Magnesium Alloy ZM3-F (As fabricated)
Temper
Pick for non-critical or low-stress parts where the aging cycle is skipped; slightly lower yield strength than T1.
Values for the F condition
Other ZM3 tempers and conditions
ZM3 is listed in 2 conditions; see the grade overview at ZM3.
- F
- T1
Compare all 2 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FThis page As fabricated | Pick for non-critical or low-stress parts where the aging cycle is skipped; slightly lower yield strength than T1. | 80 | 130 | 3.5 | 50 HB | 22 % IACS |
T1Default Cooled from hot working and naturally aged | Standard supply condition: ~200 °C/8–16 h aging that precipitates the RE phases, giving the best creep and elevated-temperature stability. | 95 | 145 | 3 | 55 HB | 24 % IACS |
What is ZM3-F?
ZM3-F is ZM3 in the F temper — pick for non-critical or low-stress parts where the aging cycle is skipped; slightly lower yield strength than T1. ZM3-F has a yield strength of 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) — weaker than 99% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 3.5% and the elastic modulus is 44 GPa (6.38 Msi). ZM3-F has a density of 1.8 g/cm³ (0.065 lb/in³), lighter than 63% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 545°C (1,013 °F). T1 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; F is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- High service temperature — 200°C (392 °F), better than 84% of magnesium alloy grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 80 MPa (11.6 ksi), worse than 99% of magnesium alloy grades
ZM3-F properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZM3-F; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZM3 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
ZM3-F has a density of 1.8 g/cm³ (0.065 lb/in³), lighter than 63% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 545°C (1,013 °F).
Mechanical15
ZM3-F has a yield strength of 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) — weaker than 99% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 3.5% and the elastic modulus is 44 GPa (6.38 Msi).
Thermal6
ZM3-F is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 95 W/m·K (54.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 52% of magnesium alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 26.5 µm/m·K (14.7 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZM3-F conducts electricity at 22 % IACS, better than 55% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (22/100), worse than 57% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZM3-F takes about 330 MJ of energy and emits 32 kg of CO₂ — less than 56% of magnesium alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability8
ZM3-F's machinability is excellent (90/100, worse than 95% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability good (65/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ZM3-F
Is ZM3 easy to machine?
Extremely free machining with sharp, high-rake carbide tools and high speeds; use dry or mineral-oil coolant (never water-based) and control fine chips/dust for fire risk.
Can ZM3 be welded?
Good TIG/GTAW weldability with matching RE-Mg filler under argon; low hot-cracking tendency, re-age after welding to restore creep properties.
Can ZM3 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand and permanent-mould casting alloy with excellent fluidity and pressure tightness; melt under SF6/SO2 or inert cover, keep Fe/Ni/Cu impurities low, not cold formable.
What surface finishes work on ZM3?
Requires chemical conversion (chromate-free) or MAO/HAE anodic coating plus epoxy primer/topcoat; insulate all steel and copper-alloy fasteners to prevent galvanic corrosion.
ZM3 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 |
|---|---|---|
| RE (mischmetal, Ce-rich)cerium-rich mischmetal | 2.5 – 4 | 3 |
| Zn | 0.2 – 0.7 | 0.5 |
| Zrgrain refiner | 0.4 – 1 | 0.7 |
| Siimpurity max | ≤ 0.02 | — |
| Feimpurity max | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Cuimpurity max | ≤ 0.03 | — |
| Niimpurity max | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Mg | balance | — |
ZM3-F — frequently asked
What is ZM3-F used for?
ZM3-F is typically used for aero-engine casings, high-temperature cast housings, gearbox and accessory drive casings, pressure-tight pump bodies and engine-mounted brackets and covers. In short: creep-resistant Mg casting; 250 °C service capability; low hot-cracking tendency.
What is the yield strength of ZM3-F?
ZM3-F has a typical yield strength of 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) — weaker than 99% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is ZM3-F easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (90/100, worse than 95% of magnesium alloy grades). Extremely free machining with sharp, high-rake carbide tools and high speeds; use dry or mineral-oil coolant (never water-based) and control fine chips/dust for fire risk.
Can ZM3-F be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (65/100). Good TIG/GTAW weldability with matching RE-Mg filler under argon; low hot-cracking tendency, re-age after welding to restore creep properties.
What surface finishes work on ZM3-F?
Requires chemical conversion (chromate-free) or MAO/HAE anodic coating plus epoxy primer/topcoat; insulate all steel and copper-alloy fasteners to prevent galvanic corrosion.
Can ZM3-F be formed, bent or molded?
Sand and permanent-mould casting alloy with excellent fluidity and pressure tightness; melt under SF6/SO2 or inert cover, keep Fe/Ni/Cu impurities low, not cold formable.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZM3-F?
ZM3-F is rated for continuous use to about 200°C (392 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between ZM3-T1 and ZM3-F?
T1 is the default condition — standard supply condition: ~200 °C/8–16 h aging that precipitates the RE phases, giving the best creep and elevated-temperature stability. F: pick for non-critical or low-stress parts where the aging cycle is skipped; slightly lower yield strength than T1. Yield strength is 95 MPa in T1 versus 80 MPa in F.
Sources
- ASTM B80 Standard Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Sand Castings — ASTM (2020)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys (Magnesium casting alloys, EZ33A) — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Magnesium and Magnesium Alloys — 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.