Magnesium Alloy ZM3-F vs ZM3-T1
Magnesium Alloy · ZM3 temper comparison
ZM3-F and ZM3-T1 are two conditions of the same magnesium alloy grade, ZM3: F (as fabricated) versus T1 (cooled from hot working and naturally aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ZM3-T1 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) against 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) for ZM3-F, about 19% more; tensile strength follows at 145 MPa (21 ksi) vs 130 MPa (18.9 ksi). In exchange, ZM3-F is the more ductile: elongation 3.5% versus 3% for ZM3-T1, and ZM3-T1 is harder (55 HB vs 50 HB). ZM3-T1 runs hotter in service (250°C vs 200°C continuous).
ZM3-FChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZM3-T1Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
ZM3-F vs ZM3-T1: 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
Reduction in Area
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 44 GPa6.4 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 1.8 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 545°C1,013 °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) 26.5 µm/m·K14.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 360 J/g155 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -70°C-94 °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) -1.6 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 65 / 100 · Castability 88 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 330 MJ/kg141,875 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 32 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.
ZM3-F vs ZM3-T1 — frequently asked
Is ZM3-T1 stronger than ZM3-F?
Yes. ZM3-T1 has a typical yield strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) against 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) for ZM3-F — about 19% more. Tensile strength is 145 MPa (21 ksi) vs 130 MPa (18.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or T1?
T1 is the default ZM3 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 ZM3-F over ZM3-T1?
Pick ZM3-F when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick ZM3-T1 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 ZM3-F and ZM3-T1 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.