Editorial Feature

Magnesium Elektron WE54 Alloy (UNS M18410)

Jul 31 2013

Magnesium Elektron WE54 is a heat treatable high strength casting alloy. It can be used in temperatures of up to 300°C (572°F). This alloy has good mechanical properties coupled with improved corrosion resistance and good castability. The presence of yttrium provides the corrosion resistance to this alloy.

The following sections will discuss in detail about magnesium Elektron WE54 alloy.

Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of magnesium Elektron WE54 alloy is outlined in the following table.

Element Content (%)
Yttrium, Y 4.75-5.5
Neodymium, Nd 1.5-2
Heavy Rare Earths 1-2
Zirconium, Zr 0.4
Magnesium, Mg Remainder

Physical Properties

The physical properties of magnesium Elektron WE54 are tabulated below.

Properties Metric Imperial
Density 1.8 g/cm3 0.065 lb/in3
Melting point 545-640°C 1013-1184°F

Mechanical Properties

The following table shows mechanical properties of magnesium Elektron WE54 alloy.

Properties Metric Imperial
Tensile strength 280 MPa 40610 psi
Poisson’s ratio 0.3 0.3
Elongation 2% 2%
Hardness, Brinell 80-90 80-90

Thermal Properties

The thermal properties of magnesium Elektron WE54 alloy are tabulated below.

Properties Metric Imperial
Thermal expansion co-efficient (@20-100°C/68-212°F) 24.6 µm/m°C 13.6 µin/in°F
Thermal conductivity 52 W/mK 360 BTU in/hr.ft².°F

Other Designations

Related Stories

Equivalent materials to magnesium Elektron WE54 alloy are AMS 4426 and ASTM B80 WE54A-T6.

Fabrication and Heat Treatment

Heat treatment

Heat treatment of magnesium Elektron WE54 castings requires the material to be solution treated for 8h at 525°C (977°F). Then air cooled. It can be hot water quenched as well. It can be aged for 16h at 250°C (482°F). After these processes the material has to be air cooled.

Welding

Magnesium Elektron WE54 can be welded using tungsten arc inert gas process. A filler rod of similar composition should be used. It is recommended that the material should be heat treated after welding.

Machining

Magnesium Elektron WE54 can be easily machined using high powered tools and speed.

Applications

Magnesium Elektron WE54 alloy is used in the following:

  • Missiles
  • Transmissions
  • Power systems
  • High performance cars
  • Other high tech applications

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