Elektron W23 Magnesium Alloy，WE54,E FOUR

### **Elektron W23 / WE54 Magnesium Alloy** **Product Overview** Elektron W23, commercially designated as WE54, is a premium high-performance magnesium-yttrium-rare earth casting alloy that represents the highest echelon of magnesium technology for elevated temperature applications. As the most advanced commercially available magnesium alloy in its class, WE54 offers exceptional creep resistance, superior mechanical properties retention, and outstanding corrosion resistance at temperatures up to 300°C. The alloy is specifically engineered for critical aerospace components and defense applications where reliability under extreme conditions is paramount. This alloy is suitable for sand casting, investment casting, and permanent mold casting processes, achieving optimal performance through proprietary heat treatment cycles. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** WE54 features a precisely optimized yttrium-rare earth composition with the highest content of these elements among commercial magnesium alloys. | Element | Composition (% by Weight) | | :---------------- | :-------------------------------- | | **Yttrium (Y)** | 4.75 - 5.50 % | | **Rare Earths (RE)*** | 2.8 - 4.0 % | | **Zirconium (Zr)** | 0.4 - 1.0 % | | **Neodymium (Nd)** | 1.5 - 2.0 % (typically part of RE) | | **Heavy Rare Earths** | ≤ 0.3 % | | **Zinc (Zn)** | ≤ 0.05 % | | **Manganese (Mn)** | ≤ 0.03 % | | **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 high **yttrium** and **rare earth** content creates exceptionally stable intermetallic phases that resist coarsening at elevated temperatures, providing unparalleled thermal stability. The precise balance of these elements ensures optimal precipitation hardening response and microstructural stability. --- #### **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** WE54 demonstrates the highest mechanical properties among commercial magnesium casting alloys at elevated temperatures. **Physical Properties:** * **Density:** 1.85 g/cm³ (0.067 lb/in³) * **Melting Range:** 550 - 640 °C (1022 - 1184 °F) * **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion:** 26.8 μm/m·°C (20-200°C) * **Thermal Conductivity:** 49 W/m·K * **Specific Heat Capacity:** 1000 J/kg·K **Typical Mechanical Properties (Fully Heat Treated):** * **Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS):** 260 - 280 MPa (38 - 41 ksi) * **Tensile Yield Strength (TYS):** 175 - 195 MPa (25 - 28 ksi) * **Elongation:** 3 - 6% * **Compressive Yield Strength:** 175 - 195 MPa (25 - 28 ksi) * **Shear Strength:** 145 - 165 MPa (21 - 24 ksi) * **Fatigue Strength:** 125 - 145 MPa (18 - 21 ksi) * **Hardness:** 80 - 90 HBW * **Modulus of Elasticity:** 44 GPa (6.4 × 10³ ksi) **Elevated Temperature Performance:** * **Exceptional creep resistance up to 300°C (572°F)** * **Retains approximately 90% of room temperature strength at 250°C** * **Maintains mechanical properties after 1000+ hours at 300°C** * **Superior microstructural stability** compared to WE43 * **Excellent corrosion resistance** in various environments --- #### **3. International Standards & Specifications** WE54 is recognized by major international standards with premium-grade requirements. * **Aerospace Material Specification (AMS):** **AMS 4427** (Premium grade requirements) * **ASTM International:** **ASTM B80** (Grade WE54) * **SAE International:** **SAE J465** * **UNS Designation:** **UNS M18410** * **European Standards:** **EN 1753** (Mg-Y-RE-Zr, premium grade) * **Military Standards:** **MIL-M-46098** (Class 1) * **Proprietary Designation:** **Elektron WE54** / **W23** (Luxfer MEL Technologies) --- #### **4. Product Applications** WE54 is specified for the most critical applications where no compromise on high-temperature performance is acceptable. * **Aerospace & Defense:** * **Gas Turbine Engine Casings and Components** * **High-Pressure Compressor and Turbine Sections** * **Engine Accessory Drive Housings** * **Rocket Motor Components and Nozzle Assemblies** * **Military Aircraft Transmission Housings** * **High-Performance Motorsports:** * **Formula 1 Power Unit Components** * **Turbocharger Housings and Components** * **Energy Recovery System Components** * **High-Temperature Powertrain Elements** * **Defense & Space:** * **Missile Guidance System Housings** * **Satellite and Spacecraft Structural Components** * **Military Vehicle Power Train Components** * **Specialty Industrial:** * **Nuclear Reactor Components** * **High-Temperature Process Equipment** * **Specialized Power Generation Components** --- #### **5. Manufacturing Characteristics** **Casting Performance:** * Requires advanced foundry techniques and controls * Good castability with proper process optimization * Suitable for complex, thin-walled geometries * Excellent dimensional stability * Consistent mechanical properties throughout casting **Secondary Processing:** * Good machinability with proper techniques * Excellent response to specialized heat treatments * Superior surface finish characteristics * Good weldability with specialized procedures * Excellent coating adhesion and compatibility --- **Summary** **Elektron W23 / WE54 Magnesium Alloy** represents the ultimate evolution in high-temperature magnesium casting technology, offering the highest commercially available performance in its class. The alloy's optimized **yttrium and rare earth composition** provides unparalleled thermal stability, creep resistance, and mechanical property retention up to **300°C**. While sharing the same maximum service temperature as WE43, WE54 offers superior long-term microstructural stability and property retention under sustained thermal exposure. Certification to premium grades of **AMS 4427** and **MIL-M-46098** makes it the material of choice for mission-critical aerospace and defense components where reliability under extreme conditions outweighs cost considerations. WE54 continues to push the boundaries of magnesium alloy performance, enabling weight reduction in applications previously dominated by titanium and nickel-based alloys, while providing the distinctive advantage of magnesium's low density and excellent manufacturability.

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 3421 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.