Magnesium ZK61A-T6, Cast， UNS M16611; Mg; AMS 4444; ASTM B 80; SAE J465; Old SAE 513 (Ingot UNS M16610),E FOUR

### **Product Datasheet: Magnesium ZK61A-T6, Cast (UNS M16611)** **Maximum-Strength Heat-Treated Magnesium Casting Alloy** --- #### **1. Overview** Magnesium ZK61A-T6 (UNS M16611) is a maximum-strength sand casting alloy that achieves the highest mechanical properties in the magnesium-zinc-zirconium system through complete T6 heat treatment (solution treatment followed by artificial aging). Certified to AMS 4444, ASTM B80, and SAE J465 specifications, this alloy delivers exceptional strength-to-weight ratio combined with good ductility. The T6 treatment provides optimal precipitate distribution and microstructure refinement, making it the preferred choice for the most critical aerospace and defense applications where maximum performance is required. --- #### **2. Key Features & Advantages** - **Maximum Strength Potential:** Highest mechanical properties achievable in magnesium castings - **Optimized Microstructure:** Solution treatment ensures homogeneous precipitate distribution - **Excellent Strength-to-Weight Ratio:** Superior to most aluminum casting alloys - **Enhanced Ductility:** Better elongation than T5 temper while maintaining high strength - **Superior Fatigue Performance:** Excellent for dynamic loading applications - **Good Corrosion Resistance:** Meets aerospace environmental requirements - **Proven Reliability:** Extensive use in critical aerospace components --- #### **3. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** As specified in AMS 4444, ASTM B80, and SAE J465: | Element | Magnesium (Balance) | Zinc | Zirconium | Manganese (max) | Silicon (max) | Other Elements (max) | |---------------|---------------------|--------------|--------------|-----------------|---------------|---------------------| | **Content (%)** | - | 5.5-6.5 | 0.45-1.0 | 0.15 | 0.10 | 0.30 total | *Ingot Designation: UNS M16610* *Old SAE Designation: SAE 513 (Superseded)* *Note: The high zinc content provides maximum solid solution strengthening, while zirconium ensures fine grain structure. The complete T6 heat treatment cycle optimally distributes strengthening precipitates throughout the microstructure.* --- #### **4. Typical Physical & Mechanical Properties (T6 Temper)** **Physical Properties:** | Property | Value | |---------------------------|------------------------------| | **Density** | 1.83 g/cm³ (0.0661 lb/in³) | | **Melting Range** | 515-630°C (959-1166°F) | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 109 W/m·K | | **Specific Heat Capacity**| 1000 J/kg·K | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | 25.2 × 10⁻⁶/°C | | **Electrical Resistivity**| 10.2 μΩ·cm | **Mechanical Properties (Sand Cast - T6 Temper):** | Property | Minimum | Typical | |---------------------------|----------------|----------------| | **Ultimate Tensile Strength** | 295 MPa (43 ksi) | 325 MPa (47 ksi) | | **Tensile Yield Strength**| 205 MPa (30 ksi) | 235 MPa (34 ksi) | | **Elongation** | 6% | 10% | | **Compressive Yield Strength** | 205 MPa (30 ksi) | 235 MPa (34 ksi) | | **Shear Strength** | 175 MPa (25 ksi) | 205 MPa (30 ksi) | | **Fatigue Strength** | 125 MPa (18 ksi) | 145 MPa (21 ksi) | | **Elastic Modulus** | 45 GPa (6.5×10⁶ psi) | 45 GPa (6.5×10⁶ psi) | | **Hardness** | 75 HB | 85 HB | | **Impact Toughness** | 5 J | 8 J | | **Bearing Strength** | 530 MPa (77 ksi) | 580 MPa (84 ksi) | | **Bearing Yield Strength**| 380 MPa (55 ksi) | 430 MPa (62 ksi) | --- #### **5. International Standards & Specifications** ZK61A-T6 Castings fully comply with: - **AMS 4444:** Aerospace Material Specification for Sand Castings - **ASTM B80:** Standard Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Sand Castings - **SAE J465:** Wrought and Cast Magnesium Alloys - **UNS M16611:** Cast Products Designation - **UNS M16610:** Ingot Designation - **Old SAE 513:** Previous Designation (Superseded) --- #### **6. Applications** **Aerospace & Defense:** - Aircraft transmission housings and gearboxes - Helicopter transmission casings and components - Missile body sections and structural members - Engine accessory mounts and brackets - Wing root fittings and structural attachments - Satellite structural components and housings **Military Applications:** - Weapon system structural components - Military vehicle transmission cases - Portable equipment structural housings - Radar antenna bases and supports **High-Performance Automotive:** - Racing transmission cases and components - High-performance engine parts - Sports car structural components - Motorcycle engine and transmission cases **Industrial Equipment:** - High-speed compressor housings - Pump bodies and pressure housings - Machinery structural components - Robotics structural parts --- #### **7. Foundry & Processing Parameters** **Casting Characteristics:** - **Pouring Temperature:** 710-760°C (1310-1400°F) - **Mold Temperature:** 200-400°C (392-752°F) - **Fluidity:** Excellent for complex castings - **Feeding Requirements:** Moderate to high - **Hot Tearing Tendency:** Low with proper design **Heat Treatment (T6):** - **Solution Treatment:** 425-450°C (797-842°F) for 4-12 hours - **Quenching:** Hot water quenching at 70-90°C (158-194°F) - **Artificial Aging:** 150-175°C (302-347°F) for 16-24 hours - **Temperature Control:** ±3°C (±5°F) critical for consistency **Machining Characteristics:** - **Machinability Rating:** Excellent - **Cutting Speed:** High-speed operations possible - **Surface Finish:** 0.8-1.6 μm Ra achievable - **Tool Life:** Extended compared to steel machining **Quality Control Requirements:** - **Chemical Analysis:** Required for heat certification - **Mechanical Testing:** Tensile testing from separately cast coupons - **Radiographic Inspection:** Per applicable quality levels - **Dye Penetrant:** For surface defect detection - **Microstructural Examination:** Grain size and precipitate distribution --- #### **8. Design & Manufacturing Considerations** - **Section Thickness:** 4-75 mm recommended - **Draft Angles:** 1-3° typically required - **Fillet Radii:** Minimum 4 mm for stress reduction - **Coring:** Accommodates complex core configurations - **Machining Allowances:** 2.0-4.0 mm typical - **Quality Documentation:** Full traceability for aerospace applications --- **Disclaimer** This technical data is based on industry standards and typical foundry experience. Properties may vary depending on casting design, section size, and specific heat treatment parameters. The T6 temper provides the highest mechanical properties but requires precise thermal processing control. Users should consult the latest revisions of AMS 4444, ASTM B80, and SAE J465 specifications for current requirements. All manufacturing processes must follow established safety procedures for magnesium casting and machining operations. ZK61A-T6 represents the ultimate in high-strength magnesium casting technology for the most demanding applications.

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 3378 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.