Magnesium Alloy ZK60A · temper
Magnesium Alloy ZK60A-T6
Properties of the T6 condition, compared with the other ZK60A tempers.
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.
What is ZK60A-T6?
ZK60A-T6 is ZK60A in the T6 temper — 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. ZK60A-T6 has a yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 365 MPa (52.9 ksi) — stronger than 101% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi). ZK60A-T6 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; T6 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- High strength — 300 MPa (43.5 ksi), better than 101% of magnesium alloy grades
- High electrical conductivity — 29 % IACS, better than 91% 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-T6 properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZK60A-T6 — 40 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every ZK60A temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the magnesium alloy grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
ZK60A-T6 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-T6 has a yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 365 MPa (52.9 ksi) — stronger than 101% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
Thermal6
ZK60A-T6 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-T6 conducts electricity at 29 % IACS, better than 91% 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-T6 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-T6's machinability is excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability poor (25/100); formability poor (20/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other ZK60A tempers and conditions
ZK60A is also supplied in 3 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the ZK60A overview.
- FDefaultDefault stock condition for extruded bar, shapes and tube where maximum strength is not required and some ductility is wanted.260 MPa yield · 75 HB
- T5Pick T5 (the standard high-strength condition for ZK60A extrusions and forgings) when maximum yield strength and fatigue life are needed.305 MPa yield · 84 HB
- T6Peak-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 MPa yield · 88 HB
Working with ZK60A-T6
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-T6 — frequently asked
What is ZK60A-T6 used for?
ZK60A-T6 is typically used for aerospace fittings, defense components and brackets. In short: high-strength aerospace magnesium.
What is the yield strength of ZK60A-T6?
ZK60A-T6 has a typical yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 365 MPa (52.9 ksi) — stronger than 101% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is ZK60A-T6 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-T6 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-T6?
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-T6 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-T6?
ZK60A-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 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-T6?
Yes — ZK60A-T6 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.