Magnesium EQ21-T6 (UNS M16330)

Image of Magnesium EQ21-T6 bars
Credit: CSIRO, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

EQ21-T6 is a magnesium alloy that is used in a variety of applications, including aerospace, automotive, and medical devices. It is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, good corrosion resistance, and excellent formability.

Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
MagnesiumRemainder
Copper0.05%0.10%
Neodymium1.75%2.5%
Nickel0.01%
Silver1.3%1.7%
Zirconium0.40%1.0%

The following table provides a list of magnesium EQ21-T6 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.

Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Magnesium EQ21-T6 Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Density1810 kg/m3
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)235 MPa
Tensile Strength (Yield)170 MPa
Compressive Strength (Yield)195 MPa
Fatigue Strength # of Cycles 5.0e+7100 MPa
Young’s Modulus (E)45 GPa
Shear Modulus (G)17 GPa
Elongation at Break in 50 mm2%
Poisson’s Ratio (ν)0.35
Brinell Hardness 500 kg load, 10 mm ball70
Knoop Hardness Converted from Brinell93
Vickers Hardness Converted from Brinell80
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Melting Point540 - 640 °C
Solidus540 °C
Liquidus640 °C
Thermal Conductivity113 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp)1000 J/kg·K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL)26.7 1/°C
Heat of Fusion373 J/g
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Electrical Resistivity6.85×10-6 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 EQ21-T6

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Low densityCorrosion resistance
High strengthLow melting point
Good machinabilityHigh cost
Good thermal conductivityPoor weldability
Good fatigue strength

Applications of Magnesium EQ21-T6

Magnesium EQ21-T6 is a versatile material that can be used in a variety of applications, including:

  • Aerospace: Magnesium EQ21-T6 is used in a variety of aerospace applications, including aircraft frames, landing gear, and engine components.
  • Automotive: Magnesium EQ21-T6 is used in a variety of automotive applications, including engine blocks, transmission housings, and suspension components.
  • Marine: Magnesium EQ21-T6 is used in a variety of marine applications, including boat hulls, decks, and rigging.
  • Sporting goods: Magnesium EQ21-T6 is used to make sporting goods, such as golf clubs and bicycles, because it is lightweight and strong.
  • Electronics: Magnesium EQ21-T6 is used to make electronics, such as laptop frames and cell phone cases, because it is lightweight and can conduct heat away from electronic components.
  • Medical devices: Magnesium EQ21-T6 is used to make medical devices, such as implants and surgical tools, because it is lightweight and biocompatible.
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