Magnesium Alloy ZE41A
ASTM ZE41A · UNS M16410 · EN 3.5101
ZE41A is a magnesium-zinc-rare earth-zirconium sand casting alloy (ZE41A-T5, UNS M16410, 3.5101) supplied in F and T5 conditions.
Reference datasheet — ZE41A 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
ZE41A tempers and conditions
ZE41A is supplied in 2 conditions, soft to hard. T5 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 2 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As fabricated | Use only where strength is non-critical or for prototype/pattern-check castings; almost all production castings are aged to T5. | 115 | 175 | 3 | 55 HB | 25 % IACS |
T5Default Cooled from hot working and artificially aged | Standard production condition for aerospace gearbox and housing castings — best combination of strength, pressure tightness and stability to 150 °C. | 140 | 205 | 3.5 | 62 HB | 113 W/m·K |
What is ZE41A?
ZE41A is a magnesium-zinc-rare earth-zirconium sand casting alloy (ZE41A-T5, UNS M16410, 3.5101) supplied in F and T5 conditions. It is chosen for castability and pressure tightness rather than peak strength, giving 140 MPa yield, 205 MPa tensile, 3.5% elongation, about 62 HB and 113 W/m·K, with moderate strength retention to roughly 150 °C. It is the standard alloy for aerospace gearbox casings and repairs readily by GTAW (weldability score 70). Elongation is low and corrosion protection is essential; ZE63A gives higher strength and ductility, and WE43B is the choice above 150 °C. ZE41A 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). ZE41A 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 ZE41A used for?
- helicopter gearbox casings
- aircraft engine castings
- general aerospace sand castings
Advantages
- High electrical conductivity — 26 % IACS, better than 78% of magnesium alloy grades
ZE41A properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZE41A-T5; bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
ZE41A 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).
Mechanical13
ZE41A 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
ZE41A 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
ZE41A conducts electricity at 26 % IACS, better than 78% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (22/100), worse than 57% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZE41A takes about 340 MJ of energy and emits 28 kg of CO₂ — more than 59% of magnesium alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 15%.
Manufacturability8
ZE41A's machinability is excellent (92/100, worse than 86% 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. ZE41A is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with ZE41A
Is ZE41A easy to machine?
Machines faster than any other structural metal with sharp, high-rake tools and high speeds; use dry or mineral-oil coolant (never water-based), keep chips dry and have Class D extinguishing media on hand.
Can ZE41A be welded?
GTAW with ZE41A/EZ33 filler in argon works well for casting repair; preheat 250–300 °C for heavy sections and re-age (T5) afterwards to restore properties and relieve stress.
Can ZE41A be formed, bent or molded?
Sand or investment cast only; excellent fluidity and pressure tightness with SF6/SO2-free cover-gas melt protection, zirconium-bearing melt requires low superheat and short holding to avoid Zr fade.
ZE41A 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Zn | 3.5 – 5 | 4.2 |
| RE (rare earths, didymium/mischmetal)Ce-Nd rich mischmetal | 0.75 – 1.75 | 1.2 |
| Zrgrain refiner | 0.4 – 1 | 0.7 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Ni | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Others (each)total others 0.30 max | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Mg | balance |
What surface finishes work on ZE41A?
Fluoride/chromate or Dow 17 / HAE anodic conversion coating followed by epoxy primer and topcoat; insulate all steel and CFRP interfaces to prevent galvanic attack.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Magnesium Alloy ZE41A in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- M16410
- ASTM
- ZE41A-T5
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- 3.5101
How much does ZE41A cost?
ZE41A is a high-cost magnesium alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% 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.
ZE41A — frequently asked
What is ZE41A used for?
ZE41A is typically used for helicopter gearbox casings, aircraft engine castings and general aerospace sand castings. In short: best-casting aerospace Mg alloy; pressure-tight thin-wall castings; weld-repairable in service.
What is the yield strength of ZE41A?
ZE41A 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 2 listed tempers.
Is ZE41A easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (92/100, worse than 86% of magnesium alloy grades). Machines faster than any other structural metal with sharp, high-rake tools and high speeds; use dry or mineral-oil coolant (never water-based), keep chips dry and have Class D extinguishing media on hand.
Can ZE41A be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). GTAW with ZE41A/EZ33 filler in argon works well for casting repair; preheat 250–300 °C for heavy sections and re-age (T5) afterwards to restore properties and relieve stress.
What surface finishes work on ZE41A?
Fluoride/chromate or Dow 17 / HAE anodic conversion coating followed by epoxy primer and topcoat; insulate all steel and CFRP interfaces to prevent galvanic attack.
Can ZE41A be formed, bent or molded?
Sand or investment cast only; excellent fluidity and pressure tightness with SF6/SO2-free cover-gas melt protection, zirconium-bearing melt requires low superheat and short holding to avoid Zr fade.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZE41A?
ZE41A 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 ZE41A-T5 and ZE41A-F?
T5 is the default condition — standard production condition for aerospace gearbox and housing castings — best combination of strength, pressure tightness and stability to 150 °C. F: use only where strength is non-critical or for prototype/pattern-check castings; almost all production castings are aged to T5. Yield strength is 140 MPa in T5 versus 115 MPa in F.
How much does ZE41A cost?
ZE41A is a high-cost magnesium alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% 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)
- AMS 4439 — Magnesium Alloy Castings, Sand, 4.2Zn–1.2RE–0.7Zr (ZE41A-T5) — SAE International (2018)
- 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 — ASM International (2005)
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.