Magnesium Alloy WE43 vs ZM3
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy WE43 and ZM3 are both magnesium alloy grades. WE43 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) against 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) for ZM3, about 84% more; tensile strength follows at 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) vs 145 MPa (21 ksi). WE43 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 3% for ZM3, and WE43 is harder (70 HB vs 55 HB). ZM3 runs hotter in service (250°C vs 200°C continuous) and ZM3 conducts heat better (100 W/m·K vs 51.3 W/m·K). On the shop floor, WE43 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than ZM3 (premium, $$$).
WE43Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZM3Choose it when the part sees heat.
WE43 vs ZM3: 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
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
Reduction in Area
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
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 22 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
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 | ZM3 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Default condition | F | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$ Premium |
| 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 ZM3 — frequently asked
Is WE43 stronger than ZM3?
Yes. WE43 has a typical yield strength of 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) against 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) for ZM3 — about 84% more. Tensile strength is 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) vs 145 MPa (21 ksi).
Which is cheaper, WE43 or ZM3?
WE43 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while ZM3 is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which welds better, WE43 or ZM3?
WE43. Its weldability rates very good (72/100) against good (65/100) for ZM3.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in WE43 and ZM3 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.