Elektron ZK60A Magnesium Alloy, UNS M16600; AMS4362; ASTM B91; FEDERAL QQ-M-40,E FOUR

### **Elektron ZK60A Magnesium Alloy (UNS M16600)** **Product Overview** Elektron ZK60A is a high-strength magnesium wrought alloy representing the peak of mechanical performance in commercially available magnesium-zinc-zirconium systems. As one of the strongest magnesium alloys available in wrought forms, it offers an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, good ductility, and excellent fatigue resistance. The alloy achieves its superior properties through the synergistic effect of zinc for solid solution strengthening and zirconium for grain refinement, making it ideal for high-stress structural applications where weight reduction is critical. This alloy is commonly supplied in extruded rods, bars, profiles, and forgings, with properties typically optimized through temper treatments (T5 or T6 conditions). --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** The composition of ZK60A is carefully balanced to maximize strength while maintaining workability. | Element | Composition (% by Weight) | | :---------------- | :-------------------------------- | | **Zinc (Zn)** | 4.8 - 6.2 % | | **Zirconium (Zr)** | 0.45 - 0.8 % | | **Manganese (Mn)** | ≤ 0.10 % | | **Copper (Cu)** | ≤ 0.05 % | | **Iron (Fe)** | ≤ 0.05 % | | **Nickel (Ni)** | ≤ 0.005 % | | **Silicon (Si)** | ≤ 0.05 % | | **Other Impurities** | ≤ 0.30 % (each) | | **Magnesium (Mg)** | Balance | *Note:* **Zirconium** serves as a powerful grain refiner, significantly enhancing the alloy's strength and ductility while reducing porosity in cast structures. The **zinc** content provides substantial solid solution strengthening and precipitation hardening capability. --- #### **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** ZK60A exhibits outstanding mechanical properties, particularly in the extruded and artificially aged (T5) condition. **Physical Properties:** * **Density:** 1.83 g/cm³ (0.066 lb/in³) * **Melting Range:** 520 - 635 °C (968 - 1175 °F) * **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion:** 26.1 μm/m·°C (20-100°C) * **Thermal Conductivity:** 117 W/m·K * **Modulus of Elasticity:** 45 GPa (6.5 × 10³ ksi) **Typical Mechanical Properties (T5 Temper - Extruded & Artificially Aged):** * **Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS):** 310 - 365 MPa (45 - 53 ksi) * **Tensile Yield Strength (TYS):** 250 - 305 MPa (36 - 44 ksi) * **Elongation:** 5 - 11% * **Compressive Yield Strength:** 215 - 250 MPa (31 - 36 ksi) * **Shear Strength:** 165 - 180 MPa (24 - 26 ksi) * **Fatigue Strength:** 130 - 150 MPa (19 - 22 ksi) --- #### **3. International Standards & Specifications** ZK60A is recognized by major international standards organizations across multiple product forms. * **Unified Numbering System (UNS):** **UNS M16600** * **Aerospace Material Specification (AMS):** **AMS 4362** (Extruded Bars, Rods, and Shapes) * **ASTM International:** **ASTM B91** (Standard Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Forgings) * **Federal Standard:** **QQ-M-40** (Magnesium Alloy, Forgings and Extrusions) * **SAE International:** **SAE J465** * **European Standards:** **EN 1753 Mg-Zn6Zr** --- #### **4. Product Applications** ZK60A is widely used in high-performance applications across aerospace, defense, and racing industries. * **Aerospace & Defense:** * **Aircraft Landing Gear Components** * **Helicopter Rotor Hubs and Transmission Parts** * **Missile Airframes and Components** * **Satellite Structural Members** * **Aircraft Wing Panels and Ribs** * **Motorsports & High-Performance Automotive:** * **Racing Wheel Rims** * **Suspension Components** * **Gearbox Casings** * **Steering System Parts** * **Sporting Goods & Industrial:** * **High-Performance Bicycle Frames** * **Portable Electronic Device Housings** * **Power Tool Components** * **Material Handling Equipment** --- **Summary** **Elektron ZK60A (UNS M16600)** stands as the benchmark for high-strength wrought magnesium alloys, offering the highest combination of tensile and yield strength among commercially available Mg-Zn-Zr systems. Its excellent **strength-to-weight ratio**, enhanced by **zirconium grain refinement** and **zinc strengthening**, makes it indispensable for weight-critical applications in aerospace and high-performance engineering. Compliance with prestigious standards including **AMS 4362**, **ASTM B91**, and **QQ-M-40** ensures its reliability for demanding structural components. While newer rare-earth-containing alloys offer better elevated temperature performance, ZK60A remains the preferred choice for applications requiring maximum room-temperature strength and established production experience.

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 3397 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.