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Magnesium Alloy WE43B vs ZE41A

Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison

Magnesium Alloy WE43B and ZE41A are both magnesium alloy grades. WE43B is the stronger of the two: yield strength 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for ZE41A, about 25% more; tensile strength follows at 255 MPa (37 ksi) vs 205 MPa (29.7 ksi). WE43B is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 3.5% for ZE41A, and WE43B is harder (85 HB vs 62 HB). WE43B runs hotter in service (250°C vs 150°C continuous) and ZE41A conducts heat better (113 W/m·K vs 51 W/m·K).

WE43BChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

WE43B vs ZE41A: properties

WE43BZE41A

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Bulk Modulus

32 GPa4.6 Msi
45 GPa6.5 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.27
0.35

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

255 MPa37 ksi
205 MPa29.7 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

175 MPa25.4 ksi
140 MPa20.3 ksi

Elongation at Break

8%
3.5%

Compressive Strength

180 MPa26.1 ksi
140 MPa20.3 ksi

Shear Strength

155 MPa22.5 ksi
160 MPa23.2 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

95 MPa13.8 ksi
70 MPa10.2 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

15 MPa·√m13.7 ksi·√in
13 MPa·√m11.8 ksi·√in

Hardness, Brinell

85 HB
62 HB

Hardness, Vickers

90 HV
—

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 44 GPa6.4 Msi · Shear Modulus 16.5 GPa2.4 Msi · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 4 J3 ft·lbf

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Melting Point (Solidus)

545°C1,013 °F
510°C950 °F

Liquidus Temperature

640°C1,184 °F
645°C1,193 °F

Same in both: Density 1.84 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

51 W/m·K29.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F
113 W/m·K65.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

966 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F
1,000 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

26.7 µm/m·K14.8 µin/in·°F
26.1 µm/m·K14.5 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

250°C482 °F
150°C302 °F

Min Service Temperature

-196°C-321 °F
-70°C-94 °F

Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 350 J/g150 BTU/lb

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

11.6 % IACS
26 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

1.48×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5.83 µΩ·in
6.6×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.6 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-1.53 V
-1.6 V

Corrosion Resistance

35 / 100
22 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

95 / 100
92 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

300%
500%

Formability (cold)

25 / 100
10 / 100

Castability

75 / 100
92 / 100

Polishability

60 / 100
55 / 100

Same in both: Weldability 70 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

380 MJ/kg163,371 BTU/lb
340 MJ/kg146,174 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

40 kg CO₂/kg
28 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

5%
15%

Same in both: Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

139 kN·m/kg
111 kN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

348 kJ/m³
223 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

28.7 mm²/s
61.4 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

11
20

Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 23.9 MN·m/kg

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.

701001502001.41.51.61.71.8Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleWE43BZE41A

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityWE43BZE41A
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

WE43B vs ZE41A — frequently asked

Is WE43B stronger than ZE41A?

Yes. WE43B has a typical yield strength of 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for ZE41A — about 25% more. Tensile strength is 255 MPa (37 ksi) vs 205 MPa (29.7 ksi).

Which is cheaper, WE43B or ZE41A?

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.

When should I choose WE43B over ZE41A?

Pick WE43B 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 and ZE41A 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.