Magnesium Alloy ZK60A
ASTM ZK60A · UNS M16600 · ISO ISO-WD32260
ZK60A is a high-strength Mg-Zn-Zr wrought alloy (UNS M16600) supplied as extrusions and forgings in F, T5 and T6, with zirconium grain refinement replacing aluminium.
Values for the F condition
ZK60A tempers and conditions
ZK60A is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. F 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
extruded bar/shape/tube in as-extruded (F) condition | Product-form label for mill-run extrusions; mechanically equivalent to temper F, with properties measured in the extrusion direction. | 255 | 340 | 12 | 68 HB | 30 % IACS |
FDefault As fabricated | Default stock condition for extruded bar, shapes and tube where maximum strength is not required and some ductility is wanted. | 260 | 340 | 14 | 75 HB | 28 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Peak-aged ZK60A (Mg-6Zn-0.5Zr) with the highest yield strength of the grade, used for extrusions and forgings where strength-to-weight dominates. | 300 | 365 | 10 | 88 HB | 29 % IACS |
Cooled from hot working and artificially aged | Pick T5 (the standard high-strength condition for ZK60A extrusions and forgings) when maximum yield strength and fatigue life are needed. | 305 | 365 | 11 | 84 HB | 29 % IACS |
What is ZK60A?
ZK60A is a high-strength Mg-Zn-Zr wrought alloy (UNS M16600) supplied as extrusions and forgings in F, T5 and T6, with zirconium grain refinement replacing aluminium. At 1.83 g/cm³ it reaches 260 MPa yield, 340 MPa tensile strength, 14% elongation and 75 HB, the best strength-ductility combination among conventional wrought magnesium alloys, with 121 W/m·K conductivity and 150 °C maximum service temperature. Fusion weldability is poor (score 25) because the Mn-free, high-Zn chemistry is hot-crack sensitive, and bare corrosion resistance is low. AZ80A is the weldable higher-Al alternative at similar strength. ZK60A has a density of 1.83 g/cm³ (0.0661 lb/in³), heavier than 81% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 520°C (968 °F). ZK60A has a yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) — stronger than 99% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 14% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
What is ZK60A used for?
- Aerospace fittings
- Defense components
- Brackets
Advantages
- High strength — 260 MPa (37.7 ksi), better than 99% of magnesium alloy grades
- High electrical conductivity — 28 % IACS, better than 85% of magnesium alloy grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 14%, better than 83% of magnesium alloy grades
- Conducts heat well — 121 W/m·K (69.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 83% of magnesium alloy grades
- Forms and bends easily — 30/100, better than 82% of magnesium alloy grades
Limitations
- Difficult to weld — 25/100, worse than 98% of magnesium alloy grades
ZK60A properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZK60A-F; bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
ZK60A has a density of 1.83 g/cm³ (0.0661 lb/in³), heavier than 81% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 520°C (968 °F).
Mechanical14
ZK60A has a yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) — stronger than 99% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 14% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
Thermal6
ZK60A is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 121 W/m·K (69.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 83% of magnesium alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 26 µm/m·K (14.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZK60A conducts electricity at 28 % IACS, better than 85% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (25/100), better than 64% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZK60A takes about 300 MJ of energy and emits 30 kg of CO₂ — less than 92% of magnesium alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 20%.
Manufacturability8
ZK60A's machinability is excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability poor (25/100); formability poor (30/100).
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. ZK60A is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with ZK60A
Is ZK60A easy to machine?
Machines faster than any other structural metal with high speeds, sharp positive-rake tools and dry or mineral-oil cutting — never water-based coolant; collect and manage fine chips/dust for fire risk.
Can ZK60A be welded?
Poor fusion weldability: high-Zn, Mn-free Mg-Zn-Zr is hot-crack sensitive; use mechanical fastening or adhesive bonding, or GTAW with ZK/EZ33-type filler, low heat input and post-weld stress relief for non-critical joints.
Can ZK60A be formed, bent or molded?
Form only hot (250–400 °C) because of the HCP basal texture; bending, upsetting and forging are done warm, and cold bending should use generous radii (>5t) to avoid splitting.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to ZK60A. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Excellent95 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | N.7 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 400 / 460 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.8 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1.5 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 8× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 0.8 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Fair30 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Better25 / 100 |
| Bendable | Yes |
ZK60A 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 | 4.8 – 6.2 | 5.5 |
| Zr0.45 % minimum for grain refinement | ≥ 0.45 | 0.55 |
| Others (total)residual/impurity elements, each typically ≤0.05–0.10 % | ≤ 0.3 | |
| Mg | balance |
What surface finishes work on ZK60A?
Chromate/fluoride conversion coat, HAE/Dow-17 anodize or PEO followed by epoxy primer and topcoat; insulate from steel/aluminium fasteners to avoid galvanic corrosion, and shot-peen highly loaded parts.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on magnesium alloy parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Conversion Coating
Organic Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Magnesium Alloy ZK60A in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- M16600
- ASTM
- B107
- ISO
- ISO-WD32260
- Also called
- MgZn6ZrZK60A-T5
- Similar grades
- MB15
How much does ZK60A cost?
ZK60A is a standard-cost magnesium alloy ($$), cheaper than about 59% 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.
ZK60A — frequently asked
What is ZK60A used for?
ZK60A is typically used for aerospace fittings, defense components and brackets. In short: high-strength aerospace magnesium.
What is the yield strength of ZK60A?
ZK60A has a typical yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) — stronger than 99% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is ZK60A easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades). Machines faster than any other structural metal with high speeds, sharp positive-rake tools and dry or mineral-oil cutting — never water-based coolant; collect and manage fine chips/dust for fire risk.
Can ZK60A be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (25/100). Poor fusion weldability: high-Zn, Mn-free Mg-Zn-Zr is hot-crack sensitive; use mechanical fastening or adhesive bonding, or GTAW with ZK/EZ33-type filler, low heat input and post-weld stress relief for non-critical joints.
What surface finishes work on ZK60A?
Chromate/fluoride conversion coat, HAE/Dow-17 anodize or PEO followed by epoxy primer and topcoat; insulate from steel/aluminium fasteners to avoid galvanic corrosion, and shot-peen highly loaded parts.
Can ZK60A be formed, bent or molded?
Form only hot (250–400 °C) because of the HCP basal texture; bending, upsetting and forging are done warm, and cold bending should use generous radii (>5t) to avoid splitting.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZK60A?
ZK60A 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 ZK60A-F and ZK60A-T5?
F is the default condition — default stock condition for extruded bar, shapes and tube where maximum strength is not required and some ductility is wanted. T5: pick T5 (the standard high-strength condition for ZK60A extrusions and forgings) when maximum yield strength and fatigue life are needed. Yield strength is 260 MPa in F versus 305 MPa in T5.
How much does ZK60A cost?
ZK60A is a standard-cost magnesium alloy ($$), cheaper than about 59% 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.
Can FabDigit make parts in ZK60A?
Yes — ZK60A is available for CNC machining and sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM B107/B107M — Magnesium-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Profiles, Tubes and Wire — ASTM International (2021)
- ASTM B91 — Magnesium-Alloy Forgings — ASTM International (2017)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys (Magnesium alloys) — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Magnesium and Magnesium Alloys — ASM International (1999)
- MMPDS / MatWeb typical property listings for ZK60A — Battelle / MatWeb (2023)
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.