Magnesium Alloy QE22 vs WE43B
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy QE22 and WE43B are both magnesium alloy grades. QE22 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 200 MPa (29 ksi) against 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) for WE43B, about 14% more. In exchange, WE43B is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 3% for QE22, and WE43B is harder (85 HB vs 80 HB). WE43B runs hotter in service (250°C vs 200°C continuous) and QE22 conducts heat better (113 W/m·K vs 51 W/m·K). On the shop floor, WE43B welds better (very good vs good).
QE22Choose it when strength drives the design.
WE43BChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
QE22 vs WE43B: 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)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 44 GPa6.4 Msi · Shear Modulus 16.5 GPa2.4 Msi
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
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 26.7 µm/m·K14.8 µin/in·°F · 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)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Castability 75 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 380 MJ/kg163,371 BTU/lb · 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 | QE22 | WE43B |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
QE22 vs WE43B — frequently asked
Is QE22 stronger than WE43B?
Yes. QE22 has a typical yield strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) against 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) for WE43B — about 14% more. Tensile strength is 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) vs 255 MPa (37 ksi).
Which is cheaper, QE22 or WE43B?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, QE22 or WE43B?
WE43B, by a small margin. Both rate excellent for machinability — 95/100 against 90/100 for QE22; for welding the order is WE43B first (very good, 70/100) then QE22 (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in QE22 and WE43B 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.