Magnesium WE43A-T6 (UNS M18430)

Image of Magnesium WE43A-T6 bars
Credit: CSIRO, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

WE43A-T6 is a high-strength, cast magnesium alloy that is particularly well-suited for applications where strength, stiffness, and corrosion resistance are important.

Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
MagnesiumRemainder
Rare Earths2.4%4.4%
Yttrium3.7%4.3%
Zirconium0.40%1.0%

The following table provides a list of magnesium WE43A-T6 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.

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

Table of Magnesium WE43A-T6 Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Density1840 kg/m3
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)276 MPa
Tensile Strength (Yield)207 MPa
Young’s Modulus (E)44.2 GPa
Shear Modulus (G)17 GPa
Elongation at Break in 50 mm2%
Poisson’s Ratio (ν)0.27
Brinell Hardness 500 kg load, 10 mm ball75 - 95
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Melting Point550 - 640 °C
Solidus550 °C
Liquidus640 °C
Thermal Conductivity51.3 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp)966 J/kg·K
Heat of Fusion374 J/g
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 WE43A-T6

AdvantagesDisadvantages
High strength-to-weight ratioLow melting point
Good corrosion resistancePoor thermal conductivity
MachinabilityCorrosive to some acids
Good weldability

Applications of Magnesium WE43A-T6

Magnesium WE43A-T6 is a versatile alloy with a wide range of applications, including:

  • Aerospace industry: Magnesium WE43A-T6 is used to make aircraft structures, such as wings, fuselages, and landing gear. It is also used to make engine components, such as pistons, cylinders, and crankshafts.
  • Automotive industry: Magnesium WE43A-T6 is used to make engine blocks, suspension components, and body panels. It is also used to make wheels and other lightweight components.
  • Marine industry: Magnesium WE43A-T6 is used to make boat hulls, propellers, and rigging. It is also used to make marine engines and other components.
  • Medical industry: Magnesium WE43A-T6 is used to make implants, prosthetics, and surgical tools. It is also used to make medical devices, such as MRI machines and X-ray machines.
  • Electronics industry: Magnesium WE43A-T6 is used to make circuit boards, housings, and connectors. It is also used to make batteries and other electronic components.
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