Magnesium Elektron 21 (UNS M12310)
Elektron 21 is a premium magnesium alloy engineered for demanding aerospace and motorsport applications. Combining lightweight characteristics with superior strength and corrosion resistance, it offers excellent heat treatability to enhance performance further.
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| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Magnesium | 94.7% | 96.2% |
| Gadolinium | 1.0% | 1.7% |
| Neodymium | 2.6% | 3.1% |
| Zinc | 0.2% | 0.5% |
The following table provides a list of magnesium Elektron 21 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.
Click on the button to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Density | 1820 kg/m3 |
| Mechanical Properties | Metric |
| Tensile Strength (Ultimate) | 280 MPa |
| Compressive Strength (Yield) | 168 MPa |
| Fatigue Strength # of Cycles 5.0e+7 | 115 - 120 MPa |
| Shear Strength | 172 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus (E) | 44.1 GPa |
| Elongation at Break | ≥ 2% |
| Poisson’s Ratio (ν) | 0.27 |
| Brinell Hardness | 65 - 75 |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | 545 - 640 °C |
| Solidus | 545.0 °C |
| Liquidus | 640 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 116 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 1000 J/kg·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL) | 26.6 1/°C |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Electrical Resistivity | 9.46×10-6 Ω·cm |
The values in this table are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as the specific manufacturing process and heat treatment applied to the alloy.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Magnesium Elektron 21
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| High strength-to-weight ratio | Relatively high cost compared to other materials |
| Excellent corrosion resistance | Lower melting point compared to some metals |
| Good ductility and formability | Limited availability and manufacturing capacity |
| Lightweight, reducing overall weight | Higher susceptibility to certain types of corrosion |
| Good impact resistance | Requires specialized equipment for processing |
| Good machinability and weldability | Limited temperature range for structural use |
| Can be recycled | Limited design flexibility in certain applications |
| Suitable for complex shapes and structures | Susceptible to stress corrosion cracking |
Applications of Magnesium Elektron 21
Elektron 21’s combination of strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance enables diverse applications across industries, including:
- Aerospace: Used for manufacturing structural components such as aircraft frames, engine parts, and interior assemblies.
- Automotive: Applied in engine components, transmission cases, suspension systems, steering columns, and other parts where weight reduction is critical.
- Defense: Employed in military vehicles, missile components, protective gear, and munitions due to its strength and durability in harsh environments.
- Electronics: Suitable for casings, heat sinks, connectors, and other electronic housings thanks to its machinability and electrical conductivity.
- Medical: Explored for orthopedic implants, surgical instruments, and medical devices due to biocompatibility and lightweight properties.