Magnesium Elektron QE22 (UNS M18220)

Elektron QE22 is a high-performance magnesium casting alloy engineered for superior mechanical properties at both ambient and elevated temperatures. Developed by Magnesium Elektron, it offers excellent strength, ductility, and foundry characteristics, making it a popular choice for demanding structural applications across advanced industries.
| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max | 
| Magnesium | 93.3% | 95.6% | 
| Rare Earths | 2.0% | 3.0% | 
| Silver | 2.0% | 2.7% | 
| Zirconium | 0.4% | 1.0% | 
The following table provides a list of magnesium Elektron QE22 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) | ≥ 240 MPa | 
| Tensile Strength (Yield) | ≥ 175 MPa | 
| Compressive Strength (Ultimate) | 310 - 385 MPa | 
| Compressive Strength (Yield) | 165 - 200 MPa | 
| Fatigue Strength # of Cycles 5.0e+7 | 60 - 70 MPa | 
| Shear Strength | 152 MPa | 
| Young’s Modulus (E) | 44.1 GPa | 
| Elongation at Break | ≥ 2% | 
| Poisson’s Ratio (ν) | 0.30 | 
| Thermal Properties | Metric | 
| Melting Point | 550 - 640 °C | 
| Solidus | 550 °C | 
| Liquidus | 640 °C | 
| Thermal Conductivity | 113 W/m·K | 
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 1000 J/kg·K | 
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL) | 26.7 1/°C | 
| Electrical Properties | Metric | 
| Electrical Resistivity | 6.80×10-6 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 QE22
| Advantages | Disadvantages | 
|---|---|
| High strength | High cost | 
| Good ductility | Corrosion prone | 
| Excellent machinability | Poor thermal conductivity | 
| Good weldability | Low melting point | 
Applications of Magnesium QE22
Magnesium QE22 is widely utilized across multiple high-performance sectors due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and thermal properties, including:
- Aerospace: Used in a variety of aerospace applications, including aircraft bodies, engine parts, and landing gear.
- Automotive: Used in a variety of automotive applications, including engine blocks, transmission housings, and suspension components.
- Military: Used in a variety of military applications, including weapons, armor, and vehicles.
