Magnesium Alloy EV31A vs WE54
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy EV31A and WE54 are both magnesium alloy grades. WE54 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 200 MPa (29 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for EV31A, about 82% more; tensile strength follows at 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) vs 195 MPa (28.3 ksi). WE54 is harder — 85 HB against 55 HB for EV31A — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. WE54 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, $$) than WE54 (high, $$$$).
EV31AChoose it when cost is the deciding factor.
WE54Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
EV31A vs WE54: 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.
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 44 GPa6.4 Msi · Shear Modulus 17 GPa2.5 Msi · Elongation at Break 4% · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 14 MPa·√m12.7 ksi·√in · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 3 J2.2 ft·lbf
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
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
Specific Heat Capacity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 26.7 µm/m·K14.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 370 J/g159 BTU/lb · 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
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 400 MJ/kg171,969 BTU/lb · Typical Recycled Content 15%
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 | EV31A | WE54 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Default condition | As Cast | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Anodizing Type II | Yes | — |
| Chem Film (Alodine) | Yes | — |
| E-Coating | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodizing Type III | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Powder Coating | Yes | — |
EV31A vs WE54 — frequently asked
Is WE54 stronger than EV31A?
Yes. WE54 has a typical yield strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for EV31A — about 82% more. Tensile strength is 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) vs 195 MPa (28.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, EV31A or WE54?
EV31A is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while WE54 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 WE54?
WE54, 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 WE54 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.