Magnesium Alloy EQ21A vs WE43
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy EQ21A and WE43 are both magnesium alloy grades. EQ21A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) for WE43, about 11% more. In exchange, WE43 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 4% for EQ21A, and EQ21A is harder (80 HB vs 70 HB). EQ21A conducts heat better (113 W/m·K vs 51.3 W/m·K). On the shop floor, WE43 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than EQ21A (high, $$$$).
EQ21AChoose it when strength drives the design.
WE43Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
EQ21A vs WE43: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all magnesium alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all magnesium alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 260 MPa37.7 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Same in both: Liquidus Temperature 640°C1,184 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Latent Heat of Fusion
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 26.7 µm/m·K14.8 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 200°C392 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every magnesium alloy grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | EQ21A | WE43 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | F |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | — | Ra 0.8 µm |
| Anodizing Type II | — | Yes |
| Chem Film (Alodine) | — | Yes |
| E-Coating | — | Yes |
| Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE | — | Yes |
| Hard Anodizing Type III | — | Yes |
| Painting | — | Yes |
| Powder Coating | — | Yes |
EQ21A vs WE43 — frequently asked
Is EQ21A stronger than WE43?
Yes. EQ21A has a typical yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) for WE43 — about 11% more. Tensile strength is 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) vs 260 MPa (37.7 ksi).
Which is cheaper, EQ21A or WE43?
WE43 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while EQ21A is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose EQ21A over WE43?
Pick EQ21A when strength drives the design. Pick WE43 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in EQ21A and WE43 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.