Magnesium Alloy WE43B AM-AB vs WE43B-T5
Magnesium Alloy · WE43B temper comparison
WE43B AM-AB and WE43B-T5 are two conditions of the same magnesium alloy grade, WE43B: AM-AB (LPBF as-built) versus T5 (cooled from hot working and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. WE43B-T5 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) for WE43B AM-AB, about 17% more. WE43B-T5 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 8% for WE43B AM-AB, and WE43B-T5 is harder (90 HB vs 80 HB). WE43B-T5 runs hotter in service (250°C vs 200°C continuous).
WE43B-T5Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
WE43B AM-AB vs WE43B-T5: 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
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 · Bulk Modulus 32 GPa4.6 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.27
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 1.84 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 545°C1,013 °F · Liquidus Temperature 640°C1,184 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 966 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 350 J/g150 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °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) -1.53 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 65 / 100 · Castability 75 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 380 MJ/kg163,371 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 40 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 5%
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.
WE43B AM-AB vs WE43B-T5 — frequently asked
Is WE43B-T5 stronger than WE43B AM-AB?
Yes. WE43B-T5 has a typical tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) for WE43B AM-AB — about 17% more.
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AM-AB or T5?
T6 is the default WE43B condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither AM-AB nor T5). 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 WE43B AM-AB over WE43B-T5?
Pick WE43B-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 WE43B AM-AB and WE43B-T5 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.