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 engineered for demanding applications requiring superior strength, stiffness, and corrosion resistance. Its unique composition ensures optimal performance in structural and mechanical components across various industries, making it a reliable choice for lightweight and durable solutions.

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Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
Magnesium——Remainder
Rare Earths2.4%4.4%
Yttrium3.7%4.3%
Zirconium0.4%1.0%

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

Click on the button 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

WE43A-T6 finds extensive use across multiple industries, offering superior performance in structural and mechanical components, including:

  • Aerospace industry: Used to manufacture aircraft structures such as wings, fuselages, and landing gear, as well as engine components like pistons, cylinders, and crankshafts.
  • Automotive industry: Employed in engine blocks, suspension components, body panels, wheels, and other lightweight parts.
  • Marine industry: Utilized in boat hulls, propellers, rigging, marine engines, and other components.
  • Medical industry: Applied in implants, prosthetics, surgical tools, and medical devices such as MRI and X-ray machines.
  • Electronics industry: Used for circuit boards, housings, connectors, batteries, and other electronic components.
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