Magnesium Alloy ZM6-F vs ZM6-T6
Magnesium Alloy · ZM6 temper comparison
ZM6-F and ZM6-T6 are two conditions of the same magnesium alloy grade, ZM6: F (as fabricated) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ZM6-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 145 MPa (21 ksi) against 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) for ZM6-F, about 53% more; tensile strength follows at 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) vs 165 MPa (23.9 ksi). ZM6-T6 is the more ductile: elongation 4.5% versus 3% for ZM6-F, and ZM6-T6 is harder (70 HB vs 55 HB). ZM6-T6 runs hotter in service (250°C vs 200°C continuous).
ZM6-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZM6-F vs ZM6-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 43 GPa6.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
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 -60°C-76 °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) -1.55 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 65 / 100 · Castability 85 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 15 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 340 MJ/kg146,174 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.
ZM6-F vs ZM6-T6 — frequently asked
Is ZM6-T6 stronger than ZM6-F?
Yes. ZM6-T6 has a typical yield strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) against 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) for ZM6-F — about 53% more. Tensile strength is 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) vs 165 MPa (23.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or T6?
T6 is the default ZM6 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 ZM6-F over ZM6-T6?
Pick ZM6-T6 when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZM6-F and ZM6-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.