Magnesium WE54-T6 (UNS M18410)
WE54-T6 is a heat-treatable magnesium alloy recognized for its high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. Its favorable strength-to-weight ratio and ability to be cast into intricate shapes make it a preferred choice in demanding sectors like aerospace and automotive engineering.
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| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Magnesium | —— | Remainder |
| Copper | —— | 0.03% |
| Lithium | —— | 0.2% |
| Manganese | —— | 0.15% |
| Neodymium | 2.0% | 4.0% |
| Nickel | —— | 0.005% |
| Silicon | —— | 0.01% |
| Yttrium | 4.75% | 5.5% |
| Zinc | —— | 0.2% |
| Zirconium | 0.4% | 1.0% |
The following table provides a list of magnesium WE54-T6 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.
Click on the button to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Density | 1850 kg/m3 |
| Mechanical Properties | Metric |
| Tensile Strength (Ultimate) | 280 MPa |
| Tensile Strength (Yield) | 225 MPa |
| Compressive Strength (Yield) | 172 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus (E) | 44.4 GPa |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 17 GPa |
| Elongation at Break in 50 mm | 4% |
| Poisson’s Ratio (ν) | 0.27 |
| Brinell Hardness 500 kg load, 10 mm ball | 85 |
| Knoop Hardness Converted from Brinell | 109 |
| Vickers Hardness Converted from Brinell | 96 |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | 550 - 640 °C |
| Solidus | 550 °C |
| Liquidus | 640 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 52 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) Typical value for Mg alloys | 1.00 J/g·°C |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Electrical Resistivity | 1.73×10-5 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 WE54-T6
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| High strength | Low stiffness |
| Good machinability | Corrosion can be a problem in harsh environments |
| Good thermal conductivity | Relatively expensive |
| Low density | Can be difficult to weld |
Applications of Magnesium WE54-T6
WE54-T6 is a versatile and high-performance alloy that is used in a wide range of applications, including:
- Aerospace: Used in aircraft structures such as landing gear, engine mounts, and fuel tanks.
- Automotive: Applied in car parts including engine blocks, cylinder heads, and brake calipers.
- Marine: Utilized in boat hulls, propellers, and rudders.
- Sporting goods: Incorporated in golf clubs, tennis rackets, and bicycles.