Elektron 43 Magnesium Extrusion Alloy, UNS M18434，ASTM WE43C,E FOUR

### **Elektron 43 Magnesium Extrusion Alloy (UNS M18434)** **Product Overview** Elektron 43 (commercially designated as WE43C) is a high-performance magnesium wrought alloy belonging to the advanced Mg-Y-RE family. Representing the wrought version of the renowned WE43 casting alloy, it offers an 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 wrought alloys, Elektron 43 maintains stable mechanical properties after prolonged exposure to high temperatures, making it ideal for critical aerospace, defense, and racing applications where weight reduction and superior performance are paramount. This alloy is primarily supplied in extruded forms such as rods, bars, profiles, and tubes, with optimal properties achieved through specific heat treatments. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** Elektron 43 features a carefully balanced composition with strict control over alloying elements and impurities to ensure superior performance. | 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 in wrought forms. --- #### **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** Elektron 43 demonstrates superior mechanical properties across a wide temperature range in extruded conditions. **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 * **Modulus of Elasticity:** 44 GPa (6.4 × 10³ ksi) **Typical Mechanical Properties (Extruded & Heat Treated):** * **Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS):** 270 - 300 MPa (39 - 44 ksi) * **Tensile Yield Strength (TYS):** 190 - 220 MPa (28 - 32 ksi) * **Elongation:** 6 - 12% * **Compressive Yield Strength:** 190 - 220 MPa (28 - 32 ksi) * **Shear Strength:** ~ 150 MPa (22 ksi) * **Fatigue Strength:** ~ 130 MPa (19 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 magnesium wrought alloys --- #### **3. International Standards & Specifications** Elektron 43 is recognized by major international standards organizations under the WE43C designation. * **Unified Numbering System (UNS):** **UNS M18434** * **ASTM International:** **ASTM WE43C** (Standard Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Profiles, Tubes, and Wire) * **Aerospace Material Specification:** **AMS 4376** (Extruded Bars and Shapes) * **SAE International:** **SAE J465** * **European Standards:** **EN 1753** (Mg-Y-RE-Zr) * **Military Standards:** **MIL-M-46098** * **Proprietary Designation:** **Elektron 43** (Luxfer MEL Technologies) --- #### **4. Product Applications** Elektron 43 is specified for the most demanding applications across multiple industries where wrought magnesium components are required. * **Aerospace & Defense:** * **Aircraft Structural Components** * **Helicopter Rotor Parts** * **Missile Airframes and Components** * **Satellite Structural Members** * **Engine Accessory Mounts** * **High-Performance Motorsports:** * **Formula 1 & Racing Components:** Suspension parts, steering components * **Gearbox Components** * **Chassis Structural Members** * **Specialty Industrial:** * **High-Temperature Process Equipment** * **Nuclear Industry Components** (utilizing low neutron capture cross-section) * **Portable Military Equipment** --- **Summary** **Elektron 43 (UNS M18434)**, standardized as **ASTM WE43C**, represents the pinnacle of high-temperature magnesium wrought alloy technology. Its advanced 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** in extruded forms. Certification to major aerospace standards including **AMS 4376** and **MIL-M-46098** qualifies it for the most critical applications where weight reduction, high-temperature performance, and reliability are paramount. The alloy's superior performance in extrusion forms enables the production of complex structural components that maintain integrity under extreme conditions, making 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 3399 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.