Magnesium WE43-T6 (UNS M18430)

Image of Magnesium WE43-T6 bars
Credit: CSIRO, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

WE43-T6 is a lightweight magnesium alloy that is known for its excellent strength, creep resistance, and weldability. It is commonly used in aerospace applications, such as aircraft components and spacecraft structures.

Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
MagnesiumRemainder
Copper0.03%
Lithium0.20%
Manganese0.15%
Neodymium2.4%4.4%
Nickel0.005%
Silicon0.01%
Yttrium3.7%4.3%
Zinc0.20%
Zirconium0.40%1.0%

The following table provides a list of magnesium WE43-T6 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.

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

Table of Magnesium WE43-T6 Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Density1840 kg/m3
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)250 MPa
Tensile Strength (Yield)162 MPa
Young’s Modulus (E)44.2 GPa
Shear Modulus (G)17 GPa
Poisson’s Ratio (ν)0.27
Brinell Hardness 500 kg load, 10 mm ball85
Knoop Hardness Converted from Brinell109
Vickers Hardness Converted from Brinell96
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Melting Point545 - 640 °C
Solidus545 °C
Liquidus640 °C
Thermal Conductivity51.3 W/m·K
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Electrical Resistivity1.48×10-5 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 WE43-T6

AdvantagesDisadvantages
StrongCorrosion-prone
LightweightHigh cost
Corrosion-resistantDifficult to machine
WeldableLow melting point

Applications of Magnesium WE43-T6

Magnesium WE43-T6 is a versatile material that is used in a variety of industries. Some of the applications of WE43-T6 include:

  • Aerospace: WE43-T6 is used in the construction of aircraft bodies, engine parts, and landing gear.
  • Automotive: WE43-T6 is used in the construction of engine blocks, transmission housings, and suspension components.
  • Marine: WE43-T6 is used in the construction of boat hulls, propellers, and rudders.
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