE22A runs hotter in service (250°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, ZM2 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than QE22A (high, $$$$).
QE22AChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
ZM2Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
QE22A vs ZM2: 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)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 44 GPa6.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 3 J2.2 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 Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 113 W/m·K65.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,000 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -100°C-148 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 25 % IACS
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -1.55 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 400% · 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 | QE22A | ZM2 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
QE22A vs ZM2 — frequently asked
Is QE22A stronger than ZM2?
Yes. QE22A has a typical yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for ZM2 — about 39% more. Tensile strength is 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) vs 210 MPa (30.5 ksi).
Which is cheaper, QE22A or ZM2?
ZM2 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while QE22A is high ($$$$). 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, QE22A or ZM2?
ZM2. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (65/100) for QE22A.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in QE22A and ZM2 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.