Elektron® 43 Extruded Products
Applications
Elektron® 43 is a light, high strength wrought magnesium alloy for use at temperatures up to 250˚C. Designs in Elektron® 43 can be 20% to 30% lighter than a corresponding aluminium design. Elektron® 43 is available as rolled plate, forging feedstock and extruded bar, section and profile. Elektron® 43 is an optimised wrought evolution of the original casting alloy, Elektron® WE43.
The properties of Elektron® 43 mean it is well suited for use as feedstock material from which to machine high performance components, especially those associated with elevated temperature performance.
Elektron® 43 has undergone extensive flammability testing by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).The FAA have shown that the use of Elektron® 43 in aircraft seat frames does not reduce the level of safety of the aircraft when compared to heavier aluminium seat components.
- UNS M18434
- ASTM WE43C
- AMS 4485 – Extrusion
- ASTM B107 and B107M – Extrusion
- MMPDS-08 (and later versions) – Including full
A and B basis statistical analysis of properties for
bothextrusions and plate.
- Yttrium: 3.7 – 4.3%
- Rare earths: 2.3 – 3.5%
- Zirconium: 0.2% min
- Magnesium: Balance
Extruded Elektron® 43 develops its maximum strength in the artificially aged (T5) heat treated condition.
Specific gravity: 1.83
Coefficient of thermal expansion: 25.6 x 10-6K-1
Thermal conductivity: 57.6 Wm-1K-1
Specific heat: 993 Jkg-1K-1
Electrical resistivity: 148 nΩm
Modulus of elasticity: 44.1 GPa
Poisson’s ratio: 0.3
Melting range: 540 – 640˚C
Damping index: 0.09
Brinell hardness: 70 – 90
Longitudinal – Specification minima (A-basis statistical)
Extruded – T5
0.2% proof: 195 MPa (28.2 ksi)
Ultimate tensile strength: 303 MPa (43.9 ksi)
Elongation: 6%
Ambient temperature mechanical properties
T5 properties for extruded Elektron® 43 are dependent upon extruded profile. Tensile strength values up to 300 MPa 0.2% PS (43.5 ksi); 375 MPa UTS (54.4 ksi); and elongation of 11% have been demonstrated.
Extruded bar – Longitudinal
Extruded bar – Transverse
Asymmetry is when the tensile yield strength is greater than the compressive yield strength due to the twinning behaviour. Elektron® 43 has reduced asymmetry compared to other magnesium alloys.
Elevated temperature properties
Extruded bar – Fatigue properties ASTM E466 axial fatigue
R=0.1 at 50 million cycles = 195 MPa
Other R ratios are shown in the graph below.
Plate
Elektron® 43 rolled plate is available and has specification AMS 4371. Please see Magnesium Elektron® Datasheet 492.
Forging
Elektron® 43 is a high strength alloy that responds well to forging – please see Magnesium Elektron® information sheet, available on the website, for the forging of Elektron® 43.
Machining
Elektron® 43, like all magnesium alloys, machines faster than any other metal.
Corrosion resistance
Corrosion rate < 30 mpy
Surface treatment
Elektron® 43 can be anodised with treatments including: Keronite®, Tagnite® and MagOxid®, amongst others.
Conversion coatings that are Hexavalent chromium free are also available. These include:
Alodine® 160/161, Surtec® 650, Metalast® TCP-HF,
Oxsilan® MG 0611, Gardobond® X4729, and
MagPass®, amongst others.
Like all magnesium alloys, Elektron® 43 can be painted or coated using conventional techniques following pre-treatment.
