Magnesium ZK60A-T6, UNS M16600;,E FOUR

### **Product Datasheet: Magnesium ZK60A-T6 (UNS M16600)** **Ultra-High-Strength Heat-Treated Magnesium Alloy** --- #### **1. Overview** Magnesium ZK60A-T6 (UNS M16600) is an ultra-high-strength magnesium alloy that achieves maximum mechanical properties through a complete T6 heat treatment cycle (solution heat treatment followed by artificial aging). This alloy represents the peak of the magnesium-zinc-zirconium system, offering the highest combination of strength and ductility available in commercial magnesium wrought products. The T6 treatment produces an optimal microstructure with finely distributed precipitates, making it ideal for the most demanding aerospace, military, and high-performance applications. --- #### **2. Key Features & Advantages** - **Maximum Strength Potential:** Highest mechanical properties achievable in magnesium alloys - **Optimal Microstructure:** Solution treatment produces homogeneous precipitate distribution - **Excellent Strength-to-Weight Ratio:** Superior to most aluminum alloys - **Good Corrosion Resistance:** Enhanced performance with proper surface protection - **Superior Fatigue Performance:** Excellent for dynamic and cyclic loading applications - **Enhanced Toughness:** Better impact resistance than lower tempers - **Proven Reliability:** Extensive use in critical aerospace components --- #### **3. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** | Element | Magnesium (Balance) | Zinc | Zirconium | Manganese (max) | Silicon (max) | Other Elements (max) | |---------------|---------------------|--------------|--------------|-----------------|---------------|---------------------| | **Content (%)** | - | 4.8-6.2 | 0.45-1.0 | 0.15 | 0.10 | 0.30 total | *Note: The high zinc content (typically 5.5% nominal) provides maximum solid solution strengthening potential, while zirconium ensures fine grain structure. The T6 treatment optimally distributes precipitates for peak strength and toughness.* --- #### **4. Typical Physical & Mechanical Properties (T6 Temper)** **Physical Properties:** | Property | Value | |---------------------------|------------------------------| | **Density** | 1.83 g/cm³ (0.0661 lb/in³) | | **Melting Range** | 520-635°C (968-1175°F) | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 108 W/m·K | | **Specific Heat Capacity**| 995 J/kg·K | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | 25.3 × 10⁻⁶/°C | | **Electrical Resistivity**| 9.8 μΩ·cm | **Mechanical Properties (T6 Temper - Typical):** | Property | Extruded Products | Forgings | |---------------------------|--------------------------|------------------------| | **Ultimate Tensile Strength** | 310-365 MPa (45-53 ksi) | 325-380 MPa (47-55 ksi) | | **Tensile Yield Strength**| 250-305 MPa (36-44 ksi) | 265-320 MPa (38-46 ksi) | | **Elongation** | 7-12% | 6-11% | | **Compressive Yield Strength** | 240-295 MPa (35-43 ksi) | 255-310 MPa (37-45 ksi) | | **Shear Strength** | 190-235 MPa (28-34 ksi) | 205-250 MPa (30-36 ksi) | | **Fatigue Strength** | 135-165 MPa (20-24 ksi) | 145-175 MPa (21-25 ksi) | | **Elastic Modulus** | 45 GPa (6.5×10⁶ psi) | 45 GPa (6.5×10⁶ psi) | | **Hardness** | 80-95 HB | 85-100 HB | | **Impact Toughness** | 6-10 J | 7-11 J | | **Fracture Toughness** | 18-22 MPa√m | 19-23 MPa√m | --- #### **5. International Standards** ZK60A-T6 conforms to the following specifications: - **ASTM B107/B107M:** Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Extruded Products - **ASTM B91:** Standard Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Forgings - **AMS 4358:** Aerospace Material Specification for T6 Temper Products - **UNS M16600:** Unified Numbering System designation - **ISO 3116:** Wrought magnesium and magnesium alloys - **MIL-M-6854:** Military Specification for Magnesium Alloy Forgings --- #### **6. Applications** **Aerospace & Defense:** - Aircraft landing gear components - Helicopter rotor hubs and transmission parts - Missile airframes and structural members - Satellite structural components and brackets - Aircraft wing spar caps and attachments - Engine mounting structures and brackets **Military Applications:** - Armored vehicle structural components - Weapon system launch tubes and structures - Military aircraft critical structural parts - Portable bridge components - Emergency response equipment **High-Performance Automotive:** - Racing suspension components and uprights - High-performance brake calipers and brackets - Motorcycle frames and swing arms - Sports car chassis components - Transmission and drivetrain parts **Industrial Equipment:** - High-speed robotics arm structures - Precision machinery critical components - Material handling equipment structural members - Specialized tooling and fixtures - Nuclear handling equipment components --- #### **7. Heat Treatment & Processing Parameters** **T6 Heat Treatment Cycle:** - **Solution Treatment:** 425-450°C (797-842°F) for 2-8 hours - **Quenching:** Hot water quenching at 60-80°C (140-176°F) - **Artificial Aging:** 130-150°C (266-302°F) for 16-24 hours - **Temperature Control:** ±3°C (±5°F) critical for consistency **Processing Characteristics:** - **Machinability:** Excellent with proper techniques - **Welding:** TIG welding possible with proper procedure - **Forming:** Best formed before final aging treatment - **Surface Treatment:** Excellent response to anodizing and coatings **Quality Assurance:** - **Mechanical Testing:** Required for T6 certification - **Microstructural Examination:** Grain size and precipitate distribution - **Hardness Testing:** Verification of proper aging - **Non-Destructive Testing:** Ultrasonic and dye penetrant available --- #### **8. Special Considerations** - **Temperature Limitations:** Maximum service temperature 120°C (250°F) - **Corrosion Protection:** Requires appropriate coatings for harsh environments - **Heat Treatment Control:** Critical for achieving specified properties - **Quality Documentation:** Full traceability required for aerospace applications - **Safety:** Standard magnesium processing precautions apply --- **Disclaimer** This technical data represents typical properties for properly processed ZK60A-T6 material. The T6 temper provides the highest mechanical properties available in magnesium alloys but requires precise heat treatment control. Actual properties may vary based on section size, processing parameters, and specific heat treatment conditions. Users should conduct appropriate testing to verify suitability for specific applications and consult relevant material specifications before use. Proper safety precautions for magnesium processing must be strictly followed.

Packing of Standard Packing: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 3376 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.