Magnesium Alloy ZE63A
ASTM ZE63A · UNS M16630
ZE63A is a magnesium-zinc-rare earth-zirconium sand and investment casting alloy (ZE63A-T6, UNS M16630), a higher-strength evolution of ZE41A produced with a hydrogen solution treatment.
Reference datasheet — ZE63A 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
ZE63A tempers and conditions
ZE63A is supplied in 2 conditions, soft to hard. T6 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 | Only for non-critical or trial castings and for thick sections that cannot be hydride-treated; strength and ductility are well below the rated T6 values. | 145 | 200 | 3 | 55 HB | 24 % IACS |
T6Default Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Standard supplied condition — the only way ZE63A reaches its rated aerospace strength; limited to thin sections (~13 mm) because hydride formation is diffusion-controlled. | 190 | 300 | 10 | 65 HB | 110 W/m·K |
What is ZE63A?
ZE63A is a magnesium-zinc-rare earth-zirconium sand and investment casting alloy (ZE63A-T6, UNS M16630), a higher-strength evolution of ZE41A produced with a hydrogen solution treatment. In T6 it reaches 190 MPa yield, 300 MPa tensile, 10% elongation, about 65 HB and 110 W/m·K, the best room-temperature strength and ductility combination in the Zn-RE casting group. Service is limited to 150 °C, weldability is moderate (score 70), and wall thickness must stay thin so the hydride treatment can penetrate. ZE41A is the simpler, cheaper choice when 205 MPa tensile is sufficient. ZE63A has a density of 1.87 g/cm³ (0.0676 lb/in³), heavier than 99% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 510°C (950 °F). ZE63A has a yield strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) — stronger than 78% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
What is ZE63A used for?
- Aerospace structural castings
- High-strength gearbox housings
- Rotorcraft transmission components
- Thin-wall investment-cast airframe fittings
- Pressure-tight aerospace housings
- Defense equipment structural covers
Advantages
- High strength — 190 MPa (27.6 ksi), better than 78% of magnesium alloy grades
- High electrical conductivity — 26 % IACS, better than 78% of magnesium alloy grades
Limitations
- High embodied carbon — 38 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 95% of magnesium alloy grades
ZE63A properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZE63A-T6; bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
ZE63A has a density of 1.87 g/cm³ (0.0676 lb/in³), heavier than 99% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 510°C (950 °F).
Mechanical12
ZE63A has a yield strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) — stronger than 78% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
Thermal6
ZE63A is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 110 W/m·K (63.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 66% of magnesium alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 27 µm/m·K (15 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZE63A 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 ZE63A takes about 360 MJ of energy and emits 38 kg of CO₂ — more than 87% of magnesium alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 10%.
Manufacturability7
ZE63A's machinability is excellent (92/100, worse than 86% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability very good (70/100).
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. ZE63A is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with ZE63A
Is ZE63A easy to machine?
Machines extremely fast with sharp positive-rake tools and high speeds; use dry or mineral-oil coolant (never water-based), keep chips dry and never use water to fight a chip fire.
Can ZE63A be welded?
GTAW/GMAW repairable with EZ33A- or ZE-type Mg filler under argon; preheat thick sections, avoid welding after hydride treatment or re-treat, and stress relieve to prevent SCC.
Can ZE63A be formed, bent or molded?
Sand and investment casting alloy with good fluidity and low hot-cracking tendency; design thin, uniform walls (≤ about 13 mm) so the hydrogen solution treatment can penetrate, and use SF6-free cover gas plus inhibited sand binders.
ZE63A 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 | 5.5 – 6 | 5.8 |
| RErare earths, didymium/cerium-type mischmetal | 2 – 3 | 2.5 |
| Zrgrain refiner | 0.4 – 1 | 0.7 |
| Cuimpurity limit | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Niimpurity limit | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Others (each)others total 0.30 max | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Mg | balance |
What surface finishes work on ZE63A?
Clean, then chromate/chrome-free conversion coat or Dow 17 / HAE anodize, epoxy prime and top coat; insulate all steel/aluminium fasteners to avoid galvanic attack.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Magnesium Alloy ZE63A in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- M16630
- ASTM
- ZE63A-T6
How much does ZE63A cost?
ZE63A 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.
ZE63A — frequently asked
What is ZE63A used for?
ZE63A is typically used for aerospace structural castings, high-strength gearbox housings, rotorcraft transmission components, thin-wall investment-cast airframe fittings, pressure-tight aerospace housings and defense equipment structural covers. In short: strongest Zn-RE magnesium casting; 10% elongation in T6; thin-wall castings only.
What is the yield strength of ZE63A?
ZE63A has a typical yield strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) — stronger than 78% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is ZE63A easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (92/100, worse than 86% of magnesium alloy grades). Machines extremely fast with sharp positive-rake tools and high speeds; use dry or mineral-oil coolant (never water-based), keep chips dry and never use water to fight a chip fire.
Can ZE63A be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). GTAW/GMAW repairable with EZ33A- or ZE-type Mg filler under argon; preheat thick sections, avoid welding after hydride treatment or re-treat, and stress relieve to prevent SCC.
What surface finishes work on ZE63A?
Clean, then chromate/chrome-free conversion coat or Dow 17 / HAE anodize, epoxy prime and top coat; insulate all steel/aluminium fasteners to avoid galvanic attack.
Can ZE63A be formed, bent or molded?
Sand and investment casting alloy with good fluidity and low hot-cracking tendency; design thin, uniform walls (≤ about 13 mm) so the hydrogen solution treatment can penetrate, and use SF6-free cover gas plus inhibited sand binders.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZE63A?
ZE63A 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 ZE63A-T6 and ZE63A-F?
T6 is the default condition — standard supplied condition — the only way ZE63A reaches its rated aerospace strength; limited to thin sections (~13 mm) because hydride formation is diffusion-controlled. F: only for non-critical or trial castings and for thick sections that cannot be hydride-treated; strength and ductility are well below the rated T6 values. Yield strength is 190 MPa in T6 versus 145 MPa in F.
How much does ZE63A cost?
ZE63A 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 — Magnesium-Alloy Sand Castings — ASTM International (2015)
- SAE/AMS 4426 — Magnesium Alloy Castings, ZE63A — SAE International (2016)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Magnesium and Magnesium Alloys — ASM International (1999)
- 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.