Extrusion Temperature: Billets preheated to 300–450°C depending on alloy. AZ31 extrudes at 350–400°C; ZK60 requires 400–450°C due to higher zinc content. Extrusion speed typically 0.5–15 m/min.

Heat Treatment (T5/T6): T5 temper: air cool after extrusion, then age at 150–200°C for 10–24 hours. T6 temper: solution treat at 400–450°C, water quench, then age at 150–200°C. T5 is cost-effective for most applications; T6 maximizes strength for critical structural parts.

Anisotropy Control: Due to texture effects from mechanical working, compression yield strength can be 20–30% lower than tensile yield strength. Extruded plates can be rolled orthogonally to eliminate asymmetrical properties and improve uniform mechanical behavior.

Corrosion Protection: AZ31 requires surface treatment (anodizing, conversion coating, or paint) for outdoor use. WE43 and ZK60 offer better intrinsic corrosion resistance. All alloys benefit from proper storage in dry conditions.