Magnesium Alloy K1A
UNS M18010
K1A (UNS M18010) is a magnesium-zirconium alloy supplied as ingot and in the F condition, used almost exclusively as a grain-refining master alloy addition to zirconium-bearing magnesium melts such as the ZK, EZ and WE series.
Reference datasheet — K1A is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the F condition
K1A tempers and conditions
K1A is supplied in one standard condition, F. F is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways K1A is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
Ingot | Remelt / grain-refiner melt addition stock | Supply form |
What is K1A?
K1A (UNS M18010) is a magnesium-zirconium alloy supplied as ingot and in the F condition, used almost exclusively as a grain-refining master alloy addition to zirconium-bearing magnesium melts such as the ZK, EZ and WE series. Reference properties are 55 MPa yield, 180 MPa tensile, 19 % elongation, 40 HB, 130 W/m.K thermal conductivity and 32 % IACS, with machinability 95 and weldability 70. Corrosion resistance is low (score 15) and maximum service temperature is about 150 C, so it is rarely used structurally; ZK60A or WE43 are the load-bearing choices. K1A has a density of 1.74 g/cm³ (0.0629 lb/in³), lighter than 99% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 649°C (1,200 °F). K1A has a yield strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) and a tensile strength of 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) — weaker than 100% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 19% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
What is K1A used for?
- grain refiner for Zr-bearing Mg melts
- master alloy addition in foundries
- alloy development for aerospace Mg castings
Advantages
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 19%, better than 98% of magnesium alloy grades
- Conducts heat well — 130 W/m·K (75.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 94% of magnesium alloy grades
- High electrical conductivity — 32 % IACS, better than 94% of magnesium alloy grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 55 MPa (7.98 ksi), worse than 100% of magnesium alloy grades
K1A properties
Typical room-temperature values for K1A-F; bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
K1A has a density of 1.74 g/cm³ (0.0629 lb/in³), lighter than 99% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 649°C (1,200 °F).
Mechanical10
K1A has a yield strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) and a tensile strength of 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) — weaker than 100% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 19% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
Thermal6
K1A is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 130 W/m·K (75.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 94% of magnesium alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 27 µm/m·K (15 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
K1A conducts electricity at 32 % IACS, better than 94% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (15/100), worse than 94% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of K1A takes about 340 MJ of energy and emits 30 kg of CO₂ — more than 59% of magnesium alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 10%.
Manufacturability8
K1A's machinability is excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability very good (70/100); formability poor (25/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the magnesium alloy family
Yield strength against density for every magnesium alloy grade FabDigit runs. K1A is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with K1A
Is K1A easy to machine?
Cuts extremely freely with high speeds, sharp tools and generous rake; use dry or mineral-oil cutting, never water-based coolant, and manage fine chips as a fire hazard.
Can K1A be welded?
GTAW/GMAW with matching Mg-Zr filler works well because no aluminium is present; keep argon shielding tight and preheat thick sections to avoid cracking.
Can K1A be formed, bent or molded?
A casting alloy, not a wrought one — pour into sand or permanent moulds under SF6-free cover gas/flux; cold forming is impractical, hot working must be above ~300 °C.
K1A chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| ZrSoluble (active) zirconium; grain refiner | 0.4 – 1 | 0.7 |
| Others (each) | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Others (total)Al, Mn, Si and Fe must be kept very low or Zr is precipitated out | ≤ 0.3 | |
| Mg | balance |
What surface finishes work on K1A?
Always apply a magnesium conversion coat (chromate-free/Dow 17/HAE or MAO) plus paint; isolate from steel and aluminium fasteners to prevent galvanic attack.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Magnesium Alloy K1A in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- M18010
How much does K1A cost?
K1A is a premium-cost magnesium alloy ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
K1A — frequently asked
What is K1A used for?
K1A is typically used for grain refiner for Zr-bearing Mg melts, master alloy addition in foundries and alloy development for aerospace Mg castings. In short: zirconium grain-refining master alloy; aluminium-free magnesium base; low strength, low corrosion resistance.
What is the yield strength of K1A?
K1A has a typical yield strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) and a tensile strength of 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) — weaker than 100% of magnesium alloy grades.
Is K1A easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades). Cuts extremely freely with high speeds, sharp tools and generous rake; use dry or mineral-oil cutting, never water-based coolant, and manage fine chips as a fire hazard.
Can K1A be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). GTAW/GMAW with matching Mg-Zr filler works well because no aluminium is present; keep argon shielding tight and preheat thick sections to avoid cracking.
What surface finishes work on K1A?
Always apply a magnesium conversion coat (chromate-free/Dow 17/HAE or MAO) plus paint; isolate from steel and aluminium fasteners to prevent galvanic attack.
Can K1A be formed, bent or molded?
A casting alloy, not a wrought one — pour into sand or permanent moulds under SF6-free cover gas/flux; cold forming is impractical, hot working must be above ~300 °C.
What is the maximum service temperature of K1A?
K1A is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does K1A cost?
K1A is a premium-cost magnesium alloy ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- ASTM B80 — Magnesium-Alloy Sand Castings — ASTM International (2015)
- ASTM B93/B93M — Magnesium Alloys in Ingot Form for Sand, Permanent Mold and Die Castings — ASTM International (2020)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Magnesium and Magnesium Alloys — ASM International (1999)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.16 — Machining — ASM International (1989)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.