Magnesium Alloy ZM4-F vs ZM4-T6
Magnesium Alloy · ZM4 temper comparison
ZM4-F and ZM4-T6 are two conditions of the same magnesium alloy grade, ZM4: F (as fabricated) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ZM4-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) against 85 MPa (12.3 ksi) for ZM4-F, about 112% more; tensile strength follows at 280 MPa (40.6 ksi) vs 135 MPa (19.6 ksi). ZM4-T6 is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 3% for ZM4-F, and ZM4-T6 is harder (65 HB vs 48 HB). ZM4-T6 conducts heat better (120 W/m·K vs 105 W/m·K). On the shop floor, ZM4-F welds better (good vs fair).
ZM4-FChoose it when it will be welded.
ZM4-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZM4-F vs ZM4-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
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 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 1.83 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
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 · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 150°C302 °F · Min Service Temperature -100°C-148 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -1.6 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Same in both: 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-T6 — frequently asked
Is ZM4-T6 stronger than ZM4-F?
Yes. ZM4-T6 has a typical yield strength of 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) against 85 MPa (12.3 ksi) for ZM4-F — about 112% more. Tensile strength is 280 MPa (40.6 ksi) vs 135 MPa (19.6 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or T6?
T1 is the default ZM4 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.
Which welds better, ZM4-F or ZM4-T6?
ZM4-F. Its weldability rates good (60/100) against fair (50/100) for ZM4-T6.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZM4-F and ZM4-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.