ElektronW6 Magnesium Alloy，ZRE1 (EZ33),E FOUR

### **Elektron W6 / ZRE1 (EZ33) Magnesium Alloy** **Product Overview** Elektron W6, commercially designated as ZRE1 or EZ33, is a magnesium-zinc-rare earth-zirconium casting alloy renowned for its excellent creep resistance and stability at elevated temperatures up to 250°C. As one of the pioneering rare earth-containing magnesium alloys, ZRE1 offers a balanced combination of good castability, pressure tightness, and corrosion resistance, making it particularly suitable for aerospace applications and high-temperature components in automotive and industrial sectors. The alloy maintains its mechanical properties well under prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures, distinguishing it from conventional magnesium-aluminum alloys. This alloy is typically supplied as sand castings and permanent mold castings, with optimal properties achieved through T5 heat treatment (artificial aging). --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** ZRE1 utilizes a zinc-rare earth-zirconium system designed for elevated temperature performance. | 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" typically consist of cerium-based mischmetal (approximately 50% Ce, 25% La, 20% Nd, 5% Pr). **Zirconium** provides essential grain refinement, while the combination of **zinc and rare earths** forms stable intermetallic compounds that resist coarsening at elevated temperatures, providing excellent creep resistance. --- #### **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 * **Modulus of Elasticity:** 45 GPa (6.5 × 10³ ksi) **Elevated Temperature Performance:** * **Excellent creep resistance up to 250°C (482°F)** * **Good pressure tightness at elevated temperatures** * **Maintains structural integrity at 200-250°C** * **Stable mechanical properties after prolonged thermal exposure** --- #### **3. International Standards & Specifications** ZRE1 is recognized by major international standards organizations under the EZ33 designation. * **ASTM International:** **ASTM B80 EZ33A-T5** (Standard Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Sand Castings) * **Aerospace Material Specification:** **AMS 4433** * **SAE International:** **SAE J465** * **UNS Designation:** **UNS M12330** * **British Standards:** **BS 2970 MAG-5** * **Federal Standard:** **QQ-M-56** * **European Standards:** **EN 1753 Mg-Zn3RE2Zr** * **Proprietary Designation:** **Elektron W6 / 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** * **Helicopter Transmission Housings** * **Engine Mounting Components** * **Missile Components and Housings** * **Automotive & High-Performance:** * **High-Performance Engine Components** * **Turbocharger Housings** * **Racing Transmission Casings** * **Engine Bracket Systems** * **Industrial Applications:** * **Industrial Gearbox Casings** * **Compressor Housings** * **High-Temperature Process Equipment** * **Power Generation Components** * **Special Applications:** * **Radar and Electronic Equipment Housings** * **Aircraft Wheel Housings** * **Military Equipment Components** --- #### **5. Manufacturing Characteristics** **Casting Performance:** * Good castability with adequate fluidity * Excellent pressure tightness for leak-proof components * Requires proper zirconium grain refinement * Suitable for both sand and permanent mold casting * Good dimensional stability **Secondary Processing:** * Good machinability with proper techniques * Requires appropriate corrosion protection * Good response to heat treatment * Suitable for various surface treatments and coatings * Weldable with proper procedures --- **Summary** **Elektron W6 / ZRE1 (EZ33) Magnesium Alloy** 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**. The alloy's compliance with **ASTM B80 EZ33A-T5** and **AMS 4433** certifies it for critical aerospace applications where dimensional stability and leak-proof performance under thermal cycling are essential. While newer alloys like WE43 offer superior strength and corrosion resistance, ZRE1 remains a cost-effective and proven solution for applications requiring good elevated temperature capabilities, excellent castability, and reliable performance in demanding thermal environments.

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 3412 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.