Magnesium Alloy ZK40A vs ZK61A
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy ZK40A 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 ZK40A, about 34% more; tensile strength follows at 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi). ZK61A is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 5% for ZK40A, and ZK61A is harder (70 HB vs 65 HB). ZK40A conducts electricity better (29 % IACS vs 25 % IACS).
ZK61AChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZK40A vs ZK61A: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 14 MPa·√m12.7 ksi·√in · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 4 J3 ft·lbf
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Same in both: Density 1.83 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³ · Liquidus Temperature 635°C1,175 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Latent Heat of Fusion
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: 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 · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 120°C248 °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
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 400% · Weldability 30 / 100 · Castability 55 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 15 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 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)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 24.6 MN·m/kg
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 | ZK40A | ZK61A |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
ZK40A vs ZK61A — frequently asked
Is ZK61A stronger than ZK40A?
Yes. ZK61A has a typical yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 145 MPa (21 ksi) for ZK40A — about 34% more. Tensile strength is 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, ZK40A 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.
When should I choose ZK40A over ZK61A?
Pick ZK61A when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZK40A 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.