Magnesium Alloy ZC63A
ASTM ZC63A · UNS M16331
ZC63A is a magnesium-zinc-copper-manganese sand and permanent-mould casting alloy (ZC63A-T6, UNS M16331) available in F, T4, T6 and T6-PM conditions.
Reference datasheet — ZC63A 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
ZC63A tempers and conditions
ZC63A 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Solution heat treated and naturally aged | Solution-treated only: maximum ductility and impact toughness, lower yield strength; sometimes an intermediate stage before ageing. | 100 | 200 | 8 | 50 HB | 21 % IACS |
As fabricated | Untreated castings for low-stress or dimensionally critical parts where the T6 growth/distortion is unacceptable. | 110 | 175 | 3 | 52 HB | 24 % IACS |
T6Default Solution heat treated and artificially aged | The standard supply condition — best combination of yield strength, pressure tightness and adequate ductility for structural castings. | 145 | 210 | 5 | 60 HB | 24 % IACS |
T6 | Permanent-mold castings with finer structure: choose when higher strength and tighter section soundness are required. | 155 | 235 | 6 | 65 HB | 24 % IACS |
What is ZC63A?
ZC63A is a magnesium-zinc-copper-manganese sand and permanent-mould casting alloy (ZC63A-T6, UNS M16331) available in F, T4, T6 and T6-PM conditions. It was developed to improve strength and pressure tightness over AZ91-type alloys without using rare earths, giving 145 MPa yield, 210 MPa tensile, 5% elongation and about 60 HB in the default condition. Service temperature is limited to 150 °C, the high zinc level makes it hot-crack sensitive when welded, and coating is needed for corrosion protection. Where 250 °C capability is required, move to a rare-earth grade such as WE43B or QE22A. ZC63A 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). ZC63A has a yield strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) and a tensile strength of 210 MPa (30.5 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 ZC63A used for?
- Automotive sand castings
- Pressure-tight industrial housings
- Gearbox and pump casings
- Permanent-mould structural brackets
- Hydraulic and pneumatic valve bodies
- Equipment covers requiring leak-tight walls
Advantages
- Conducts heat well — 122 W/m·K (70.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 88% of magnesium alloy grades
Limitations
- Difficult to weld — 40/100, worse than 75% of magnesium alloy grades
ZC63A properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZC63A-T6; bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
ZC63A 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).
Mechanical15
ZC63A has a yield strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) and a tensile strength of 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) — stronger than 51% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 5% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
Thermal6
ZC63A is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °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
ZC63A conducts electricity at 24 % IACS, better than 58% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (18/100), worse than 88% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZC63A takes about 330 MJ of energy and emits 33 kg of CO₂ — less than 56% of magnesium alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability8
ZC63A's machinability is excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability fair (40/100); 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. ZC63A is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with ZC63A
Is ZC63A easy to machine?
Machines extremely fast with sharp, high-rake carbide tools and generous chip clearance; use dry or mineral-oil coolant (never water-based) and control fine chips/dust for fire risk.
Can ZC63A be welded?
GTAW/GMAW with matching or AZ92A filler is possible after solution treatment, but the high Zn content makes it hot-crack sensitive — preheat, low restraint and post-weld re-solution/age are recommended.
Can ZC63A be formed, bent or molded?
Sand and permanent-mold casting alloy with good feeding and pressure tightness; use SF6-free (SO2/HFC-134a) melt protection, grain-refine by superheat or Zr-free Mn practice, and design for T6 solution soak with controlled quench.
ZC63A 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Znprimary strengthener | 5.5 – 6.5 | 6 |
| Curefines eutectic, improves pressure tightness; harms corrosion resistance | 2.4 – 3 | 2.7 |
| Mniron control / corrosion mitigation | 0.25 – 0.75 | 0.5 |
| Si | ≤ 0.2 | |
| Ni | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Others (each) | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Others (total) | ≤ 0.3 | |
| Mg | balance |
What surface finishes work on ZC63A?
Requires chromate/chrome-free conversion coating or Dow 17 / HAE / PEO anodic film plus epoxy primer and topcoat; isolate all steel and CFRP fasteners to avoid galvanic attack.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Magnesium Alloy ZC63A in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- M16331
- ASTM
- ZC63A-T6
How much does ZC63A cost?
ZC63A 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.
ZC63A — frequently asked
What is ZC63A used for?
ZC63A is typically used for automotive sand castings, pressure-tight industrial housings, gearbox and pump casings, permanent-mould structural brackets, hydraulic and pneumatic valve bodies and equipment covers requiring leak-tight walls. In short: rare-earth-free high-strength Mg casting; better pressure tightness than AZ91; very high machinability.
What is the yield strength of ZC63A?
ZC63A has a typical yield strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) and a tensile strength of 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) — stronger than 51% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is ZC63A easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades). Machines extremely fast with sharp, high-rake carbide tools and generous chip clearance; use dry or mineral-oil coolant (never water-based) and control fine chips/dust for fire risk.
Can ZC63A be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (40/100). GTAW/GMAW with matching or AZ92A filler is possible after solution treatment, but the high Zn content makes it hot-crack sensitive — preheat, low restraint and post-weld re-solution/age are recommended.
What surface finishes work on ZC63A?
Requires chromate/chrome-free conversion coating or Dow 17 / HAE / PEO anodic film plus epoxy primer and topcoat; isolate all steel and CFRP fasteners to avoid galvanic attack.
Can ZC63A be formed, bent or molded?
Sand and permanent-mold casting alloy with good feeding and pressure tightness; use SF6-free (SO2/HFC-134a) melt protection, grain-refine by superheat or Zr-free Mn practice, and design for T6 solution soak with controlled quench.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZC63A?
ZC63A 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.
What is the difference between ZC63A-T6 and ZC63A-T4?
T6 is the default condition — the standard supply condition — best combination of yield strength, pressure tightness and adequate ductility for structural castings. T4: solution-treated only: maximum ductility and impact toughness, lower yield strength; sometimes an intermediate stage before ageing. Yield strength is 145 MPa in T6 versus 100 MPa in T4.
How much does ZC63A cost?
ZC63A 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 — Standard Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Sand Castings — ASTM International (2021)
- ASTM B199 — Magnesium-Alloy Permanent Mold Castings — ASTM International (2019)
- 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. 13B — Corrosion: Materials (Magnesium) — ASM International (2005)
- SAE J465 / UNS M16331 alloy designation — SAE International / ASTM-SAE UNS (2018)
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.