Magnesium Alloy ZK30-F vs ZK30-T6
Magnesium Alloy · ZK30 temper comparison
ZK30-F and ZK30-T6 are two conditions of the same magnesium alloy grade, ZK30: F (as fabricated) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ZK30-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) for ZK30-F, about 28% more; tensile strength follows at 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) vs 275 MPa (39.9 ksi). In exchange, ZK30-F is the more ductile: elongation 13% versus 10% for ZK30-T6, and ZK30-T6 is harder (72 HB vs 58 HB).
ZK30-FChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZK30-T6Choose it when strength drives the design.
ZK30-F vs ZK30-T6: 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)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 16.5 GPa2.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Compressive Strength 175 MPa25.4 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 16 MPa·√m14.6 ksi·√in · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 5 J3.7 ft·lbf
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 1.8 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 535°C995 °F · Liquidus Temperature 635°C1,175 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
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) 26.5 µm/m·K14.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 340 J/g146 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 120°C248 °F · Min Service Temperature -70°C-94 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 28 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 6.2×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.44 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -1.58 V · Corrosion Resistance 25 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 95 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 480% · Weldability 30 / 100 · Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 330 MJ/kg141,875 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 34 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
ZK30-F vs ZK30-T6 — frequently asked
Is ZK30-T6 stronger than ZK30-F?
Yes. ZK30-T6 has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) for ZK30-F — about 28% more. Tensile strength is 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) vs 275 MPa (39.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or T6?
F is the default ZK30 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
When should I choose ZK30-F over ZK30-T6?
Pick ZK30-F when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick ZK30-T6 when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZK30-F and ZK30-T6 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.