Magnesium Alloy ZK51A-F vs ZK51A-T6
Magnesium Alloy · ZK51A temper comparison
ZK51A-F and ZK51A-T6 are two conditions of the same magnesium alloy grade, ZK51A: F (as fabricated) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ZK51A-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) against 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) for ZK51A-F, about 40% more; tensile strength follows at 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) vs 175 MPa (25.4 ksi). In exchange, ZK51A-F is the more ductile: elongation 5% versus 4% for ZK51A-T6, and ZK51A-T6 is harder (70 HB vs 55 HB). ZK51A-T6 runs hotter in service (120°C vs 110°C continuous).
ZK51A-FChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZK51A-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
ZK51A-F vs ZK51A-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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
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
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 1.81 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 549°C1,020 °F · Liquidus Temperature 640°C1,184 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
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 · Latent Heat of Fusion 340 J/g146 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -100°C-148 °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) -1.58 V · Corrosion Resistance 22 / 100
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 %) 500% · Weldability 15 / 100 · Castability 60 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 15 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 320 MJ/kg137,575 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 32 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 20%
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.
ZK51A-F vs ZK51A-T6 — frequently asked
Is ZK51A-T6 stronger than ZK51A-F?
Yes. ZK51A-T6 has a typical yield strength of 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) against 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) for ZK51A-F — about 40% more. Tensile strength is 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) vs 175 MPa (25.4 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or T6?
T5 is the default ZK51A condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither F nor T6). 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 ZK51A-F over ZK51A-T6?
Pick ZK51A-F when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick ZK51A-T6 when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZK51A-F and ZK51A-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.