Magnesium Alloy ZK60A As Extruded
Finish state
ASTM ZK60A · UNS M16600 · ISO ISO-WD32260
Product-form label for mill-run extrusions; mechanically equivalent to temper F, with properties measured in the extrusion direction.
Values for the As Extruded condition
Other ZK60A tempers and conditions
ZK60A is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at ZK60A.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As ExtrudedThis page 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 As Extruded?
ZK60A As Extruded is ZK60A supplied in the As Extruded condition — product-form label for mill-run extrusions; mechanically equivalent to temper F, with properties measured in the extrusion direction. ZK60A As Extruded has a yield strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) and a tensile strength of 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) — stronger than 99% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi). ZK60A As Extruded 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). F is the default condition FabDigit quotes; As Extruded is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- High strength — 255 MPa (37 ksi), better than 99% of magnesium alloy grades
- High electrical conductivity — 30 % IACS, better than 94% of magnesium alloy grades
- Conducts heat well — 121 W/m·K (69.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 83% of magnesium alloy grades
Limitations
- Difficult to weld — 25/100, worse than 98% of magnesium alloy grades
ZK60A As Extruded properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZK60A As Extruded; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZK60A reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
ZK60A As Extruded 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 As Extruded has a yield strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) and a tensile strength of 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) — stronger than 99% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
Thermal6
ZK60A As Extruded 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 As Extruded conducts electricity at 30 % IACS, better than 94% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (15/100), worse than 94% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZK60A As Extruded 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 As Extruded's machinability is excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability poor (25/100); formability poor (25/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ZK60A As Extruded
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.
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.
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 | — |
ZK60A As Extruded — frequently asked
What is ZK60A As Extruded used for?
ZK60A As Extruded is typically used for aerospace fittings, defense components and brackets. In short: high-strength aerospace magnesium.
What is the yield strength of ZK60A As Extruded?
ZK60A As Extruded has a typical yield strength of 255 MPa (37 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 As Extruded 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 As Extruded 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 As Extruded?
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 As Extruded 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 As Extruded?
ZK60A As Extruded 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.
Can FabDigit make parts in ZK60A As Extruded?
Yes — ZK60A As Extruded 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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.