Magnesium Elektron RZ5 (UNS M16410)

Magnesium Elektron RZ5 is a high-performance magnesium casting alloy composed of zinc, rare earth elements, and zirconium. Known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and fatigue performance, RZ5 is widely used in industries demanding lightweight and durable materials.
| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Magnesium | 92.3% | 95.3% |
| Rare Earths | 0.8% | 1.7% |
| Zinc | 3.5% | 5.0% |
| Zirconium | 0.4% | 1.0% |
The following table provides a list of magnesium Elektron RZ5 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.
Click on the button to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Mechanical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Ultimate) | ≥ 200 MPa |
| Tensile Strength (Yield) | ≥ 135 MPa |
| Compressive Strength (Ultimate) | 330 - 365 MPa |
| Compressive Strength (Yield) | 130 - 150 MPa |
| Shear Strength | 138 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus (E) | 44.1 GPa |
| Elongation at Break | ≥ 3% |
| Poisson’s Ratio (ν) | 0.35 |
| Brinell Hardness | 55 - 70 |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | 510 - 640 °C |
| Solidus | 510 °C |
| Liquidus | 640 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 109 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 960 J/kg·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL) | 27.1 1/°C |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Electrical Resistivity | 6.80×10-6 Ω·cm |
The values in this table are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as the specific manufacturing process and heat treatment applied to the alloy.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Magnesium Elektron RZ5
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| High strength-to-weight ratio | Relatively expensive compared to other alloys |
| Lightweight | Lower melting point compared to other metals |
| Excellent corrosion resistance | Requires specialized equipment for processing |
| Good heat resistance | Susceptible to certain forms of corrosion |
| Good weldability and machinability | Limited availability in certain regions |
| Suitable for complex shapes and designs | Potential for flammability in certain conditions |
Applications of Magnesium Elektron RZ5
RZ5 is widely employed across industries that require lightweight, corrosion-resistant components with reliable strength, including:
- Aerospace: Used in the aerospace industry for manufacturing lightweight components such as aircraft engine casings, gearbox housings, brackets, and structural parts.
- Automotive: Utilized for various applications, including transmission cases, engine blocks, intake manifolds, steering components, and suspension parts.
- Defense: Applied in defense sectors due to its strength, lightness, and corrosion resistance. Commonly used for missile casings, armor plating, and other military equipment where weight reduction is crucial.
- Sports and Recreation: Employed in producing lightweight sporting equipment such as golf club heads, tennis racquets, and bicycle frames.
- Electronics: Used for manufacturing lightweight electronic enclosures and components.
