Magnesium ZK60A-F (UNS M16600)

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.
| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Magnesium | —— | Remainder |
| Zinc | 4.8% | 6.2% |
| Zirconium | 0.45% | —— |
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.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Density | 1830 kg/m3 |
| Mechanical Properties | Metric |
| 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 Strength | 185 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus (E) | 45 GPa |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 17 GPa |
| Elongation at Break in 50 mm | 11% |
| Poisson’s Ratio (ν) | 0.35 |
| Brinell Hardness 500 kg load, 10 mm ball | 75 |
| Knoop Hardness Converted from Brinell | 98 |
| Vickers Hardness Converted from Brinell | 85 |
| Machinability | 100% |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point Incipient Melting | ≥ 518 °C |
| Solidus | 520 °C |
| Liquidus | 635 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 120 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 1000 J/kg·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL) | 26.0 1/°C |
| Heat of Fusion | 315 J/g |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Electrical Resistivity | 6.00×10-6 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
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | Susceptible to corrosion |
| High strength-to-weight ratio | Limited temperature range |
| Good machinability | Lower stiffness |
| Excellent damping properties | Higher 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.
