Magnesium Alloy QE21-F vs QE21-T6
Magnesium Alloy · QE21 temper comparison
QE21-F and QE21-T6 are two conditions of the same magnesium alloy grade, QE21: F (as fabricated) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. QE21-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) against 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) for QE21-F, about 75% more; tensile strength follows at 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) vs 155 MPa (22.5 ksi). QE21-T6 is harder — 75 HB against 55 HB for QE21-F — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. QE21-T6 runs hotter in service (200°C vs 150°C continuous) and QE21-T6 conducts electricity better (25 % IACS vs 22 % IACS).
QE21-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
QE21-F vs QE21-T6: 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 44 GPa6.4 Msi · Shear Modulus 16.5 GPa2.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Elongation at Break 3%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 1.81 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³ · 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
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,000 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F · 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 -70°C-94 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -1.55 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 80 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 300 MJ/kg128,977 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 28 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
QE21-F vs QE21-T6 — frequently asked
Is QE21-T6 stronger than QE21-F?
Yes. QE21-T6 has a typical yield strength of 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) against 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) for QE21-F — about 75% more. Tensile strength is 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) vs 155 MPa (22.5 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or T6?
T6 is the default QE21 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
When should I choose QE21-F over QE21-T6?
Pick QE21-T6 when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in QE21-F and QE21-T6 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.