Elektron ZRE1 Magnesium Alloy, UNS M12330，ASTM B80 EZ33A-T5; ,E FOUR

### **Elektron ZRE1 Magnesium Alloy (UNS M12330)** **Product Overview** Elektron ZRE1 is a classic magnesium-zinc-rare earth casting alloy known for its excellent castability, good pressure tightness, and improved creep resistance compared to standard aluminum-containing magnesium alloys. As one of the pioneering rare-earth containing magnesium alloys, ZRE1 (commercially designated as EZ33A) offers a balanced combination of mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability at elevated temperatures up to **250°C (482°F)**. The alloy is particularly valued for producing complex, leak-proof castings that maintain dimensional stability under thermal stress. This alloy is typically supplied in sand and permanent mold castings, with optimal properties achieved through T5 heat treatment (artificial aging). --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** The composition of ZRE1 utilizes rare earths and zinc for strength and creep resistance, with zirconium for grain refinement. | Element | Composition (% by Weight) | | :---------------- | :-------------------------------- | | **Zinc (Zn)** | 2.0 - 3.1 % | | **Rare Earths (RE)*** | 2.5 - 4.0 % | | **Zirconium (Zr)** | 0.5 - 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** ensures fine grain structure, while the combination of **Zinc and Rare Earths** provides solid solution strengthening and stable intermetallic phases for elevated temperature performance. --- #### **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** ZRE1 exhibits stable mechanical properties with good retention at elevated temperatures. **Physical Properties:** * **Density:** 1.81 g/cm³ (0.065 lb/in³) * **Melting Range:** 545 - 645 °C (1013 - 1193 °F) * **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion:** 26.0 μm/m·°C (20-200°C) * **Thermal Conductivity:** 113 W/m·K **Typical Mechanical Properties (T5 Temper - Artificially Aged):** * **Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS):** 135 - 160 MPa (20 - 23 ksi) * **Tensile Yield Strength (TYS):** 110 - 135 MPa (16 - 20 ksi) * **Elongation:** 2 - 4% * **Compressive Yield Strength:** 110 - 135 MPa (16 - 20 ksi) * **Shear Strength:** 115 - 135 MPa (17 - 20 ksi) * **Hardness:** 55 - 65 HBW **Elevated Temperature Performance:** * **Good creep resistance up to 250°C (482°F)** * **Maintains structural integrity at 200-250°C** * **Excellent pressure tightness** at elevated temperatures --- #### **3. International Standards & Specifications** ZRE1 is recognized by major international standards organizations under the EZ33A designation. * **Unified Numbering System (UNS):** **UNS M12330** * **ASTM International:** **ASTM B80 EZ33A-T5** (Standard Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Sand Castings) * **Aerospace Material Specification:** **AMS 4433** * **SAE International:** **SAE J465** * **Federal Standard:** **QQ-M-56** * **European Standards:** **EN 1753 Mg-Zn3RE2Zr** * **Proprietary Designation:** **Elektron ZRE1** (Luxfer MEL Technologies) --- #### **4. Product Applications** ZRE1 is widely used in aerospace and industrial applications requiring reliable performance at elevated temperatures. * **Aerospace & Defense:** * **Aircraft Engine Accessory Housings** * **Gearbox and Transmission Casings** * **Engine Mounting Components** * **Helicopter Transmission Housings** * **Missile Components** * **Automotive & Industrial:** * **High-Performance Engine Components** * **Turbocharger Housings** * **Industrial Gearbox Casings** * **Compressor Housings** * **Special Applications:** * **Radar and Electronic Equipment Housings** * **Aircraft Wheel Housings** --- **Summary** **Elektron ZRE1 (UNS M12330)**, commercially known as **EZ33A**, represents an important class of rare-earth containing magnesium casting alloys that bridge the gap between conventional magnesium alloys and advanced high-temperature magnesium systems. Its balanced composition featuring **zinc, rare earths, and zirconium** provides good castability, excellent pressure tightness, and reliable performance at temperatures up to **250°C**. Compliance with **ASTM B80 EZ33A-T5** and **AMS 4433** ensures its qualification for critical aerospace applications where dimensional stability and leak-proof performance under thermal cycling are essential. While newer alloys offer superior strength, ZRE1 remains a cost-effective solution for applications requiring proven reliability and good elevated temperature capabilities.

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 3398 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.