Magnesium ZK60A-T6 (UNS M16600)

Image of Magnesium ZK60A-T6 bars
Credit: CSIRO, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

ZK60A-T6 is a wrought magnesium alloy enriched with zirconium and zinc, prized for its high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, excellent damping capacity, and machinability. This combination makes it ideal for applications requiring lightweight, durable materials without compromising performance.

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Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
Magnesium——Remainder
Zinc4.8%6.2%
Zirconium0.45%——

The following table provides a list of magnesium ZK60A-T6 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.

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

Table of Magnesium ZK60A-T6 Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Density1830 kg/m3
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)325 MPa
Tensile Strength (Yield)270 MPa
Compressive Strength (Yield)170 MPa
Bearing Strength (Ultimate)450 MPa
Bearing Strength (Yield)320 MPa
Shear Strength170 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
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-T6

AdvantagesDisadvantages
LightweightFlammability
High strength-to-weight ratioLimited temperature resistance
Good corrosion resistanceHigher cost
Good castabilityLimited availability

Applications of Magnesium ZK60A-T6

ZK60A-T6, with its advantageous properties, finds application in various industries, including:

  • Aerospace Industry: Used in components such as aircraft frames, helicopter rotor hubs, and structural elements, contributing to lightweight design and improved fuel efficiency.
  • Automotive Industry: Applied in engine blocks, transmission cases, steering columns, and suspension parts to reduce weight and enhance fuel economy.
  • Sporting Goods: Employed in manufacturing bicycle frames, golf club heads, tennis racquets, and other equipment where high strength and low weight are critical.
  • Electronics and Consumer Goods: Found in laptop frames, camera bodies, handheld devices, and other durable, lightweight consumer electronics.
  • Industrial Machinery: Used in machine frames, brackets, and structural parts to provide strength while reducing overall equipment weight.
  • Medical Equipment: Utilized for lightweight surgical instruments, orthopedic implants, and medical devices benefiting from its biocompatibility and strength.
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