Magnesium Alloy WE54A vs ZE41A
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy WE54A and ZE41A are both magnesium alloy grades. WE54A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for ZE41A, about 36% more; tensile strength follows at 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) vs 205 MPa (29.7 ksi). WE54A is the more ductile: elongation 4% versus 3.5% for ZE41A, and WE54A is harder (85 HB vs 62 HB). WE54A runs hotter in service (250°C vs 150°C continuous) and ZE41A conducts heat better (113 W/m·K vs 52 W/m·K).
WE54AChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
WE54A vs ZE41A: 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
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Compressive Strength
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 44 GPa6.4 Msi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 350 J/g150 BTU/lb
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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Castability
Same in both: Weldability 70 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 28 kg CO₂/kg · 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 | WE54A | ZE41A |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
WE54A vs ZE41A — frequently asked
Is WE54A stronger than ZE41A?
Yes. WE54A has a typical yield strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for ZE41A — about 36% more. Tensile strength is 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) vs 205 MPa (29.7 ksi).
Which is cheaper, WE54A or ZE41A?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose WE54A over ZE41A?
Pick WE54A 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 WE54A 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.