Magnesium Alloy QE21 vs QE22A
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy QE21 and QE22A are both magnesium alloy grades. QE22A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) for QE21, about 11% more; tensile strength follows at 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) vs 240 MPa (34.8 ksi). QE22A is harder — 80 HB against 75 HB for QE21 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. QE22A runs hotter in service (250°C vs 200°C continuous).
QE22AChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
QE21 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.
Shear Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 44 GPa6.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.35 · Elongation at Break 3% · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 15 MPa·√m13.7 ksi·√in · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 3 J2.2 ft·lbf
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Same in both: Liquidus Temperature 640°C1,184 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 113 W/m·K65.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 25 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 6.8×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.68 µΩ·in
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 Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 92 / 100 · Formability (cold) 10 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb
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 | QE21 | QE22A |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
QE21 vs QE22A — frequently asked
Is QE22A stronger than QE21?
Yes. QE22A has a typical yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) for QE21 — about 11% more. Tensile strength is 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) vs 240 MPa (34.8 ksi).
Which is cheaper, QE21 or QE22A?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, QE21 or QE22A?
QE21. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (65/100) for QE22A.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in QE21 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.