Magnesium Alloy ZM4-F vs ZM4-T1
Magnesium Alloy · ZM4 temper comparison
ZM4-F and ZM4-T1 are two conditions of the same magnesium alloy grade, ZM4: F (as fabricated) versus T1 (cooled from hot working and naturally aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ZM4-T1 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) against 85 MPa (12.3 ksi) for ZM4-F, about 18% more; tensile strength follows at 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) vs 135 MPa (19.6 ksi). ZM4-T1 is harder — 55 HB against 48 HB for ZM4-F — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. ZM4-T1 runs hotter in service (175°C vs 150°C continuous).
ZM4-T1Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
ZM4-F vs ZM4-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)
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 16.5 GPa2.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Elongation at Break 3% · Reduction in Area 4%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 1.83 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 510°C950 °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 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) -1.6 V · Corrosion Resistance 25 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Same in both: Weldability 60 / 100 · Formability (cold) 15 / 100 · Castability 78 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 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) 30 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 15%
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.
ZM4-F vs ZM4-T1 — frequently asked
Is ZM4-T1 stronger than ZM4-F?
Yes. ZM4-T1 has a typical yield strength of 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) against 85 MPa (12.3 ksi) for ZM4-F — about 18% more. Tensile strength is 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) vs 135 MPa (19.6 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or T1?
T1 is the default ZM4 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 ZM4-F over ZM4-T1?
Pick ZM4-T1 when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZM4-F and ZM4-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.