Magnesium Alloy WE43 vs WE54A
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy WE43 and WE54A are both magnesium alloy grades. WE54A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) against 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) for WE43, about 9% more; tensile strength follows at 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) vs 260 MPa (37.7 ksi). In exchange, WE43 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 4% for WE54A, and WE54A is harder (85 HB vs 70 HB). WE54A runs hotter in service (250°C vs 200°C continuous) and WE43 conducts electricity better (11.6 % IACS vs 10 % IACS). On the shop floor, WE43 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than WE54A (high, $$$$).
WE43Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
WE54AChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
WE43 vs WE54A: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.27 · Shear Strength 150 MPa21.8 ksi
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.
Thermal Conductivity
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: 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
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.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Machinability 88 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 300% · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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 | WE43 | WE54A |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Default condition | F | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Anodizing Type II | Yes | — |
| Chem Film (Alodine) | Yes | — |
| E-Coating | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodizing Type III | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Powder Coating | Yes | — |
WE43 vs WE54A — frequently asked
Is WE54A stronger than WE43?
Yes. WE54A has a typical yield strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) against 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) for WE43 — about 9% more. Tensile strength is 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) vs 260 MPa (37.7 ksi).
Which is cheaper, WE43 or WE54A?
WE43 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while WE54A is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose WE43 over WE54A?
Pick WE43 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor. Pick WE54A when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in WE43 and WE54A 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.