Magnesium Alloy ZM10-T2
Heat-treated state
ASTM ZM10
T2 = 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.
Values for the T2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
T2This page 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-T2?
ZM10-T2 is ZM10 heat treated to T2 — pick when residual casting or machining stresses must be removed for dimensional stability rather than for strength. ZM10-T2 has a yield strength of 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) — weaker than 96% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 2.5% and the elastic modulus is 44 GPa (6.38 Msi). ZM10-T2 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; T2 is available on request or by drawing note.
Limitations
- Limited ductility — 2.5%, worse than 97% of magnesium alloy grades
- Low strength — 90 MPa (13.1 ksi), worse than 96% of magnesium alloy grades
- Low fracture toughness — 12 MPa·√m (10.9 ksi·√in), worse than 92% of magnesium alloy grades
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 78% of magnesium alloy grades
ZM10-T2 properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZM10-T2; 21 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-T2 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-T2 has a yield strength of 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) — weaker than 96% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 2.5% and the elastic modulus is 44 GPa (6.38 Msi).
Thermal6
ZM10-T2 is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 78 W/m·K (45.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 58% of magnesium alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 26 µm/m·K (14.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZM10-T2 conducts electricity at 13.5 % IACS, worse than 64% 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-T2 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-T2's machinability is excellent (96/100, better than 87% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability good (62/100); formability not recommended (12/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ZM10-T2
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-T2 — frequently asked
What is ZM10-T2 used for?
ZM10-T2 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-T2?
ZM10-T2 has a typical yield strength of 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) — weaker than 96% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is ZM10-T2 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (96/100, better than 87% 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-T2 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (62/100). 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-T2?
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-T2 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-T2?
ZM10-T2 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.