Magnesium Alloy ZM10
ASTM ZM10
ZM10 is a Mg-Y-RE-Zr high-performance casting alloy comparable to WE54A, where yttrium plus rare earths give the strongest and hardest properties in this cast family together with improved corrosion resistance.
Reference datasheet — ZM10 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
ZM10 tempers and conditions
ZM10 is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard. T6 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cooled from hot working, cold worked and naturally aged | Pick when residual casting or machining stresses must be removed for dimensional stability rather than for strength. | 90 | 160 | 2.5 | 60 HB | 13.5 % IACS |
As fabricated | Pick for low-cost, dimensionally stable non-structural castings where strength and ductility demands are modest. | 95 | 165 | 2 | 65 HB | 12.5 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and naturally aged | Pick for maximum tensile strength combined with the best ductility and impact toughness available in this alloy. | 95 | 255 | 7 | 63 HB | 10.5 % IACS |
Cooled from hot working and naturally aged | Pick when a modest hardness/yield gain over as-cast is enough and the cost and distortion of solution treatment must be avoided. | 115 | 180 | 1.5 | 75 HB | 13 % IACS |
T6Default Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Default condition: highest yield strength and hardness with good dimensional stability, accepting low elongation. | 140 | 260 | 2.5 | 80 HB | — |
What is ZM10?
ZM10 is a Mg-Y-RE-Zr high-performance casting alloy comparable to WE54A, where yttrium plus rare earths give the strongest and hardest properties in this cast family together with improved corrosion resistance. Available in F, T1, T4, T6 and T2 conditions, it reaches 140 MPa yield, 260 MPa tensile, 2.5% elongation and 80 HB, and is specified for aero-engine and missile castings. Ductility is low, the listed maximum service temperature is 130 °C, and weldability is rated only 55; ZM6 (QE22A) is the nearest alternative where more elongation and easier repair welding are required. ZM10 has a density of 1.81 g/cm³ (0.0654 lb/in³), heavier than 58% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 440°C (824 °F). ZM10 has a yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) — weaker than 61% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 2.5% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
What is ZM10 used for?
- Aero-engine gearbox castings
- Missile structural parts
- Aerospace accessory housings
- High-load cast brackets
- Transmission casings
- Pressure-tight covers
Limitations
- Limited ductility — 2.5%, worse than 97% of magnesium alloy grades
- Low fracture toughness — 12 MPa·√m (10.9 ksi·√in), worse than 92% of magnesium alloy grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 12 % IACS, worse than 78% of magnesium alloy grades
ZM10 properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZM10-T6; bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
ZM10 has a density of 1.81 g/cm³ (0.0654 lb/in³), heavier than 58% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 440°C (824 °F).
Mechanical13
ZM10 has a yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) — weaker than 61% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 2.5% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
Thermal6
ZM10 is rated for continuous service to 130°C (266 °F). It conducts heat at 72 W/m·K (41.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 69% of magnesium alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 26 µm/m·K (14.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZM10 conducts electricity at 12 % IACS, worse 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 ZM10 takes about 330 MJ of energy and emits 30 kg of CO₂ — less than 56% of magnesium alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability8
ZM10's machinability is excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability good (55/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
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. ZM10 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with ZM10
Is ZM10 easy to machine?
One of the easiest metals to machine — high speeds, sharp tools, generous rake, dry or oil coolant (never water-based); collect and control fine chips as a fire hazard.
Can ZM10 be welded?
TIG/MIG repair welding with AZ92/AZ101 filler works on castings; preheat 150–260 °C, then re-solution or age to restore properties and avoid stress-corrosion-prone HAZ.
Can ZM10 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand and permanent-mould casting alloy with good fluidity but a wide freezing range — use SF6-free cover gas or flux, generous risers and controlled Fe/Ni to keep corrosion low; not cold formable.
ZM10 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Alprincipal strengthening addition (Mg17Al12 precipitation) | 9 – 10.2 | 9.7 |
| Zn | 0.6 – 1.2 | 0.9 |
| Mniron control / corrosion improvement | 0.1 – 0.5 | 0.25 |
| Siimpurity limit | ≤ 0.3 | |
| Cuimpurity limit | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Niimpurity limit | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Bemelt oxidation control | ≤ 0 | |
| Others (total)sum of residual elements | ≤ 0.5 | |
| Mg | balance |
What surface finishes work on ZM10?
Always chromate/phosphate conversion coat (Dow 7/17) or apply HAE/plasma-electrolytic oxide, then epoxy primer and topcoat; isolate steel and Al fasteners to prevent galvanic attack.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Magnesium Alloy ZM10 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- Similar grades
- WE54A
How much does ZM10 cost?
ZM10 is a premium-cost magnesium alloy ($$$), cheaper than about 51% 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.
ZM10 — frequently asked
What is ZM10 used for?
ZM10 is typically used for aero-engine gearbox castings, missile structural parts, aerospace accessory housings, high-load cast brackets, transmission casings and pressure-tight covers. In short: strongest RE cast magnesium; better corrosion resistance; limited weldability rating.
What is the yield strength of ZM10?
ZM10 has a typical yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) — weaker than 61% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is ZM10 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades). One of the easiest metals to machine — high speeds, sharp tools, generous rake, dry or oil coolant (never water-based); collect and control fine chips as a fire hazard.
Can ZM10 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (55/100). TIG/MIG repair welding with AZ92/AZ101 filler works on castings; preheat 150–260 °C, then re-solution or age to restore properties and avoid stress-corrosion-prone HAZ.
What surface finishes work on ZM10?
Always chromate/phosphate conversion coat (Dow 7/17) or apply HAE/plasma-electrolytic oxide, then epoxy primer and topcoat; isolate steel and Al fasteners to prevent galvanic attack.
Can ZM10 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand and permanent-mould casting alloy with good fluidity but a wide freezing range — use SF6-free cover gas or flux, generous risers and controlled Fe/Ni to keep corrosion low; not cold formable.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZM10?
ZM10 is rated for continuous use to about 130°C (266 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between ZM10-T6 and ZM10-T2?
T6 is the default condition — default condition: highest yield strength and hardness with good dimensional stability, accepting low elongation. T2: pick when residual casting or machining stresses must be removed for dimensional stability rather than for strength. Yield strength is 140 MPa in T6 versus 90 MPa in T2.
How much does ZM10 cost?
ZM10 is a premium-cost magnesium alloy ($$$), cheaper than about 51% 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 Standard Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Sand Castings (AZ92A) — ASTM International (2020)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2: Properties and Selection — Nonferrous Alloys (Magnesium castings) — ASM International (1990)
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.