Magnesium Alloy MB15 vs QE22A
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy MB15 and QE22A are both magnesium alloy grades. MB15 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) for QE22A, about 41% more; tensile strength follows at 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) vs 260 MPa (37.7 ksi). MB15 is the more ductile: elongation 11% versus 3% for QE22A. QE22A runs hotter in service (250°C vs 150°C continuous) and MB15 conducts electricity better (28 % IACS vs 25 % IACS). On the shop floor, QE22A welds better (good vs poor).
MB15Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
QE22AChoose it when the part sees heat, or when it will be welded.
MB15 vs QE22A: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 15 MPa·√m13.7 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,000 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°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
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 32 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/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 | MB15 | QE22A |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
MB15 vs QE22A — frequently asked
Is MB15 stronger than QE22A?
Yes. MB15 has a typical yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) for QE22A — about 41% more. Tensile strength is 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) vs 260 MPa (37.7 ksi).
Which is cheaper, MB15 or QE22A?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, MB15 or QE22A?
QE22A. Its weldability rates good (65/100) against poor (25/100) for MB15.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in MB15 and QE22A 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.