Magnesium Alloy WE54A vs ZM3
Magnesium Alloy · grade comparison
Magnesium Alloy WE54A and ZM3 are both magnesium alloy grades. WE54A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) against 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) for ZM3, about 100% more; tensile strength follows at 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) vs 145 MPa (21 ksi). WE54A is the more ductile: elongation 4% versus 3% for ZM3, and WE54A is harder (85 HB vs 55 HB). ZM3 conducts heat better (100 W/m·K vs 52 W/m·K). On the shop floor, ZM3 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than WE54A (high, $$$$).
WE54AChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZM3Choose it when cost is the deciding factor.
WE54A 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.
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)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 44 GPa6.4 Msi · Shear Modulus 17 GPa2.5 Msi · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 3 J2.2 ft·lbf
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
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: 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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: 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
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 12
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 | ZM3 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
WE54A vs ZM3 — frequently asked
Is WE54A stronger than ZM3?
Yes. WE54A has a typical yield strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) against 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) for ZM3 — about 100% more. Tensile strength is 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) vs 145 MPa (21 ksi).
Which is cheaper, WE54A or ZM3?
ZM3 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while WE54A is high ($$$$). 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, WE54A or ZM3?
WE54A. Its weldability rates very good (70/100) against good (65/100) for ZM3.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in WE54A 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.