Magnesium Alloy WE43-T5 vs WE43-T6
Magnesium Alloy · WE43 temper comparison
WE43-T5 and WE43-T6 are two conditions of the same magnesium alloy grade, WE43: T5 (cooled from hot working and artificially aged) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. WE43-T5 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 225 MPa (32.6 ksi) against 172 MPa (24.9 ksi) for WE43-T6, about 31% more; tensile strength follows at 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi). WE43-T5 is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 4% for WE43-T6, and WE43-T5 is harder (85 HB vs 80 HB).
WE43-T5Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
WE43-T5 vs WE43-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)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 44.2 GPa6.4 Msi · Shear Modulus 16.5 GPa2.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 33 GPa4.7 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.27 · Compressive Strength 340 MPa49.3 ksi · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 6 J4.4 ft·lbf
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 1.84 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 540°C1,004 °F · Liquidus Temperature 640°C1,184 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 51.3 W/m·K29.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 960 J/kg·K0.23 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 · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 250°C482 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 11.6 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.48×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5.83 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -1.55 V · Corrosion Resistance 22 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 300% · Weldability 72 / 100 · Castability 70 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 18 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 400 MJ/kg171,969 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 38 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 550 L/kg65.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 10%
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.
WE43-T5 vs WE43-T6 — frequently asked
Is WE43-T5 stronger than WE43-T6?
Yes. WE43-T5 has a typical yield strength of 225 MPa (32.6 ksi) against 172 MPa (24.9 ksi) for WE43-T6 — about 31% more. Tensile strength is 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T5 or T6?
F is the default WE43 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither T5 nor T6). 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 WE43-T5 over WE43-T6?
Pick WE43-T5 when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in WE43-T5 and WE43-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.