Magnesium Alloy ZE41
ASTM ZE41 · EN MC35110, MgZn4RE1Zr
ZE41 is a zinc–zirconium magnesium casting alloy with light rare-earth additions (ZE41A, MgZn4RE1Zr, MC35110), normally supplied in the T5 condition.
Reference datasheet — ZE41 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 T5 condition
ZE41 tempers and conditions
ZE41 is supplied in 3 conditions, soft to hard. T5 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As fabricated | Rarely supplied commercially; used only for non-critical castings or before final ageing. | 115 | 170 | 3 | 55 HB | 24 % IACS |
T5Default Cooled from hot working and artificially aged | Standard aerospace condition (ASTM B80 / AMS 4439): best combination of strength, pressure tightness and dimensional stability without a solution treatment. | 140 | 205 | 3.5 | 62 HB | 113 W/m·K |
Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Occasionally specified for slightly higher strength, but the Zn-rich eutectic limits solution temperature and T5 is normally preferred. | 150 | 215 | 3 | 66 HB | 26 % IACS |
What is ZE41?
ZE41 is a zinc–zirconium magnesium casting alloy with light rare-earth additions (ZE41A, MgZn4RE1Zr, MC35110), normally supplied in the T5 condition. The rare earths and zirconium give low microporosity and pressure-tight sand and permanent-mould castings, with 140 MPa yield, 205 MPa tensile, 3.5% elongation, 62 HB and 113 W/m·K, which is why it dominates aerospace gearbox housings. Elongation is only 3.5%, service is limited to about 150 °C and bare corrosion resistance is very low, so conversion coating and paint are mandatory. EZ33 is the alternative where creep strength to 250 °C is needed. ZE41 has a density of 1.84 g/cm³ (0.0665 lb/in³), heavier than 89% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 510°C (950 °F). ZE41 has a yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) — weaker than 61% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 3.5% and the elastic modulus is 44 GPa (6.38 Msi).
What is ZE41 used for?
- helicopter gearbox housings
- aerospace castings
- engine accessory housings
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 26 kg CO₂/kg, better than 96% of magnesium alloy grades
ZE41 properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZE41-T5; bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
ZE41 has a density of 1.84 g/cm³ (0.0665 lb/in³), heavier than 89% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 510°C (950 °F).
Mechanical14
ZE41 has a yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) — weaker than 61% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 3.5% and the elastic modulus is 44 GPa (6.38 Msi).
Thermal6
ZE41 is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 113 W/m·K (65.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 74% of magnesium alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 26.1 µm/m·K (14.5 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZE41 conducts electricity at 25 % IACS, better than 69% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (18/100), worse than 88% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZE41 takes about 300 MJ of energy and emits 26 kg of CO₂ — less than 92% of magnesium alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability8
ZE41's machinability is excellent (96/100, better than 87% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability very good (70/100); 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. ZE41 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with ZE41
Is ZE41 easy to machine?
Machines faster and with lower cutting forces than any other structural metal — use sharp, high-rake tools, high speed, and flood mineral-oil or dry cutting; never water-based coolant with fine chips, and keep swarf collected to avoid fire risk.
Can ZE41 be welded?
GTAW/GMAW weldable with EZ33A or ZE41A-matching filler; preheat 260–320 °C for thick sections, re-age at T5 after welding, and expect some hot-tearing sensitivity in the Zn-rich eutectic.
Can ZE41 be formed, bent or molded?
Casting alloy only — excellent sand and permanent-mold castability with low microporosity and good pressure tightness; melt must be protected with SF6-free cover gas or flux, and Zr level maintained for grain refinement.
ZE41 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 strengthener | 3.5 – 5 | 4.2 |
| RErare-earth mischmetal (Ce-rich didymium); forms grain-boundary network reducing microporosity | 0.75 – 1.75 | 1.2 |
| Zrgrain refiner | 0.4 – 1 | 0.7 |
| Cuimpurity limit | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Niimpurity limit (corrosion) | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Others (each)0.30 total max | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Mg | balance |
What surface finishes work on ZE41?
Apply chromate or chrome-free conversion coating (MIL-M-3171 / Dow 7) or hard anodic coating (HAE, Dow 17, Tagnite) followed by epoxy primer; isolate from steel, aluminium and copper fasteners to prevent galvanic attack.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Magnesium Alloy ZE41 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- ASTM
- ZE41A
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- MC35110MgZn4RE1Zr
How much does ZE41 cost?
ZE41 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.
ZE41 — frequently asked
What is ZE41 used for?
ZE41 is typically used for helicopter gearbox housings, aerospace castings and engine accessory housings. In short: pressure-tight aerospace castings; weldable rare-earth magnesium; low casting microporosity.
What is the yield strength of ZE41?
ZE41 has a typical yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) — weaker than 61% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is ZE41 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (96/100, better than 87% of magnesium alloy grades). Machines faster and with lower cutting forces than any other structural metal — use sharp, high-rake tools, high speed, and flood mineral-oil or dry cutting; never water-based coolant with fine chips, and keep swarf collected to avoid fire risk.
Can ZE41 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). GTAW/GMAW weldable with EZ33A or ZE41A-matching filler; preheat 260–320 °C for thick sections, re-age at T5 after welding, and expect some hot-tearing sensitivity in the Zn-rich eutectic.
What surface finishes work on ZE41?
Apply chromate or chrome-free conversion coating (MIL-M-3171 / Dow 7) or hard anodic coating (HAE, Dow 17, Tagnite) followed by epoxy primer; isolate from steel, aluminium and copper fasteners to prevent galvanic attack.
Can ZE41 be formed, bent or molded?
Casting alloy only — excellent sand and permanent-mold castability with low microporosity and good pressure tightness; melt must be protected with SF6-free cover gas or flux, and Zr level maintained for grain refinement.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZE41?
ZE41 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 ZE41-T5 and ZE41-F?
T5 is the default condition — standard aerospace condition (ASTM B80 / AMS 4439): best combination of strength, pressure tightness and dimensional stability without a solution treatment. F: rarely supplied commercially; used only for non-critical castings or before final ageing. Yield strength is 140 MPa in T5 versus 115 MPa in F.
How much does ZE41 cost?
ZE41 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)
- AMS 4439 — Magnesium Alloy Castings ZE41A-T5 — SAE International (2018)
- GB/T 1177 (ZM2 / ZMgZn4RE1Zr) (2018)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Magnesium and Magnesium Alloys — ASM International (1999)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ZE41A casting alloy data — Magnesium Elektron (Luxfer MEL Technologies) (2020)
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.