Magnesium Alloy ZC63
ASTM ZC63 · EN MC32110, MgZn6Cu3Mn
ZC63 is a magnesium–zinc–copper–manganese casting alloy (MgZn6Cu3Mn, ZC63A, MC32110) supplied as sand and permanent-mould castings in F, T4, T6 and T6-PM conditions.
Reference datasheet — ZC63 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 T6 condition
ZC63 tempers and conditions
ZC63 is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. T6 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As fabricated | Lowest-cost condition for lightly stressed or dimensionally critical castings where the T6 cycle cannot be tolerated. | 105 | 165 | 3 | 52 HB | 27 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and naturally aged | Choose when maximum ductility and impact toughness matter more than yield strength. | 110 | 205 | 8 | 55 HB | 25 % IACS |
T6Default Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Standard supply condition for ZC63A structural sand castings — best combination of strength, ductility and pressure tightness. | 145 | 240 | 5 | 62 HB | 122 W/m·K |
T6 | Pick for higher-volume chill castings where the finer as-cast structure lifts strength and elongation above sand-cast T6. | 150 | 250 | 6 | 65 HB | 29 % IACS |
What is ZC63?
ZC63 is a magnesium–zinc–copper–manganese casting alloy (MgZn6Cu3Mn, ZC63A, MC32110) supplied as sand and permanent-mould castings in F, T4, T6 and T6-PM conditions. It is chosen for structural castings that must be strong and pressure-tight, giving 145 MPa yield, 240 MPa tensile, 5% elongation, 62 HB and 122 W/m·K thermal conductivity. Service is limited to about 120 °C, bare corrosion resistance is poor, and the zinc–copper chemistry makes the alloy hot-crack sensitive when welded. ZE41 is the nearest alternative where weld repair and higher-temperature service matter. ZC63 has a density of 1.87 g/cm³ (0.0676 lb/in³), heavier than 99% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 465°C (869 °F). ZC63 has a yield strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) and a tensile strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) — stronger than 51% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 5% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
What is ZC63 used for?
- pump housings
- structural aerospace castings
- gearbox housings
Advantages
- High electrical conductivity — 29 % IACS, better than 91% of magnesium alloy grades
- Conducts heat well — 122 W/m·K (70.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 88% of magnesium alloy grades
Limitations
- Difficult to weld — 35/100, worse than 80% of magnesium alloy grades
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 78% of magnesium alloy grades
ZC63 properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZC63-T6; bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
ZC63 has a density of 1.87 g/cm³ (0.0676 lb/in³), heavier than 99% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 465°C (869 °F).
Mechanical12
ZC63 has a yield strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) and a tensile strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) — stronger than 51% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 5% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
Thermal6
ZC63 is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 122 W/m·K (70.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 88% of magnesium alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 27 µm/m·K (15 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZC63 conducts electricity at 29 % IACS, better than 91% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (22/100), worse than 57% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZC63 takes about 320 MJ of energy and emits 33 kg of CO₂ — less than 74% of magnesium alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 20%.
Manufacturability8
ZC63's machinability is excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability fair (35/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
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. ZC63 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with ZC63
Is ZC63 easy to machine?
Cuts extremely freely at high speed with sharp positive-rake tooling; use dry or mineral-oil coolant (never water-based) and keep fine chips/dust collected wet to avoid ignition.
Can ZC63 be welded?
TIG/GMAW with matching or EZ33-type filler is possible but Zn+Cu make the alloy hot-crack sensitive; preheat, minimise restraint and re-solution treat repairs where strength matters.
Can ZC63 be formed, bent or molded?
A casting alloy only — sand and permanent-mold with careful gating/risering for pressure tightness; grain refine and degas the melt, and protect with SF6-free cover gas.
ZC63 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Znprincipal strengthening addition | 5.5 – 6.5 | 6 |
| Curefines interdendritic phase, improves pressure tightness; degrades corrosion | 2.4 – 3 | 2.7 |
| Mniron control / corrosion mitigation | 0.25 – 0.75 | 0.5 |
| Si | ≤ 0.2 | |
| Fe | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Ni | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Others (each)max each | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Others (total)max total | ≤ 0.3 | |
| Mg | balance |
What surface finishes work on ZC63?
Chromate or chrome-free conversion coating, HAE/plasma-electrolytic anodize or e-coat plus paint is essential; isolate from steel/aluminium fasteners to prevent galvanic attack.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Magnesium Alloy ZC63 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- ASTM
- ZC63A
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- MC32110MgZn6Cu3Mn
How much does ZC63 cost?
ZC63 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.
ZC63 — frequently asked
What is ZC63 used for?
ZC63 is typically used for pump housings, structural aerospace castings and gearbox housings. In short: heat-treatable cast magnesium; good pressure tightness; machines faster than aluminium.
What is the yield strength of ZC63?
ZC63 has a typical yield strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) and a tensile strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) — stronger than 51% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is ZC63 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades). Cuts extremely freely at high speed with sharp positive-rake tooling; use dry or mineral-oil coolant (never water-based) and keep fine chips/dust collected wet to avoid ignition.
Can ZC63 be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (35/100). TIG/GMAW with matching or EZ33-type filler is possible but Zn+Cu make the alloy hot-crack sensitive; preheat, minimise restraint and re-solution treat repairs where strength matters.
What surface finishes work on ZC63?
Chromate or chrome-free conversion coating, HAE/plasma-electrolytic anodize or e-coat plus paint is essential; isolate from steel/aluminium fasteners to prevent galvanic attack.
Can ZC63 be formed, bent or molded?
A casting alloy only — sand and permanent-mold with careful gating/risering for pressure tightness; grain refine and degas the melt, and protect with SF6-free cover gas.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZC63?
ZC63 is rated for continuous use to about 120°C (248 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between ZC63-T6 and ZC63-F?
T6 is the default condition — standard supply condition for ZC63A structural sand castings — best combination of strength, ductility and pressure tightness. F: lowest-cost condition for lightly stressed or dimensionally critical castings where the T6 cycle cannot be tolerated. Yield strength is 145 MPa in T6 versus 105 MPa in F.
How much does ZC63 cost?
ZC63 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 B199 — Magnesium-Alloy Permanent Mold Castings — ASTM International (2019)
- ASTM B93/B93M — Magnesium Alloys in Ingot Form for Sand Castings — ASTM International (2021)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Magnesium and Magnesium Alloys — ASM International (1999)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
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.