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Magnesium Alloy QE22A vs WE43B

Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison

Magnesium Alloy QE22A and WE43B 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 WE43B, about 11% more. In exchange, WE43B is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 3% for QE22A, and WE43B is harder (85 HB vs 80 HB). QE22A conducts heat better (113 W/m·K vs 51 W/m·K).

QE22AChoose it when strength drives the design.

WE43BChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

QE22A vs WE43B: properties

QE22AWE43B

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Shear Modulus

17 GPa2.5 Msi
16.5 GPa2.4 Msi

Bulk Modulus

45 GPa6.5 Msi
32 GPa4.6 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.35
0.27

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

260 MPa37.7 ksi
255 MPa37 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

195 MPa28.3 ksi
175 MPa25.4 ksi

Elongation at Break

3%
8%

Compressive Strength

340 MPa49.3 ksi
180 MPa26.1 ksi

Shear Strength

150 MPa21.8 ksi
155 MPa22.5 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

90 MPa13.1 ksi
95 MPa13.8 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

3 J2.2 ft·lbf
4 J3 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

80 HB
85 HB

Hardness, Vickers

—
90 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 44 GPa6.4 Msi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 15 MPa·√m13.7 ksi·√in

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

1.82 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³
1.84 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

549°C1,020 °F
545°C1,013 °F

Same in both: Liquidus Temperature 640°C1,184 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

113 W/m·K65.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F
51 W/m·K29.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

1,000 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F
966 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

370 J/g159 BTU/lb
350 J/g150 BTU/lb

Min Service Temperature

-100°C-148 °F
-196°C-321 °F

Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 26.7 µm/m·K14.8 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 250°C482 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

25 % IACS
11.6 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

6.8×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.68 µΩ·in
1.48×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5.83 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-1.55 V
-1.53 V

Corrosion Resistance

30 / 100
35 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

92 / 100
95 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

400%
300%

Weldability

65 / 100
70 / 100

Formability (cold)

10 / 100
25 / 100

Castability

78 / 100
75 / 100

Polishability

55 / 100
60 / 100

Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

370 MJ/kg159,072 BTU/lb
380 MJ/kg163,371 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

32 kg CO₂/kg
40 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

15%
5%

Same in both: Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

143 kN·m/kg
139 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

24.2 MN·m/kg
23.9 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

432 kJ/m³
348 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

62.1 mm²/s
28.7 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

25
11

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.

701001502001.41.51.61.71.8Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleQE22AWE43B

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityQE22AWE43B
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

QE22A vs WE43B — frequently asked

Is QE22A stronger than WE43B?

Yes. QE22A has a typical yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) for WE43B — about 11% more. Tensile strength is 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) vs 255 MPa (37 ksi).

Which is cheaper, QE22A 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 welds better, QE22A or WE43B?

WE43B. 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 QE22A 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.