Magnesium Alloy MB15 vs WE43
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy MB15 and WE43 are both magnesium alloy grades. MB15 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) for WE43, about 57% more; tensile strength follows at 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) vs 260 MPa (37.7 ksi). MB15 is harder — 82 HB against 70 HB for WE43 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. WE43 runs hotter in service (200°C vs 150°C continuous) and MB15 conducts heat better (121 W/m·K vs 51.3 W/m·K). On the shop floor, WE43 welds better (very good vs poor), WE43 forms better (fair vs poor), and WE43 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than MB15 (high, $$$$).
MB15Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
WE43Choose it when the part sees heat, or when it will be welded.
MB15 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
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 16.5 GPa2.4 Msi · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 6 J4.4 ft·lbf
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
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 22 / 100
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
Polishability
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 | MB15 | 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 |
MB15 vs WE43 — frequently asked
Is MB15 stronger than WE43?
Yes. MB15 has a typical yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) for WE43 — about 57% more. Tensile strength is 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) vs 260 MPa (37.7 ksi).
Which is cheaper, MB15 or WE43?
WE43 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while MB15 is high ($$$$). 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, MB15 or WE43?
MB15, by a small margin. Both rate excellent for machinability — 95/100 against 88/100 for WE43; for welding the order is WE43 first (very good, 72/100) then MB15 (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in MB15 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.