Magnesium Alloy ZM2-T1
Temper · default condition
T1 = cooled from hot working and naturally aged
The standard commercial condition for ZM2 sand castings — best combination of strength, pressure tightness and dimensional stability.
Values for the T1 condition
Other ZM2 tempers and conditions
ZM2 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at ZM2.
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 |
T1DefaultThis page 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-T1?
ZM2-T1 is ZM2 in the T1 temper — the standard commercial condition for ZM2 sand castings — best combination of strength, pressure tightness and dimensional stability. ZM2-T1 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). ZM2-T1 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-T1 properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZM2-T1; 12 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZM2 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
ZM2-T1 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-T1 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-T1 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-T1 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-T1 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-T1'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. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ZM2-T1
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.
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.
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 | — |
ZM2-T1 — frequently asked
What is ZM2-T1 used for?
ZM2-T1 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-T1?
ZM2-T1 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-T1 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-T1 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-T1?
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-T1 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-T1?
ZM2-T1 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.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.