Elektron WE43B Magnesium Casting Alloy, UNS M18430,E FOUR

### **Elektron WE43B Magnesium Casting Alloy (UNS M18430)** **Product Overview** Elektron WE43B is a premium high-performance magnesium casting alloy representing the pinnacle of magnesium technology for elevated temperature applications. This yttrium- and rare earth-containing alloy offers exceptional combination of high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and outstanding creep resistance up to **300°C (572°F)**. As one of the most advanced commercially available magnesium alloys, WE43B maintains stable mechanical properties after prolonged exposure to high temperatures, making it indispensable for critical aerospace and defense applications. The alloy is suitable for sand casting, investment casting, and permanent mold processes, with optimal properties achieved through T6 heat treatment. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** WE43B features a carefully balanced composition with strict control over alloying elements and impurities. | Element | Composition (% by Weight) | | :---------------- | :-------------------------------- | | **Yttrium (Y)** | 3.7 - 4.3 % | | **Rare Earths (RE)*** | 2.4 - 4.4 % | | **Zirconium (Zr)** | 0.4 - 1.0 % | | **Neodymium (Nd)** | 1.5 - 2.5 % (typically part of RE) | | **Heavy Rare Earths** | ≤ 0.3 % | | **Zinc (Zn)** | ≤ 0.2 % | | **Manganese (Mn)** | ≤ 0.3 % | | **Copper (Cu)** | ≤ 0.03 % | | **Iron (Fe)** | ≤ 0.03 % | | **Nickel (Ni)** | ≤ 0.003 % | | **Silicon (Si)** | ≤ 0.03 % | | **Other Impurities** | ≤ 0.30 % (each) | | **Magnesium (Mg)** | Balance | *Note:* The rare earth composition typically includes Neodymium (Nd) as the principal element. The synergistic effect of **Yttrium and Rare Earths** creates stable intermetallic phases that provide exceptional thermal stability and creep resistance. --- #### **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** WE43B demonstrates superior mechanical properties across a wide temperature range. **Physical Properties:** * **Density:** ~1.84 g/cm³ (0.066 lb/in³) * **Melting Range:** ~ 550 - 640 °C (1022 - 1184 °F) * **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion:** 26.5 μm/m·°C (20-200°C) * **Thermal Conductivity:** 51 W/m·K **Typical Mechanical Properties (T6 Temper, Room Temperature):** * **Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS):** 250 - 270 MPa (36 - 39 ksi) * **Tensile Yield Strength (TYS):** 165 - 185 MPa (24 - 27 ksi) * **Elongation:** 4 - 7% * **Compressive Yield Strength:** 165 - 185 MPa (24 - 27 ksi) * **Shear Strength:** ~ 140 MPa (20 ksi) * **Fatigue Strength:** ~ 120 MPa (17 ksi) **Elevated Temperature Performance:** * **Excellent creep resistance up to 300°C (572°F)** * **Retains approximately 85% of room temperature strength at 250°C** * **Maintains mechanical properties after prolonged exposure to 300°C** * **Superior corrosion resistance** compared to other high-temperature magnesium alloys --- #### **3. International Standards & Specifications** WE43B is recognized by major international standards organizations. * **Unified Numbering System (UNS):** **UNS M18430** * **Aerospace Material Specification (AMS):** **AMS 4427** (Sand Castings) * **ASTM International:** **ASTM B80** (Standard Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Sand Castings) * **SAE International:** **SAE AMS-M-317** (Magnesium Alloy Castings) * **Military Standards:** **MIL-M-46098** * **European Standards:** **EN 1753** (Mg-Y-RE-Zr) * **Proprietary Designation:** **Elektron WE43B** (Luxfer MEL Technologies) --- #### **4. Product Applications** WE43B is specified for the most demanding applications across multiple industries. * **Aerospace & Defense:** * **Jet Engine Components:** Compressor casings, gearbox housings * **Helicopter Transmission Housings** * **Missile Components:** Guidance system housings, fins * **Aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Casings** * **Spacecraft and Satellite Components** * **Automotive Racing:** * **Formula 1:** Gearbox casings, turbocharger housings * **High-Performance Engine Components** * **Industrial:** * **High-Temperature Process Equipment** * **Nuclear Industry Components** (due to low neutron capture cross-section) --- **Summary** **Elektron WE43B (UNS M18430)** represents the current state-of-the-art in high-temperature magnesium casting technology. Its unique composition based on **yttrium and rare earth elements** provides an unmatched combination of high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and exceptional thermal stability up to **300°C**. Compliance with major aerospace standards including **AMS 4427** and **MIL-M-46098** certifies it for the most critical applications where weight reduction, high temperature performance, and reliability are paramount. The alloy's versatility across various casting methods and its proven performance in extreme environments make it the material of choice for next-generation aerospace, defense, and high-performance automotive applications.

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 3394 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.