Magnesium Alloy ZM21-F (As fabricated)
Temper
ASTM ZM21 · EN MgZn2Mn1 · ISO ISO-WD32350
Default condition for extrusions and forgings where no post-work thermal treatment is applied.
Values for the F condition
Other ZM21 tempers and conditions
ZM21 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at ZM21.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ODefault Annealed | Pick for maximum room-temperature and warm press formability — deep drawn, stretch-formed or bent panels. | 140 | 240 | 19 | 45 HB | 29 % IACS |
FThis page As fabricated | Default condition for extrusions and forgings where no post-work thermal treatment is applied. | 160 | 250 | 13 | 50 HB | 28 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, half hard | Standard structural sheet temper: higher yield strength and stiffness-per-gauge with usable warm formability. | 195 | 265 | 9 | 58 HB | 27 % IACS |
What is ZM21-F?
ZM21-F is ZM21 in the F temper — default condition for extrusions and forgings where no post-work thermal treatment is applied. ZM21-F has a yield strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) — stronger than 64% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 13% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi). ZM21-F has a density of 1.78 g/cm³ (0.0643 lb/in³), lighter than 78% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 605°C (1,121 °F). O is the default condition FabDigit quotes; F is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 17 MPa·√m (15.5 ksi·√in), better than 94% of magnesium alloy grades
- Conducts heat well — 125 W/m·K (72.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 91% of magnesium alloy grades
- Forms and bends easily — 35/100, better than 87% of magnesium alloy grades
- High electrical conductivity — 28 % IACS, better than 85% of magnesium alloy grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 13%, better than 80% of magnesium alloy grades
Limitations
- High embodied carbon — 36 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 93% of magnesium alloy grades
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 78% of magnesium alloy grades
ZM21-F properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZM21-F; 42 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZM21 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
ZM21-F has a density of 1.78 g/cm³ (0.0643 lb/in³), lighter than 78% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 605°C (1,121 °F).
Mechanical14
ZM21-F has a yield strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) — stronger than 64% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 13% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
Thermal6
ZM21-F is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 125 W/m·K (72.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 91% of magnesium alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 26 µm/m·K (14.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZM21-F conducts electricity at 28 % IACS, better than 85% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (25/100), better than 64% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZM21-F takes about 350 MJ of energy and emits 36 kg of CO₂ — more than 74% of magnesium alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability8
ZM21-F's machinability is excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability very good (70/100); formability fair (35/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ZM21-F
Is ZM21 easy to machine?
Machines faster than any other structural metal — sharp tools, high speed, generous rake, no coolant mist on fine chips; collect and keep dry chips away from water and sparks (fire risk).
Can ZM21 be welded?
Aluminium-free chemistry gives good TIG/MIG weldability with ZM21 or AZ61/AZ92 filler; use argon, clean oxide, preheat thick sections and stress relieve to avoid distortion.
Can ZM21 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold-bend on generous radii only (≥5t); best results warm-forming at 200–300 °C where elongation exceeds 40 % — O temper for deep draws, H24 for shallow forms and rollforming.
What surface finishes work on ZM21?
Chromate-free conversion coating (ASTM D1732) or Mg anodize (HAE/Dow 17/PEO) plus epoxy primer and topcoat; never leave bare in humid or salt service and insulate all steel/CFRP joints.
ZM21 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 solid-solution strengthener | 1.75 – 2.5 | 2 |
| Mniron control and corrosion improvement | 0.6 – 1.4 | 1 |
| Alimpurity limit | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Siimpurity limit | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Cuimpurity limit | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Fecritical for corrosion | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Nicritical for corrosion | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Others (each)total 0.30 max | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Mg | balance | — |
ZM21-F — frequently asked
What is ZM21-F used for?
ZM21-F is typically used for sheet stampings, extruded sections and formed components. In short: best-welding wrought magnesium; aluminium-free Zn-Mn sheet alloy; good warm formability.
What is the yield strength of ZM21-F?
ZM21-F has a typical yield strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) — stronger than 64% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is ZM21-F easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (95/100, better than 54% of magnesium alloy grades). Machines faster than any other structural metal — sharp tools, high speed, generous rake, no coolant mist on fine chips; collect and keep dry chips away from water and sparks (fire risk).
Can ZM21-F be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). Aluminium-free chemistry gives good TIG/MIG weldability with ZM21 or AZ61/AZ92 filler; use argon, clean oxide, preheat thick sections and stress relieve to avoid distortion.
What surface finishes work on ZM21-F?
Chromate-free conversion coating (ASTM D1732) or Mg anodize (HAE/Dow 17/PEO) plus epoxy primer and topcoat; never leave bare in humid or salt service and insulate all steel/CFRP joints.
Can ZM21-F be formed, bent or molded?
Cold-bend on generous radii only (≥5t); best results warm-forming at 200–300 °C where elongation exceeds 40 % — O temper for deep draws, H24 for shallow forms and rollforming.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZM21-F?
ZM21-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 ZM21-O and ZM21-H24?
O is the default condition — pick for maximum room-temperature and warm press formability — deep drawn, stretch-formed or bent panels. H24: standard structural sheet temper: higher yield strength and stiffness-per-gauge with usable warm formability. Yield strength is 140 MPa in O versus 195 MPa in H24.
Sources
- ISO 3116 — Magnesium and magnesium alloys, wrought products (MgZn2Mn1 / WD32350) — ISO (2019)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Magnesium and Magnesium Alloys — ASM International (1999)
- ASM Handbook, Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Wrought magnesium sheet and extrusion alloy data (ZM21/AZ31B) — Magnesium Elektron / Luxfer MEL Technologies (2021)
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.