Magnesium Alloy ZM2
ZM2 is a Mg-Zn-RE-Zr sand and permanent-mould casting alloy in the rare-earth magnesium family, equivalent to ZE41A, in which zirconium refines the grain and the rare-earth addition improves pressure tightness.
Reference datasheet — ZM2 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 T1 condition
ZM2 tempers and conditions
ZM2 is supplied in 3 conditions, soft to hard. T1 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As fabricated | Pick for low-stress or repair-welded parts where the aging cycle is skipped; slightly lower strength and hardness. | 110 | 175 | 4 | 52 HB | 24 % IACS |
T1Default Cooled from hot working and naturally aged | The standard commercial condition for ZM2 sand castings — best combination of strength, pressure tightness and dimensional stability. | 140 | 210 | 3.5 | 62 HB | 25 % IACS |
T1 | Chill-cast sections give a finer grain and modestly higher strength than sand casting at the same aging cycle. | 148 | 225 | 4 | 65 HB | 25 % IACS |
What is ZM2?
ZM2 is a Mg-Zn-RE-Zr sand and permanent-mould casting alloy in the rare-earth magnesium family, equivalent to ZE41A, in which zirconium refines the grain and the rare-earth addition improves pressure tightness. It is supplied as castings in F, T1 and T1-PM conditions, with 140 MPa yield, 210 MPa tensile, 3.5% elongation, 62 HB and 113 W/m·K thermal conductivity. Limits are a 150 °C maximum service temperature, a moderate weldability rating of 70, 25% IACS electrical conductivity and mandatory protective coating against corrosion; for higher-temperature castings the nearest alternative is ZM3 (EZ33A). ZM2 has a density of 1.84 g/cm³ (0.0665 lb/in³), heavier than 89% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 510°C (950 °F). ZM2 has a yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) — weaker than 61% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 3.5% and the elastic modulus is 44 GPa (6.38 Msi).
What is ZM2 used for?
- helicopter transmission housings
- pump housings
- pressure-tight castings
ZM2 properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZM2-T1; bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
ZM2 has a density of 1.84 g/cm³ (0.0665 lb/in³), heavier than 89% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 510°C (950 °F).
Mechanical12
ZM2 has a yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) — weaker than 61% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 3.5% and the elastic modulus is 44 GPa (6.38 Msi).
Thermal6
ZM2 is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 113 W/m·K (65.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 74% of magnesium alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 26.1 µm/m·K (14.5 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZM2 conducts electricity at 25 % IACS, better than 69% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (16/100), worse than 93% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZM2 takes about 330 MJ of energy and emits 28 kg of CO₂ — less than 56% of magnesium alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability7
ZM2's machinability is excellent (96/100, better than 87% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability very good (70/100).
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. ZM2 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with ZM2
Is ZM2 easy to machine?
Cuts extremely easily at high speed with sharp positive-rake tools and low forces; use dry or mineral-oil cutting (never water-based), keep chips coarse and collect them — fine dry swarf is a fire hazard.
Can ZM2 be welded?
Readily TIG/MIG welded with EZ33A or matching Mg–Zn–RE filler for casting repair; preheat 250–300 °C on heavy sections and re-age (T1) afterwards to restore properties.
Can ZM2 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand, permanent-mould and investment casting alloy only — needs SF6-free cover gas or SO2/flux protection, Zr-safe (Al-free) melting practice, and controlled pouring 700–760 °C; not a wrought/formable grade.
ZM2 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Znprincipal strengthener | 3.5 – 5 | 4.2 |
| RECe-rich mischmetal; grain-boundary phases for pressure tightness | 0.75 – 1.75 | 1.2 |
| Zrgrain refiner (soluble Zr) | 0.5 – 1 | 0.7 |
| Cuimpurity limit | ≤ 0.03 | |
| Niimpurity limit — critical for corrosion | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Siimpurity limit | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Alimpurity limit (poisons Zr refinement) | ≤ 0.02 | |
| Others (total)sum of other impurities | ≤ 0.3 | |
| Mg | balance |
What surface finishes work on ZM2?
Chromate-free fluoride/phosphate or MAO conversion coat then epoxy primer + topcoat; mask and isolate all steel/aluminium fasteners with sealant to avoid galvanic pitting.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Magnesium Alloy ZM2 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- Similar grades
- ZE41A
How much does ZM2 cost?
ZM2 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.
ZM2 — frequently asked
What is ZM2 used for?
ZM2 is typically used for helicopter transmission housings, pump housings and pressure-tight castings. In short: pressure-tight RE casting; weldable magnesium casting; high thermal conductivity.
What is the yield strength of ZM2?
ZM2 has a typical yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) — weaker than 61% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is ZM2 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (96/100, better than 87% of magnesium alloy grades). Cuts extremely easily at high speed with sharp positive-rake tools and low forces; use dry or mineral-oil cutting (never water-based), keep chips coarse and collect them — fine dry swarf is a fire hazard.
Can ZM2 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). Readily TIG/MIG welded with EZ33A or matching Mg–Zn–RE filler for casting repair; preheat 250–300 °C on heavy sections and re-age (T1) afterwards to restore properties.
What surface finishes work on ZM2?
Chromate-free fluoride/phosphate or MAO conversion coat then epoxy primer + topcoat; mask and isolate all steel/aluminium fasteners with sealant to avoid galvanic pitting.
Can ZM2 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand, permanent-mould and investment casting alloy only — needs SF6-free cover gas or SO2/flux protection, Zr-safe (Al-free) melting practice, and controlled pouring 700–760 °C; not a wrought/formable grade.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZM2?
ZM2 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 ZM2-T1 and ZM2-F?
T1 is the default condition — the standard commercial condition for ZM2 sand castings — best combination of strength, pressure tightness and dimensional stability. F: pick for low-stress or repair-welded parts where the aging cycle is skipped; slightly lower strength and hardness. Yield strength is 140 MPa in T1 versus 110 MPa in F.
How much does ZM2 cost?
ZM2 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 (ZE41A) — ASTM International (2020)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials — ASM International (1990)
- Magnesium and Magnesium Alloys (ASM Specialty Handbook) — ASM International (1999)
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.