Elektron RZ5 Magnesium Casting Alloy, UNS M16410,E FOUR

### **Elektron RZ5 Magnesium Casting Alloy (UNS M16410)** **Product Overview** Elektron RZ5 is a classic high-strength magnesium casting alloy belonging to the magnesium-zinc-zirconium-rare earth (Mg-Zn-Zr-RE) family. Developed as one of the early creep-resistant magnesium alloys, RZ5 offers a good balance of room temperature strength, castability, and improved elevated temperature performance compared to standard aluminum-containing alloys. It has been widely used for decades in aerospace and industrial applications where lightweight characteristics are essential. This alloy is suitable for sand casting and permanent mold casting processes, and is typically heat treated to the T6 temper to achieve optimal mechanical properties. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** The composition of Elektron RZ5 utilizes zinc and rare earths for strength and creep resistance, with zirconium for grain refinement. | Element | Composition (% by Weight) | | :---------------- | :-------------------------------- | | **Zinc (Zn)** | 3.5 - 5.0 % | | **Rare Earths (RE)*** | 0.8 - 1.7 % | | **Zirconium (Zr)** | 0.4 - 1.0 % | | **Copper (Cu)** | ≤ 0.10 % | | **Iron (Fe)** | ≤ 0.03 % | | **Nickel (Ni)** | ≤ 0.003 % | | **Silicon (Si)** | ≤ 0.05 % | | **Other Impurities** | ≤ 0.30 % (each) | | **Magnesium (Mg)** | Balance | *Note:* The "Rare Earths" are typically predominantly Cerium (Ce) with other mischmetal elements. **Zirconium (Zr)** is essential for effective grain refinement, which enhances strength and ductility. --- #### **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** Elektron RZ5 provides a robust combination of strength and limited creep resistance, typically enhanced by T6 heat treatment. **Physical Properties:** * **Density:** ~1.82 g/cm³ (0.065 lb/in³) * **Melting Range:** ~ 550 - 640 °C (1022 - 1184 °F) * **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion:** 26.5 μm/m·°C (20-200°C) **Typical Mechanical Properties (T6 Temper):** * **Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS):** 215 - 235 MPa (31 - 34 ksi) * **Tensile Yield Strength (TYS):** 155 - 175 MPa (22 - 25 ksi) * **Elongation:** 3 - 6% * **Shear Strength:** ~ 115 MPa (17 ksi) * **Hardness:** 65 - 75 HBW **Elevated Temperature Performance:** * Shows useful creep resistance up to approximately **150-175°C (302-347°F)** * Maintains better strength retention at elevated temperatures compared to AZ-series alloys --- #### **3. International Standards & Specifications** Elektron RZ5 is recognized under several international standards. * **Unified Numbering System (UNS):** **UNS M16410** * **Aerospace Material Specification (AMS):** **AMS 4435** (Sand Castings) * **British Standards (BS):** **BS 2970 MAG-4** * **German Standards (DIN):** **DIN MgZn5RE1Zr** * **French Standards (AFNOR):** **G-Z5Zr1RE** * **Proprietary Designation:** **Elektron RZ5** (Luxfer MEL Technologies) --- #### **4. Product Applications** RZ5 has been historically important in aerospace and continues to be used in specific applications. * **Aerospace:** * **Helicopter Transmission Housings** * **Gearbox Casings** * **Engine Accessory Housings** * **Aircraft Wheel Housings** * **Defense:** * **Missile Components** * **Radar Antenna Structures** * **Industrial:** * **High-Speed Machinery Components** * **Racing Engine Parts** --- **Summary** **Elektron RZ5 (UNS M16410)** represents an important class of zinc- and rare earth-containing magnesium casting alloys that helped establish magnesium as a viable material for elevated temperature applications. While newer alloys like WE43 and EQ21 offer superior high-temperature performance, RZ5 remains relevant due to its established manufacturing history, good overall strength, and proven reliability in aerospace applications. Its compliance with standards such as **AMS 4435** ensures its continued use in critical components where weight reduction is paramount.

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 3393 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.