Magnesium WE43A-T6, UNS M18430; Mg; AMS 4427; ASTM B 80; European EN 1753 MC95320,E FOUR

### **Product Datasheet: Magnesium WE43A-T6 (UNS M18430)** **Premium High-Strength Elevated Temperature Magnesium Casting Alloy** --- #### **1. Overview** Magnesium WE43A-T6 (UNS M18430) is a state-of-the-art rare earth-containing magnesium alloy representing the pinnacle of high-temperature magnesium technology. Conforming to AMS 4427, ASTM B80, and EN 1753 MC95320 standards, this alloy delivers exceptional mechanical properties at elevated temperatures up to 300°C (572°F) while providing corrosion resistance that dramatically surpasses conventional magnesium alloys. The T6 temper (solution heat-treated and artificially aged) optimizes its microstructure for the most demanding aerospace, defense, and motorsport applications. --- #### **2. Key Features & Advantages** - **Exceptional High-Temperature Performance:** Maintains mechanical properties up to 300°C (572°F) - **Superior Corrosion Resistance:** 100-1000x better saltwater corrosion resistance than conventional magnesium alloys - **Excellent Creep Resistance:** Outstanding dimensional stability under sustained load at elevated temperatures - **High Specific Strength:** 35% lighter than aluminum with superior strength-to-weight ratio - **Excellent Castability:** Produces sound castings in sand, permanent mold, and investment processes - **Biocompatibility:** Suitable for temporary biomedical implants - **Environmentally Friendly:** Non-radioactive alternative to thorium-containing alloys --- #### **3. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** As specified in AMS 4427, ASTM B80, and EN 1753 MC95320: | Element | Mg (Balance) | Y | Rare Earth (RE) | Zr | Other Elements (max) | |---------------|--------------|-----------|-----------------|------------|---------------------| | **Content (%)** | - | 3.7-4.3 | 2.4-4.4 | 0.4-1.0 | 0.30 total | *Note: Rare earth elements consist primarily of neodymium with heavy rare earth additions. Yttrium provides solid solution strengthening while rare earths enhance precipitation hardening and corrosion resistance.* --- #### **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 & Specifications** WE43A-T6 is fully certified to the following international standards: - **AMS 4427:** Aerospace Material Specification for Castings - **ASTM B80:** Standard Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Sand Castings - **EN 1753 MC95320:** European Standard Designation - **UNS M18430:** Unified Numbering System - **ASTM B107/B107M:** For Wrought Products - **ISO 16220:** International Standard for Magnesium Castings --- #### **6. Applications** - **Aerospace & Defense:** - Gearbox and transmission housings - Engine accessory components - Helicopter transmission casings - Missile body sections and control surfaces - Satellite and spacecraft components - **High-Performance Automotive:** - Formula One and motorsport engine components - High-performance transmission cases - Suspension and chassis components - **Biomedical Engineering:** - Biodegradable bone fixation devices - Temporary orthopedic implants - Cardiovascular applications - **Specialized Industrial:** - Robotics and automation components - High-temperature electronic enclosures - Nuclear instrumentation --- #### **7. Heat Treatment & Processing** - **Solution Treatment:** 525°C ± 5°C (977°F ± 9°F) for 8 hours - **Quenching:** Hot water quenching at 60-80°C (140-176°F) - **Artificial Aging:** 250°C ± 5°C (482°F ± 9°F) for 16 hours (T6 temper) - **Casting Methods:** - Sand casting (per ASTM B80) - Permanent mold casting - Investment casting - **Machining:** Excellent machinability with proper techniques - **Welding:** Good TIG weldability using compatible filler materials - **Surface Treatment:** Excellent response to anodizing and coating processes --- #### **8. Quality Assurance & Certification** - **Chemical Analysis:** Certified to AMS 4427 requirements - **Mechanical Testing:** Full certification to specified properties - **Radiographic Inspection:** Capable of meeting aerospace quality levels - **Dye Penetrant Testing:** For surface defect detection - **Microstructural Control:** Grain size and phase distribution monitoring --- **Disclaimer** This technical data is for informational purposes only. Properties may vary depending on casting method, section size, and heat treatment parameters. Users must consult the relevant specifications (AMS 4427, ASTM B80, EN 1753) and conduct appropriate testing for specific applications. Despite improved corrosion resistance, proper surface protection is recommended for harsh environments. All machining and processing must follow established safety procedures for magnesium alloys.

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 3353 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.