Magnesium Alloy ZK51A vs ZK61A
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy ZK51A and ZK61A are both magnesium alloy grades. ZK61A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for ZK51A, about 18% more; tensile strength follows at 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 205 MPa (29.7 ksi). ZK61A is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 3.5% for ZK51A, and ZK61A is harder (70 HB vs 65 HB). ZK61A conducts heat better (122 W/m·K vs 109 W/m·K). On the shop floor, ZK61A welds better (30 vs 15 out of 100).
ZK61AChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZK51A 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)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
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
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
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 · Latent Heat of Fusion 340 J/g146 BTU/lb · 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)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 22 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 15 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 20%
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 | ZK51A | ZK61A |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
ZK51A vs ZK61A — frequently asked
Is ZK61A stronger than ZK51A?
Yes. ZK61A has a typical yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for ZK51A — about 18% more. Tensile strength is 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 205 MPa (29.7 ksi).
Which is cheaper, ZK51A 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, ZK51A or ZK61A?
ZK61A. Its weldability rates poor (30/100) against poor (15/100) for ZK51A.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZK51A 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.