Magnesium Alloy ZM21-F vs ZM21-H24
Magnesium Alloy · ZM21 temper comparison
ZM21-F and ZM21-H24 are two conditions of the same magnesium alloy grade, ZM21: F (as fabricated) versus H24 (strain hardened and partially annealed, half hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ZM21-H24 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) for ZM21-F, about 22% more; tensile strength follows at 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi). In exchange, ZM21-F is the more ductile: elongation 13% versus 9% for ZM21-H24, and ZM21-H24 is harder (58 HB vs 50 HB). ZM21-F runs hotter in service (120°C vs 100°C continuous).
ZM21-FChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
ZM21-H24Choose it when strength drives the design.
ZM21-F vs ZM21-H24: 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
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 17 GPa2.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 1.78 g/cm³0.06 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 605°C1,121 °F · Liquidus Temperature 645°C1,193 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 125 W/m·K72.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 1,020 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 26 µm/m·K14.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 370 J/g159 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) -1.55 V · Corrosion Resistance 25 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 95 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 300% · Castability 35 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 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 30%
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.
ZM21-F vs ZM21-H24 — frequently asked
Is ZM21-H24 stronger than ZM21-F?
Yes. ZM21-H24 has a typical yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) for ZM21-F — about 22% more. Tensile strength is 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or H24?
O is the default ZM21 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither F nor H24). 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.
Which welds better, ZM21-F or ZM21-H24?
ZM21-F. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (65/100) for ZM21-H24.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZM21-F and ZM21-H24 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.