Magnesium Elektron 21 (UNS M12310)
Elektron 21 is a high-performance magnesium alloy designed for motorsport and aerospace applications. It is a lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant alloy that can be heat treated to achieve even higher strength.
| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Magnesium | 94.7% | 96.2% |
| Gadolinium | 1.0% | 1.7% |
| Neodymium | 2.6% | 3.1% |
| Zinc | 0.20% | 0.50% |
The following table provides a list of magnesium Elektron 21 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.
Click on the icon 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
Magnesium Elektron 21, being a high-strength magnesium alloy, finds applications in various industries where lightweight materials with good mechanical properties are required. Here are some common applications of Magnesium Elektron 21:
- Aerospace: Magnesium Elektron 21 is used in the aerospace industry for manufacturing structural components, such as aircraft frames, engine components, and interior parts.
- Automotive: The automotive industry utilizes Magnesium Elektron 21 in applications where weight reduction is crucial. It can be found in engine components, transmission cases, suspension systems, steering columns, and various other parts.
- Defense: The defense sector often employs Magnesium Elektron 21 due to its strength, lightweight nature, and ability to withstand harsh environments. It can be used in the production of military vehicles, missile components, protective gear, and munitions.
- General Engineering: Magnesium Elektron 21 finds applications in general engineering where lightweight, strong materials are needed. It can be used for manufacturing industrial machinery, power tools, sporting equipment, and structural components in various industries.
- Electronics: Magnesium Elektron 21's excellent machinability and electrical conductivity make it suitable for electronic devices and components. It can be utilized in casings, heat sinks, connectors, and other electronic housing applications.
- Medical: Magnesium alloys, including Magnesium Elektron 21, are being explored for medical applications due to their biocompatibility and lightweight properties. They can potentially be used in orthopedic implants, surgical instruments, and medical devices.