Magnesium Elektron WE43B (UNS M18430)
Elektron WE43B is a high strength magnesium based casting alloy developed and patented by Luxfer MEL Technologies for use at temperatures up to 300°C. It is a high-performance alloy that is used in a variety of applications, including aerospace, automotive, and electronics.
| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Magnesium | 91.3% | 93.5% |
| Rare Earths | 2.4% | 4.4% |
| Yttrium | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Zirconium | 0.40% | |
The following table provides a list of magnesium Elektron WE43B properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.
Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Density | 1800 kg/m3 |
| Mechanical Properties | Metric |
| Tensile Strength (Ultimate) | ≥ 220 MPa |
| Tensile Strength (Yield) | ≥ 172 MPa |
| Compressive Strength (Ultimate) | 323 MPa |
| Compressive Strength (Yield) | 187 MPa |
| Fatigue Strength # of Cycles 1.0e+8 | 80 MPa |
| Shear Strength | 160 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus (E) | 45 GPa |
| Elongation at Break | ≥ 2% |
| Poisson’s Ratio (ν) | 0.27 |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | 540 - 640 °C |
| Solidus | 540 °C |
| Liquidus | 640 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 51 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 966 J/kg·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL) | 26.7 1/°C |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Electrical Resistivity | 1.48×10-5 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 WE43B
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| High strength | High cost |
| Good corrosion resistance | Difficult to weld |
| Good machinability | Low thermal conductivity |
| Lightweight | Low melting point |
Applications of Magnesium Elektron WE43B
Magnesium WE43B is a high-performance alloy with a wide range of applications. Some of the applications of WE43B include:
- Aerospace: WE43B is used in aircraft structures, such as wing spars and fuselage panels, to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency. It is also used in landing gear components, such as struts and actuators, to improve strength and durability.
- Automotive: WE43B is used in engine blocks, cylinder heads, and suspension components to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency. It is also used in brake rotors and calipers to improve heat dissipation and reduce wear.
- Marine: WE43B is used in boat hulls, propellers, and rudders to reduce weight and improve corrosion resistance. It is also used in marine engines and other components to improve strength and durability.
- Racing: WE43B is used in racing cars, motorcycles, and bicycles to reduce weight and improve performance. It is also used in racing engines and other components to improve strength and durability.
- Medical: WE43B is used in implants, prosthetics, and surgical instruments to reduce weight and improve biocompatibility. It is also used in medical devices, such as stents and catheters, to improve strength and durability.
- Electronics: WE43B is used in housings, brackets, and heat sinks to reduce weight and improve thermal conductivity. It is also used in electronic components, such as circuit boards and connectors, to improve strength and durability.