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 alloy composed primarily of magnesium with zinc and zirconium. Known for its strength-to-weight ratio and excellent machinability, it is widely used in aerospace components such as landing gear and instrumentation housings, where performance and weight reduction are essential.

Looking to buy magnesium?
Check pricing and availability through our trusted partner:

Online Metals - High-quality magnesium with fast shipping
Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
Magnesium——Remainder
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 button 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

ZK60A-F is utilized across multiple industries where strength, low weight, and reliability are essential, including:

  • Aerospace industry: Used for components that require a combination of strength, lightweight, and high-performance characteristics.
  • Automotive industry: Utilized for lightweight components that contribute to fuel efficiency and emissions reduction.
  • Sporting goods: Popular in the production of sporting goods due to its lightweight and high-strength properties.
  • Defense industry: Employed in applications that require lightweight materials with good mechanical properties.
  • Industrial machinery: Used in the manufacturing of industrial machinery and equipment.
  • Electronics: Its good electromagnetic shielding properties make it suitable for electronic enclosures, cases, and housings.
Similar Alloys