Magnesium ZK60A-F (UNS M16600)

Image of Magnesium ZK60A-F bars
Credit: CSIRO, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Magnesium ZK60A-F is a heat treatable wrought magnesium alloy, containing zirconium and zinc. It is commonly used in aircraft applications such as landing gear, brake housings, and instrumentation bodies.

Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
MagnesiumRemainder
Zinc4.8%6.2%
Zirconium0.45%

The following table provides a list of magnesium ZK60A-F properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.

Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Magnesium ZK60A-F Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Density1830 kg/m3
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)340 MPa
Tensile Strength (Yield)260 MPa
Compressive Strength (Yield)230 MPa
Bearing Strength (Ultimate)550 MPa
Bearing Strength (Yield)380 MPa
Shear Strength185 MPa
Young’s Modulus (E)45 GPa
Shear Modulus (G)17 GPa
Elongation at Break in 50 mm11%
Poisson’s Ratio (ν)0.35
Brinell Hardness 500 kg load, 10 mm ball75
Knoop Hardness Converted from Brinell98
Vickers Hardness Converted from Brinell85
Machinability100%
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Melting Point Incipient Melting≥ 518 °C
Solidus520 °C
Liquidus635 °C
Thermal Conductivity120 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp)1000 J/kg·K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL)26.0 1/°C
Heat of Fusion315 J/g
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Electrical Resistivity6.00×10-6 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 ZK60A-F

AdvantagesDisadvantages
LightweightSusceptible to corrosion
High strength-to-weight ratioLimited temperature range
Good machinabilityLower stiffness
Excellent damping propertiesHigher cost
Good electromagnetic shielding

Applications of Magnesium ZK60A-F

Magnesium ZK60A-F alloy finds applications in various industries where lightweight, high-strength materials are required. Here are some common applications of Magnesium ZK60A-F:

  • Aerospace industry: Magnesium ZK60A-F is used in the aerospace sector for components that require a combination of strength, lightweight, and high-performance characteristics.
  • Automotive industry: The automotive industry utilizes Magnesium ZK60A-F for lightweight components that contribute to fuel efficiency and emissions reduction.
  • Sporting goods: Magnesium ZK60A-F is popular in the production of sporting goods due to its lightweight and high-strength properties.
  • Defense industry: The defense sector utilizes Magnesium ZK60A-F in applications that require lightweight materials with good mechanical properties.
  • Industrial machinery: Magnesium ZK60A-F is used in the manufacturing of industrial machinery and equipment.
  • Electronics: Magnesium ZK60A-F’s good electromagnetic shielding properties make it suitable for electronic enclosures, cases, and housings.
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