Magnesium WE43-T6,UNS M18430;,E FOUR

### **Product Datasheet: Magnesium WE43-T6 (UNS M18430)** **High-Performance Rare Earth Magnesium Alloy for Elevated Temperature Service** --- #### **1. Overview** Magnesium WE43-T6 (UNS M18430) represents the current state-of-the-art in high-strength magnesium alloys for elevated temperature applications. This rare earth-containing alloy combines excellent mechanical properties up to 300°C (572°F) with outstanding corrosion resistance, overcoming traditional limitations of magnesium alloys. In the T6 temper (solution heat-treated and artificially aged), WE43 offers the best all-around performance of commercially available magnesium alloys, making it suitable for the most demanding aerospace, automotive, and biomedical applications. --- #### **2. Key Features & Advantages** - **Excellent High-Temperature Stability:** Maintains mechanical properties up to 300°C (572°F) - **Superior Corrosion Resistance:** 100-1000x better saltwater corrosion resistance than conventional magnesium alloys - **Exceptional Strength-to-Weight Ratio:** 35% lighter than aluminum, 75% lighter than steel - **Good Castability and Weldability:** Suitable for complex components and repairs - **Excellent Creep Resistance:** Maintains dimensional stability under sustained load at high temperatures - **Biocompatibility:** Suitable for temporary medical implants - **Non-radioactive:** Environmentally friendly alternative to thorium-containing alloys --- #### **3. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** | Element | Mg (Balance) | Y | Rare Earth (RE) | Zr | Other (max) | |---------------|--------------|-----------|-----------------|------------|-------------| | **Content (%)** | - | 3.7-4.3 | 2.4-4.4 | 0.4-1.0 | 0.30 total | *Note: Rare earth elements typically include neodymium, heavy rare earths. Yttrium and rare earths provide precipitation strengthening and corrosion improvement.* --- #### **4. Typical Physical & Mechanical Properties (T6 Temper)** | Property | Value | Condition / Remarks | |---------------------------|------------------------------|---------------------| | **Density** | 1.84 g/cm³ (0.066 lb/in³) | | | **Melting Range** | 550-640°C (1022-1184°F) | | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 51 W/m·K | At 25°C | | **Specific Heat Capacity**| 977 J/kg·K | At 25°C | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | 26.1 × 10⁻⁶/°C | 20-200°C | | **Ultimate Tensile Strength** | 250 MPa (36 ksi) | Room Temperature | | **Tensile Yield Strength**| 165 MPa (24 ksi) | 0.2% offset, RT | | **Elevated Temperature YS** | 150 MPa (22 ksi) | At 250°C (482°F) | | **Elongation** | 4-7% | In 2 inches, RT | | **Compressive Yield Strength** | 165 MPa (24 ksi) | | | **Shear Strength** | 140 MPa (20 ksi) | | | **Fatigue Strength** | 120 MPa (17 ksi) | 10⁷ cycles, RT | | **Elastic Modulus** | 44 GPa (6.4×10⁶ psi) | | | **Hardness** | 75-85 HB | | --- #### **5. International Standards** WE43-T6 is specified in the following international standards: - **ASTM B80:** Standard Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Sand Castings - **ASTM B107/B107M:** Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Extruded Products - **AMS 4427:** Aerospace Material Specification for Castings - **AMS 4367:** Aerospace Material Specification for Sheet and Plate - **AMS 4368:** Aerospace Material Specification for Extruded Bar and Shape - **UNS M18430:** Unified Numbering System designation - **ISO 16220:** Magnesium and magnesium alloys - Castings --- #### **6. Applications** - **Aerospace & Defense:** - Gearbox housings and transmission cases - Engine components and accessory housings - Missile and radar components - Helicopter transmission systems - Satellite and spacecraft components - **Automotive Racing:** - Engine blocks and cylinder heads - Transmission cases - Suspension components - **Biomedical Implants:** - Temporary bone fixation devices - Cardiovascular stents - Orthopedic implants (biodegradable) - **High-Performance Industrial:** - Robotics components - Computer and electronics housings - Portable equipment enclosures --- #### **7. Heat Treatment & Processing** - **Solution Treatment:** 525°C (977°F) for 8 hours followed by hot water quenching - **Artificial Aging:** 250°C (482°F) for 16 hours (T6 temper) - **Casting Methods:** Excellent for sand, permanent mold, and investment casting - **Forming:** Requires hot working at 300-500°C (572-932°F) - **Machining:** Excellent machinability with high surface quality - **Joining:** Good weldability using TIG methods with proper filler wire - **Surface Treatment:** Responds well to conventional anodizing and coating processes --- #### **8. Special Characteristics** - **Corrosion Performance:** Exceptional resistance to saltwater and industrial environments - **Heat Resistance:** Stable microstructure up to 300°C (572°F) - **Flammability Resistance:** Higher ignition temperature than conventional magnesium alloys - **Biodegradability:** Controlled corrosion rate in physiological environments --- **Disclaimer** This technical data is for informational purposes only. Properties may vary depending on manufacturing process, product form, and heat treatment parameters. Users should conduct appropriate testing to verify suitability for specific applications and consult relevant material specifications before use. Proper safety precautions for magnesium processing must always be followed, despite the improved flammability resistance of WE43.

Packing of Standard Packing: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 3352 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.