Elektron® WE43B

A high strength magnesium based casting alloy developed by Luxfer MEL Technologies for use at temperatures up to 300˚C.

This alloy maintains its mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, without the use of either silver or thorium. The alloy is stable for long term exposure up to 250˚C. Elektron® WE43B also has excellent corrosion resistance characteristics.

Product Information

Find out more about this product below.

Applications

The excellent retention of properties at elevated temperatures will be of interest to designers of aeroengines and other power systems, helicopter transmissions, missiles, racing and high performance cars.

Specifications

UNS No. M18430
ASTM B80
AMS 4427
MAM 4427
AECMA MG-C96002
ISO 16220: MC95320

Chemical Composition

Yttrium: 3.7–4.3%
Rare earths: 2.4–4.4%
Zirconium: 0.4% min
Magnesium: Balance

Heat Treatment

The alloy develops its optimum properties in the fully heat treated condition ie:

Solution heat treat for 8 hours at 525˚C
Air cool, hot water or polymer quench
Age for 16 hours at 250˚C, Air cool

Physical Properties

Specific gravity: 1.84
Coefficient of thermal expansion: 26.7 x10-6K-1
Thermal conductivity: 51 Wm-1K-1
Specific heat: 966 Jkg-1K-1
Electrical resistivity: 148 nΩm
Modulus of elasticity: 45 x 103 MPa
Poissons ratio: 0.27
Melting range: 540–640˚C
Damping index: 0.09
Vickers hardness: 85–105

Design Data

Minimum specification tensile properties:

0.2% proof stress: 172 MPa
Tensile strength: 220 MPa
Elongation: 2%

Other Properties

Castability

Fine grained and pressure tight with good casting characteristics.

Pattern makers shrinkage factor

1.5%

Weldability

Fully weldable by the tungsten arc inert gas (TIG) process, using filler rods of the parent alloy composition.

Machining

Elektron® WE43B castings, like all magnesium alloy castings, machine faster than any other metal. Providing the geometry of the part allows, the limiting factor is the power and speed of the machine rather than the quality of the tool material. The power required per cubic centimetre of metal removed varies from 9 to 14 watts per minute depending on the operation.

Surface treatment

Normal protective treatments apply for Elektron® WE43B but some chromating baths may need to be modified for the satisfactory treatment of castings. Please refer to Luxfer MEL Technologies Design Guide.

Corrosion resistance