Magnesium Alloy ZE41A vs ZM3
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy ZE41A and ZM3 are both magnesium alloy grades. ZE41A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) against 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) for ZM3, about 47% more; tensile strength follows at 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) vs 145 MPa (21 ksi). ZE41A is the more ductile: elongation 3.5% versus 3% for ZM3, and ZE41A is harder (62 HB vs 55 HB). ZM3 runs hotter in service (250°C vs 150°C continuous) and ZE41A conducts heat better (113 W/m·K vs 100 W/m·K). On the shop floor, ZM3 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than ZE41A (high, $$$$).
ZE41AChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZM3Choose it when the part sees heat, or when cost is the deciding factor.
ZE41A 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.
Shear Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Reduction in Area
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 44 GPa6.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 70 MPa10.2 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,000 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -70°C-94 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -1.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 22 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 92 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 500% · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 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 | ZE41A | ZM3 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
ZE41A vs ZM3 — frequently asked
Is ZE41A stronger than ZM3?
Yes. ZE41A has a typical yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) against 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) for ZM3 — about 47% more. Tensile strength is 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) vs 145 MPa (21 ksi).
Which is cheaper, ZE41A or ZM3?
ZM3 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while ZE41A is high ($$$$). 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, ZE41A or ZM3?
ZE41A. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (65/100) for ZM3.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZE41A 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.