Magnesium Alloy ZM10-F (As fabricated)
Temper
ASTM ZM10
Pick for low-cost, dimensionally stable non-structural castings where strength and ductility demands are modest.
Values for the F condition
Other ZM10 tempers and conditions
ZM10 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at ZM10.
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 |
FThis page 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-F?
ZM10-F is ZM10 in the F temper — pick for low-cost, dimensionally stable non-structural castings where strength and ductility demands are modest. ZM10-F has a yield strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) — weaker than 93% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 2% and the elastic modulus is 44 GPa (6.38 Msi). ZM10-F 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). T6 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; F is available on request or by drawing note.
Limitations
- Low fracture toughness — 11 MPa·√m (10 ksi·√in), worse than 100% of magnesium alloy grades
- Limited ductility — 2%, worse than 99% of magnesium alloy grades
- Low strength — 95 MPa (13.8 ksi), worse than 93% of magnesium alloy grades
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 78% of magnesium alloy grades
ZM10-F properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZM10-F; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZM10 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
ZM10-F 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-F has a yield strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) — weaker than 93% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 2% and the elastic modulus is 44 GPa (6.38 Msi).
Thermal6
ZM10-F is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 73 W/m·K (42.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 59% of magnesium alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 26 µm/m·K (14.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZM10-F conducts electricity at 12.5 % IACS, worse than 68% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (20/100), worse than 77% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZM10-F 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-F's machinability is excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability good (60/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ZM10-F
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.
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.
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 | — |
ZM10-F — frequently asked
What is ZM10-F used for?
ZM10-F 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-F?
ZM10-F has a typical yield strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) — weaker than 93% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is ZM10-F 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-F be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (60/100). 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-F?
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-F 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-F?
ZM10-F is rated for continuous use to about 120°C (248 °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.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.