Magnesium Alloy QE22A vs ZM6
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy QE22A and ZM6 are both magnesium alloy grades. QE22A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 145 MPa (21 ksi) for ZM6, about 34% more. In exchange, ZM6 is the more ductile: elongation 4.5% versus 3% for QE22A, and QE22A is harder (80 HB vs 70 HB).
QE22AChoose it when strength drives the design.
ZM6Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
QE22A vs ZM6: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Reduction in Area
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 44 GPa6.4 Msi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 15 MPa·√m13.7 ksi·√in · 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 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 Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Machinability 92 / 100 · Weldability 65 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 15%
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 | ZM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
QE22A vs ZM6 — frequently asked
Is QE22A stronger than ZM6?
Yes. QE22A has a typical yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 145 MPa (21 ksi) for ZM6 — about 34% more. Tensile strength is 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, QE22A or ZM6?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose QE22A over ZM6?
Pick QE22A when strength drives the design. Pick ZM6 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in QE22A and ZM6 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.