Magnesium Alloy WE43B vs WE54A
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy WE43B 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 WE43B, about 9% more; tensile strength follows at 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) vs 255 MPa (37 ksi). In exchange, WE43B is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 4% for WE54A. WE43B conducts electricity better (11.6 % IACS vs 10 % IACS).
WE43BChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
WE54AChoose it when strength drives the design.
WE43B 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.
Shear Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 44 GPa6.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 32 GPa4.6 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.27 · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 15 MPa·√m13.7 ksi·√in · Hardness, Brinell 85 HB · Hardness, Vickers 90 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: 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
Specific Heat Capacity
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 26.7 µm/m·K14.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 350 J/g150 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 250°C482 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 300% · Weldability 70 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb
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 | WE43B | WE54A |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
WE43B vs WE54A — frequently asked
Is WE54A stronger than WE43B?
Yes. WE54A has a typical yield strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) against 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) for WE43B — about 9% more. Tensile strength is 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) vs 255 MPa (37 ksi).
Which is cheaper, WE43B or WE54A?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, WE43B or WE54A?
WE43B, by a small margin. Both rate excellent for machinability — 95/100 against 88/100 for WE54A.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in WE43B 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.