Magnesium Alloy ZE63A-T6
Temper · default condition
ASTM ZE63A · UNS M16630
T6 = 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.
Values for the T6 condition
Other ZE63A tempers and conditions
ZE63A is listed in 2 conditions; see the grade overview at ZE63A.
- F
- T6
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 |
T6DefaultThis page 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-T6?
ZE63A-T6 is ZE63A in the T6 temper — standard supplied condition — the only way ZE63A reaches its rated aerospace strength; limited to thin sections (~13 mm) because hydride formation is diffusion-controlled. ZE63A-T6 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). ZE63A-T6 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).
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-T6 properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZE63A-T6; 11 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZE63A reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
ZE63A-T6 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-T6 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-T6 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-T6 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-T6 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-T6'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. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ZE63A-T6
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.
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.
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 | — |
ZE63A-T6 — frequently asked
What is ZE63A-T6 used for?
ZE63A-T6 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-T6?
ZE63A-T6 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-T6 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-T6 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-T6?
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-T6 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-T6?
ZE63A-T6 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.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.