WE43                        

Physical Properties

WE43 magnesium alloy features a low density (1.80–1.83 g/cm³), specific heat capacity of ~1.02 kJ/(kg·K), electrical resistivity of 6.2–6.5 μΩ·cm, thermal conductivity of 50–70 W/(m·K), and a thermal expansion coefficient of ~26×10⁻⁶/K at 25–100°C. Its melting point is approximately 550°C. Compared to traditional magnesium alloys (e.g., ZK60, AZ91), WE43 demonstrates superior stability at elevated temperatures, retaining high strength even above 300°C. Additionally, it offers excellent damping capacity for vibration and shock absorption, along with outstanding oxidation and corrosion resistance.

Production and Processing Techniques

1. Melting and Casting

Vacuum melting or inert gas shielding (e.g., SF₆ or Ar) is employed to prevent oxidation and combustion. SF₆ is gradually being replaced by Ar/CO₂ mixtures due to environmental concerns.

Refining and degassing processes ensure compositional stability and reduced impurity content.

Semi-continuous casting is typically used for high-quality ingots, while sand casting or die casting is applied for precision components.

2. Heat Treatment

T5 (artificial aging) and T6 (solution treatment + aging) heat treatments optimize microstructure, enhancing mechanical properties and heat resistance.

T6 treatment significantly improves tensile strength and creep resistance.

3. Machining and Joining

Precision machining (e.g., cutting, grinding, drilling) is feasible, but high rare earth content accelerates tool wear. Carbide tools are recommended.

Traditional fusion welding (TIG, MIG) may induce cracks due to rare earth segregation. Advanced techniques such as laser welding, electron beam welding, or friction stir welding (FSW) are preferred for reliable joints.

Mechanical Properties

WE43 exhibits excellent mechanical properties at both room and elevated temperatures, surpassing conventional alloys like AZ91 and ZK60.

Property               Typical Range                             Optimization Process

Tensile Strength       290–340 MPa                                     Extrusion + T6 aging

Yield Strength       150–230 MPa                             T6 heat treatment

Elongation               10–15%                                                   Hot extrusion

Fatigue Strength (R = -1) 110–140 MPa   Surface strengthening, stress relief

Elastic Modulus             44–46 GPa                                    Grain refinement

At 300°C, WE43 retains a tensile strength exceeding 180 MPa, far outperforming AZ91 and ZK60, making it one of the best commercial heat-resistant magnesium alloys.

Delivery Conditions

WE43 is typically supplied in extruded or forged states:

Extruded State: Offers high strength and toughness, further enhanced by T6 treatment. Suitable for high-temperature structural components.

Forged State: Delivers optimal mechanical properties, particularly creep and fatigue resistance. Ideal for aerospace load-bearing structures.

Application Fields

Aerospace: Airframe structures, engine components (e.g., turbine housings), and spacecraft parts for weight reduction and fuel efficiency.

Automotive: High-performance engine parts (pistons, turbocharger housings) and lightweight body structures (crash beams, suspension systems).

Electronics: Premium laptop/phone casings, 5G base station heat sinks, and electromagnetic shielding components.

Medical Devices: Biocompatible orthopedic implants (bone screws, plates) and medical imaging equipment housings.

Sports Equipment: Lightweight bicycle frames, golf clubs, and tennis rackets.

Modification Research and Applications

Alloying: Adding rare earth elements (e.g., La, Ce) enhances high-temperature and creep resistance.

Heat Treatment: Multi-stage aging refines grain structure to improve strength and toughness.

Surface Engineering: Micro-arc oxidation (MAO) or ceramic coatings boost corrosion resistance by >10x (salt spray test >500 hours).

WE43 magnesium alloy holds significant potential in aerospace, automotive, and advanced electronics due to its heat resistance, mechanical performance, and corrosion durability.

Product Offerings: WE43 sheets, round bars, plates, and custom components.