Magnesium Alloy QE22
ASTM QE22 · UNS M18220 · EN MC65210, MgRE2Ag2Zr
QE22 (QE22A, UNS M18220, MgRE2Ag2Zr) is a silver–rare-earth–zirconium magnesium casting alloy supplied in F, T4, T6 and HIP+T6 conditions.
Reference datasheet — QE22 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the T6 condition
QE22 tempers and conditions
QE22 is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. T6 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As fabricated | Rarely shipped; only for non-structural or pre-machining/HIP stock, since strength is far below T6. | 105 | 170 | 3 | 55 HB | 23 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and naturally aged | Intermediate condition used before straightening/weld repair; ductility is higher but yield strength is low — normally aged on to T6. | 115 | 220 | 6 | 60 HB | 20 % IACS |
T6Default Solution heat treated and artificially aged | The standard supply condition for all QE22A aerospace castings — maximum yield strength and creep resistance to ~200 °C. | 200 | 260 | 3 | 80 HB | — |
hot isostatically pressed then solution treated and aged | Chosen for fracture-critical aerospace castings: HIP closes microporosity, raising ductility and fatigue life at similar yield strength. | 200 | 270 | 5 | 80 HB | 24 % IACS |
What is QE22?
QE22 (QE22A, UNS M18220, MgRE2Ag2Zr) is a silver–rare-earth–zirconium magnesium casting alloy supplied in F, T4, T6 and HIP+T6 conditions. It was specified for high yield strength and creep resistance up to about 200 °C in sand, investment and permanent-mold aerospace castings, with default-condition values of 200 MPa yield, 260 MPa tensile, 3 % elongation and 80 HB. Elongation is low, the silver content makes it costly, and bare surfaces corrode quickly, so conversion or anodic coating is mandatory. WE43 has largely displaced it in new designs, leaving QE22 mainly a legacy and spares alloy. QE22 has a density of 1.82 g/cm³ (0.0658 lb/in³), heavier than 74% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 549°C (1,020 °F). QE22 has a yield strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) and a tensile strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) — stronger than 88% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 44 GPa (6.38 Msi).
What is QE22 used for?
- Helicopter transmission housings
- Aircraft accessory gearbox casings
- Legacy aerospace sand and investment castings
- Spares for out-of-production airframes
- Creep-loaded engine-mounted brackets
- Thin-wall avionics and equipment housings
Advantages
- High strength — 200 MPa (29 ksi), better than 88% of magnesium alloy grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 16 MPa·√m (14.6 ksi·√in), better than 87% of magnesium alloy grades
- High service temperature — 200°C (392 °F), better than 84% of magnesium alloy grades
Limitations
- Limited ductility — 3%, worse than 85% of magnesium alloy grades
QE22 properties
Typical room-temperature values for QE22-T6; bars are the position among magnesium alloy grades.
Physical3
QE22 has a density of 1.82 g/cm³ (0.0658 lb/in³), heavier than 74% of magnesium alloy grades. It melts at 549°C (1,020 °F).
Mechanical14
QE22 has a yield strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) and a tensile strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) — stronger than 88% of magnesium alloy grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 44 GPa (6.38 Msi).
Thermal6
QE22 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 113 W/m·K (65.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 74% of magnesium alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 26.7 µm/m·K (14.8 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
QE22 conducts electricity at 24 % IACS, better than 58% of magnesium alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (28/100), better than 78% of magnesium alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of QE22 takes about 380 MJ of energy and emits 32 kg of CO₂ — more than 93% of magnesium alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 15%.
Manufacturability8
QE22's machinability is excellent (90/100, worse than 95% of magnesium alloy grades); weldability good (55/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the magnesium alloy family
Yield strength against density for every magnesium alloy grade FabDigit runs. QE22 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with QE22
Is QE22 easy to machine?
Machines extremely easily with sharp positive-rake carbide tools and high speeds; use dry or mineral-oil coolant (never water-based) and keep fine chips/dust wet or inerted — Mg fines are a fire hazard.
Can QE22 be welded?
GTAW repair with matching Mg-Ag-RE or EZ33/QE22 filler under argon; preheat mildly, avoid Zr burn-off, and re-solution+age (T6) after major repair.
Can QE22 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand, investment and permanent-mold casting with SF6-free (SO2/HFC) melt cover; fluid enough for thin aerospace housings but needs good feeding and Zr grain refinement control.
QE22 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Agsilver — key precipitation strengthener with Nd | 2 – 3 | 2.5 |
| REdidymium (Nd-rich rare-earth mixture) | 1.8 – 2.5 | 2.1 |
| Zrgrain refiner | 0.4 – 1 | 0.7 |
| Cuimpurity limit | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Niimpurity limit (corrosion) | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Siimpurity limit | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Others (each)total others 0.30 max | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Mg | balance |
What surface finishes work on QE22?
Not sulfuric-anodizable — apply chromate or chrome-free conversion (AMS 2475) or HAE/Tagnite anodic coating, then epoxy primer/topcoat; insulate from steel and aluminium fasteners to stop galvanic attack.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Magnesium Alloy QE22 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- M18220
- ASTM
- QE22A
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- MC65210MgRE2Ag2Zr
- Also called
- QE22A-T6
How much does QE22 cost?
QE22 is a high-cost magnesium alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
QE22 — frequently asked
What is QE22 used for?
QE22 is typically used for helicopter transmission housings, aircraft accessory gearbox casings, legacy aerospace sand and investment castings, spares for out-of-production airframes, creep-loaded engine-mounted brackets and thin-wall avionics and equipment housings. In short: creep-resistant Mg casting alloy; 200 °C service capability; legacy WE43 predecessor.
What is the yield strength of QE22?
QE22 has a typical yield strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) and a tensile strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) — stronger than 88% of magnesium alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is QE22 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (90/100, worse than 95% of magnesium alloy grades). Machines extremely easily with sharp positive-rake carbide tools and high speeds; use dry or mineral-oil coolant (never water-based) and keep fine chips/dust wet or inerted — Mg fines are a fire hazard.
Can QE22 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (55/100). GTAW repair with matching Mg-Ag-RE or EZ33/QE22 filler under argon; preheat mildly, avoid Zr burn-off, and re-solution+age (T6) after major repair.
What surface finishes work on QE22?
Not sulfuric-anodizable — apply chromate or chrome-free conversion (AMS 2475) or HAE/Tagnite anodic coating, then epoxy primer/topcoat; insulate from steel and aluminium fasteners to stop galvanic attack.
Can QE22 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand, investment and permanent-mold casting with SF6-free (SO2/HFC) melt cover; fluid enough for thin aerospace housings but needs good feeding and Zr grain refinement control.
What is the maximum service temperature of QE22?
QE22 is rated for continuous use to about 200°C (392 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between QE22-T6 and QE22-F?
T6 is the default condition — the standard supply condition for all QE22A aerospace castings — maximum yield strength and creep resistance to ~200 °C. F: rarely shipped; only for non-structural or pre-machining/HIP stock, since strength is far below T6. Yield strength is 200 MPa in T6 versus 105 MPa in F.
How much does QE22 cost?
QE22 is a high-cost magnesium alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- ASTM B80 — Standard Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Sand Castings — ASTM International (2021)
- AMS 4418 — Magnesium Alloy Castings, 2.5Ag – 2.0RE – 0.7Zr, Solution and Precipitation Heat Treated (T6) — SAE International (2018)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Magnesium and Magnesium Alloys — ASM International (1999)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13B — Corrosion: Materials (magnesium) — ASM International (2005)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.