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Magnesium Alloy ZC63A vs ZK61A

Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison

Magnesium Alloy ZC63A and ZK61A are both magnesium alloy grades. ZK61A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 145 MPa (21 ksi) for ZC63A, about 34% more; tensile strength follows at 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 210 MPa (30.5 ksi). ZK61A is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 5% for ZC63A, and ZK61A is harder (70 HB vs 60 HB). ZC63A runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous). On the shop floor, ZC63A welds better (fair vs poor).

ZC63AChoose it when the part sees heat, or when it will be welded.

ZK61AChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

ZC63A vs ZK61A: properties

ZC63AZK61A

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

210 MPa30.5 ksi
310 MPa45 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

145 MPa21 ksi
195 MPa28.3 ksi

Elongation at Break

5%
10%

Reduction in Area

6%
—

Compressive Strength

130 MPa18.9 ksi
190 MPa27.6 ksi

Shear Strength

140 MPa20.3 ksi
165 MPa23.9 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

80 MPa11.6 ksi
90 MPa13.1 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

13 MPa·√m11.8 ksi·√in
14 MPa·√m12.7 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

3 J2.2 ft·lbf
4 J3 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

60 HB
70 HB

Hardness, Vickers

63 HV
72 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 17 GPa2.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

1.87 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³
1.83 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

465°C869 °F
520°C968 °F

Same in both: Liquidus Temperature 635°C1,175 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

150°C302 °F
120°C248 °F

Min Service Temperature

-100°C-148 °F
-70°C-94 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 122 W/m·K70.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,000 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 27 µm/m·K15 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 340 J/g146 BTU/lb

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

24 % IACS
25 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

7.2×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.83 µΩ·in
6.9×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.72 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-1.55 V
-1.6 V

Corrosion Resistance

18 / 100
22 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

95 / 100
97 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

500%
400%

Weldability

40 / 100
30 / 100

Formability (cold)

10 / 100
15 / 100

Castability

80 / 100
55 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

20 / 100
15 / 100

Polishability

50 / 100
45 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

330 MJ/kg141,875 BTU/lb
300 MJ/kg128,977 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

33 kg CO₂/kg
26 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

25%
20%

Same in both: Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

112 kN·m/kg
169 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

24.1 MN·m/kg
24.6 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

234 kJ/m³
423 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

65.2 mm²/s
66.7 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

21
31

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.

701001502001.41.51.61.71.8Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleZC63AZK61A

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityZC63AZK61A
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$ Premium$$$ Premium
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

ZC63A vs ZK61A — frequently asked

Is ZK61A stronger than ZC63A?

Yes. ZK61A has a typical yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 145 MPa (21 ksi) for ZC63A — about 34% more. Tensile strength is 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 210 MPa (30.5 ksi).

Which is cheaper, ZC63A or ZK61A?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

Which welds better, ZC63A or ZK61A?

ZC63A. Its weldability rates fair (40/100) against poor (30/100) for ZK61A.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZC63A and ZK61A 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.