Magnesium WE54-T6 Alloy (UNS M18410)

Topics Covered

Introduction
Chemical Composition
Physical Properties
Mechanical Properties
Thermal Properties
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
     Machinability
     Welding
     Heat Treatment
     Applications

Introduction

Magnesium is a silvery-white metal that can be obtained by electrolysis of magnesium salts from brine. Magnesium WE54-T6 is a high strength fully heat treatable magnesium-based casting alloy that can be used at temperatures up to 300°C.

The following datasheet gives an overview of magnesium WE54-T6 alloy.

Chemical Composition

The following table shows the chemical composition of magnesium WE54-T6 alloy.

Element Content (%)
Magnesium, Mg 91
Yttrium, Y 4.75 - 5.5
Neodymium, Nd 2-4
Zirconium, Zr 0.40 - 1
Zinc, Zn ≤0.20
Lithium, Li ≤0.20
Manganese, Mn ≤0.15
Copper, Cu ≤0.030
Silicon, Si ≤0.010
Nickel, Ni ≤0.0050

Physical Properties

The physical properties of magnesium WE54-T6 alloy are given in the following table.

Properties Metric Imperial
Density 1.85 g/cm³ 0.0668 lb/in³
Melting point 550-640°C 1020-1180°F

Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties of cast magnesium WE54-T6 alloy are listed in the following table.

Properties Metric Imperial
Tensile strength 280 MPa 40600 psi
Yield strength (@ strain 0.200%) 225 MPa 32600 psi
Compressive yield strength (at 0.2% offset) 172 MPa 24900 psi
Shear modulus 17 GPa 2470 ksi
Elastic modulus 44.4 GPa 6440 ksi
Poisson's ratio 0.27 0.27
Elongation at break (in 50 mm) 4% 4%
Brinell hardness (500 kg load, 10 mm ball) 85 85
Knoop hardness (estimated from Brinell) 109 109
Rockwell A hardness (estimated from Brinell) 36 36
Rockwell B hardness (estimated from Brinell) 53 53
Vickers hardness (estimated from Brinell) 96 96

Thermal Properties

The following table outlines the thermal properties of magnesium WE54-T6 alloy.

Properties Metric Imperial
Thermal expansion co-efficient (@ 0.000-100°C/32-212°F) 26 µm/m°C 14.4 µin/in°F
Thermal conductivity 52 W/mK 361 BTU in/hr.ft².°F

Fabrication and Heat Treatment

Machinability

Magnesium WE54-T6 alloy can be machined faster than any other metal.

Welding

Magnesium WE54-T6 alloy can be welded using tungsten arc inert gas process with a filler rod.

Heat Treatment

Magnesium WE54-T6 alloy is heat treated at 525°C (977°F) for 8 h followed by quenching in hot or warm water.

Applications

Magnesium WE54-T6 alloy can be used for the following applications:

  • Power systems
  • Missiles
  • High performance cars.

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