Magnesium QE22A-T6 (UNS M18220)

Image of Magnesium QE22A-T6 bars
Credit: CSIRO, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

QE22A-T6 is a high-strength, heat-treated magnesium alloy that is commonly used in sand and permanent mold castings. It has excellent tensile, fatigue, and creep properties at both room and elevated temperatures.

Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
MagnesiumRemainder
Copper0.10%
Neodymium1.7%2.5%
Nickel0.01%
Silver2.0%3.0%
Zirconium0.40%1.0%

The following table provides a list of magnesium QE22A-T6 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.

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

Table of Magnesium QE22A-T6 Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Density1820 kg/m3
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)260 MPa
Tensile Strength (Yield)195 MPa
Compressive Strength (Ultimate)193 MPa
Compressive Strength (Yield)195 MPa
Shear Strength160 MPa
Young’s Modulus (E)45 GPa
Shear Modulus (G)17 GPa
Elongation at Break in 50 mm3%
Poisson’s Ratio (ν)0.35
Brinell Hardness 500 kg load, 10 mm ball80
Knoop Hardness Converted from Brinell103
Vickers Hardness Converted from Brinell90
Machinability100%
Charpy Impact V-notch2.00 J
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Melting Point550 - 645 °C
Solidus550 °C
Liquidus645 °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 QE22A-T6

AdvantagesDisadvantages
LightweightCorrosion-prone
StrongHigh cost
DurableDifficult to machine
VersatileLow melting point
High-performanceLimited availability

Applications of Magnesium QE22A-T6

Magnesium QE22A-T6 is a versatile and high-performance alloy that is well-suited for a variety of applications, including:

  • Aerospace industry: Magnesium QE22A-T6 is used to make aircraft landing gear, engine mounts, and structural components.
  • Automotive industry: Magnesium QE22A-T6 is used to make engine blocks, pistons, and brake rotors.
  • Marine industry: Magnesium QE22A-T6 is used to make hulls, deck structures, and propellers.
  • Industrial sector: Magnesium QE22A-T6 is used to make machinery, tooling, and fixtures.
  • Medical industry: Magnesium QE22A-T6 is used to make implants, prosthetics, and surgical instruments.
  • Consumer goods industry: Magnesium QE22A-T6 is used to make sporting goods, electronics, and furniture.
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