Magnesium Alloy QE22A vs ZM3
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy QE22A and ZM3 are both magnesium alloy grades. QE22A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) for ZM3, about 105% more; tensile strength follows at 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) vs 145 MPa (21 ksi). QE22A is harder — 80 HB against 55 HB for ZM3 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. QE22A conducts heat better (113 W/m·K vs 100 W/m·K). On the shop floor, ZM3 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than QE22A (high, $$$$).
QE22AChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
ZM3Choose it when cost is the deciding factor.
QE22A 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Reduction in Area
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 44 GPa6.4 Msi · Shear Modulus 17 GPa2.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Elongation at Break 3% · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 3 J2.2 ft·lbf
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Same in both: Liquidus Temperature 640°C1,184 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,000 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 250°C482 °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 Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 92 / 100 · Weldability 65 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 32 kg CO₂/kg · 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 | ZM3 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
QE22A vs ZM3 — frequently asked
Is QE22A stronger than ZM3?
Yes. QE22A has a typical yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) for ZM3 — about 105% more. Tensile strength is 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) vs 145 MPa (21 ksi).
Which is cheaper, QE22A or ZM3?
ZM3 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.
When should I choose QE22A over ZM3?
Pick QE22A when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters. Pick ZM3 when cost is the deciding factor.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in QE22A 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.