FabDigitFabDigit

Magnesium Alloy EV31A vs WE43B

Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison

Magnesium Alloy EV31A and WE43B are both magnesium alloy grades. WE43B is the stronger of the two: yield strength 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for EV31A, about 59% more; tensile strength follows at 255 MPa (37 ksi) vs 195 MPa (28.3 ksi). WE43B is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 4% for EV31A, and WE43B is harder (85 HB vs 55 HB). WE43B runs hotter in service (250°C vs 150°C continuous) and EV31A conducts heat better (100 W/m·K vs 51 W/m·K). On the shop floor, EV31A sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than WE43B (high, $$$$).

EV31AChoose it when cost is the deciding factor.

WE43BChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

EV31A vs WE43B: properties

EV31AWE43B

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Shear Modulus

17 GPa2.5 Msi
16.5 GPa2.4 Msi

Bulk Modulus

38 GPa5.5 Msi
32 GPa4.6 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.28
0.27

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

195 MPa28.3 ksi
255 MPa37 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

110 MPa16 ksi
175 MPa25.4 ksi

Elongation at Break

4%
8%

Compressive Strength

115 MPa16.7 ksi
180 MPa26.1 ksi

Shear Strength

125 MPa18.1 ksi
155 MPa22.5 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

80 MPa11.6 ksi
95 MPa13.8 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

14 MPa·√m12.7 ksi·√in
15 MPa·√m13.7 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

3 J2.2 ft·lbf
4 J3 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

55 HB
85 HB

Hardness, Vickers

58 HV
90 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 44 GPa6.4 Msi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

1.82 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³
1.84 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³

Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 545°C1,013 °F · Liquidus Temperature 640°C1,184 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

100 W/m·K57.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F
51 W/m·K29.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

1,000 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F
966 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

370 J/g159 BTU/lb
350 J/g150 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

150°C302 °F
250°C482 °F

Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 26.7 µm/m·K14.8 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

9.5 % IACS
11.6 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.8×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.09 µΩ·in
1.48×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5.83 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-1.55 V
-1.53 V

Corrosion Resistance

30 / 100
35 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

90 / 100
95 / 100

Weldability

72 / 100
70 / 100

Formability (cold)

10 / 100
25 / 100

Castability

85 / 100
75 / 100

Polishability

55 / 100
60 / 100

Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 300% · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

400 MJ/kg171,969 BTU/lb
380 MJ/kg163,371 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

42 kg CO₂/kg
40 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

600 L/kg71.9 gal/lb
500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

15%
5%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

107 kN·m/kg
139 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

24.2 MN·m/kg
23.9 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

138 kJ/m³
348 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

54.9 mm²/s
28.7 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

17
11

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.

701001502001.41.51.61.71.8Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleEV31AWE43B

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityEV31AWE43B
CNC machiningYes—
Default conditionAs Cast—
Relative cost$$ Standard$$$$ High
Min. machined wall0.8 mm—
Best machined surfaceRa 0.8 µm—
Anodizing Type IIYes—
Chem Film (Alodine)Yes—
E-CoatingYes—
Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFEYes—
Hard Anodizing Type IIIYes—
PaintingYes—
Powder CoatingYes—

EV31A vs WE43B — frequently asked

Is WE43B stronger than EV31A?

Yes. WE43B has a typical yield strength of 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for EV31A — about 59% more. Tensile strength is 255 MPa (37 ksi) vs 195 MPa (28.3 ksi).

Which is cheaper, EV31A or WE43B?

EV31A is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while WE43B is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.

Which is easier to machine, EV31A or WE43B?

WE43B, by a small margin. Both rate excellent for machinability — 95/100 against 90/100 for EV31A.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in EV31A and WE43B 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.