Magnesium Elektron WE54 (UNS M18410)
Elektron WE54 is a high-performance, heat-treatable magnesium casting alloy engineered for service temperatures up to 300°C. Renowned for its excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and low density, it is widely used in industries that demand both lightweight and durable materials, such as aerospace, defense, and energy systems.
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| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Magnesium | 90.50% | 92.35% |
| Neodymium | 1.5% | 2.0% |
| Rare Earths | 1.0% | 2.0% |
| Yttrium | 4.75% | 5.5% |
| Zirconium | 0.4% | —— |
The following table provides a list of magnesium Elektron WE54 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.
Click on the button to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Density | 1800 kg/m3 |
| Mechanical Properties | Metric |
| Tensile Strength (Ultimate) | ≥ 250 MPa |
| Tensile Strength (Yield) | ≥ 170 MPa |
| Compressive Strength (Ultimate) | 410 MPa |
| Compressive Strength (Yield) | 165 - 175 MPa |
| Shear Strength | 150 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus (E) | 44.1 GPa |
| Poisson’s Ratio (ν) | 0.30 |
| Brinell Hardness | 85 |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | 545 - 640 °C |
| Solidus | 545 °C |
| Liquidus | 640 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 52 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 960 J/kg·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL) | 27 1/°C |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Electrical Resistivity | 1.73×10-5 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 WE54
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | Corrosion susceptibility |
| High strength-to-weight ratio | Higher cost |
| Good heat resistance | Limited availability |
| Weldability | Lower modulus of elasticity |
| Potential for design flexibility | Limited machining options |
| Improved mechanical properties | Flammability |
Applications of Magnesium Elektron WE54
Due to its unique combination of strength, low weight, and heat resistance, Elektron WE54 is used across multiple industries, including:
- Aerospace components: Its lightweight nature, high strength-to-weight ratio, and good heat resistance make it suitable for aerospace applications.
- Automotive industry: Utilized in the automotive sector for lightweight structural components, such as chassis and body panels. Its high strength and excellent formability help reduce vehicle weight and enhance fuel economy.
- Sports equipment: The combination of lightweight and strength properties makes it ideal for sports gear like bicycles, golf clubs, tennis rackets, and other performance-driven applications.
- Industrial machinery: Suitable for use in machinery requiring both strength and reduced mass, including gears, housings, and brackets.
- Medical devices: The biocompatibility of magnesium alloys enables use in orthopedic implants, surgical instruments, and other lightweight, biocompatible medical applications.