Elektron W27 Magnesium Alloy，WE43,E FOUR

### **Elektron W27 / WE43 Magnesium Alloy** **Product Overview** Elektron W27, commercially designated as WE43, is a premium high-performance magnesium-yttrium-rare earth casting alloy renowned for its exceptional combination of high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and outstanding creep resistance at elevated temperatures up to 300°C. As one of the most advanced commercially available magnesium alloys, WE43 maintains stable mechanical properties after prolonged exposure to high temperatures, making it indispensable for critical aerospace, defense, and motorsport applications where weight reduction and reliability under extreme conditions are paramount. This alloy is suitable for sand casting, investment casting, and permanent mold casting processes, with optimal properties achieved through T6 heat treatment (solution treatment and aging). --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** WE43 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 Earths" typically include neodymium as the principal element. The synergistic effect of **Yttrium and Rare Earths** creates stable intermetallic phases that provide exceptional thermal stability and creep resistance. **Zirconium** ensures fine grain structure for enhanced mechanical properties. --- #### **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** WE43 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 * **Specific Heat Capacity:** 1000 J/kg·K **Typical Mechanical Properties (T6 Temper):** * **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 - 160 MPa (20 - 23 ksi) * **Fatigue Strength:** 130 - 150 MPa (19 - 22 ksi) * **Hardness:** 75 - 85 HBW * **Modulus of Elasticity:** 44 GPa (6.4 × 10³ 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** WE43 is recognized by major international standards organizations. * **ASTM International:** **ASTM B80** (Standard Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Sand Castings) * **Aerospace Material Specification (AMS):** **AMS 4427** * **SAE International:** **SAE J465** * **UNS Designation:** **UNS M18430** * **European Standards:** **EN 1753** (Mg-Y-RE-Zr) * **Military Standards:** **MIL-M-46098** * **Proprietary Designation:** **Elektron WE43** / **W27** (Luxfer MEL Technologies) --- #### **4. Product Applications** WE43 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, structural parts * **Aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Casings** * **Spacecraft and Satellite Components** * **Automotive Racing:** * **Formula 1:** Gearbox casings, turbocharger housings * **High-Performance Engine Components** * **Racing Transmission Systems** * **Medical & Industrial:** * **Biodegradable Medical Implants** * **High-Temperature Process Equipment** * **Nuclear Industry Components** (utilizing low neutron capture cross-section) * **Specialized Applications:** * **Rocket Motor Components** * **Military Vehicle Components** * **High-Performance Robotics** --- #### **5. Manufacturing Characteristics** **Casting Performance:** * Good castability with proper foundry techniques * Suitable for complex geometries and thin-walled sections * Excellent dimensional stability * Consistent mechanical properties throughout casting * Requires controlled solidification conditions **Secondary Processing:** * Good machinability with proper techniques * Excellent response to T6 heat treatment * Good surface finish characteristics * Weldable with specialized procedures * Excellent coating adhesion and compatibility --- **Summary** **Elektron W27 / WE43 Magnesium Alloy** represents the current state-of-the-art in high-temperature magnesium casting technology, offering an unmatched combination of **high strength**, **exceptional corrosion resistance**, and **outstanding thermal stability** up to **300°C**. Its advanced **yttrium-rare earth composition** provides superior performance that bridges the gap between conventional magnesium alloys and more expensive titanium alloys. Certification to major aerospace standards including **AMS 4427** and **MIL-M-46098** qualifies it for the most critical applications where reliability under extreme conditions is essential. WE43'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. The alloy continues to expand the application boundaries for magnesium, enabling significant weight reduction in applications where performance cannot be compromised.

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 3423 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.