Aug 5 2013
Topics Covered
Introduction
Chemical Composition
Physical Properties
Mechanical Properties
Thermal Properties
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
Machinability
Welding
Heat Treatment
Applications
Introduction
Magnesium is a silvery-white metal that can be obtained by electrolysis of magnesium salts from brine. Magnesium WE54-T6 is a high strength fully heat treatable magnesium-based casting alloy that can be used at temperatures up to 300°C.
The following datasheet gives an overview of magnesium WE54-T6 alloy.
Chemical Composition
The following table shows the chemical composition of magnesium WE54-T6 alloy.
|
Element |
Content (%) |
|
Magnesium, Mg |
91 |
|
Yttrium, Y |
4.75 - 5.5 |
|
Neodymium, Nd |
2-4 |
|
Zirconium, Zr |
0.40 - 1 |
|
Zinc, Zn |
≤0.20 |
|
Lithium, Li |
≤0.20 |
|
Manganese, Mn |
≤0.15 |
|
Copper, Cu |
≤0.030 |
|
Silicon, Si |
≤0.010 |
|
Nickel, Ni |
≤0.0050 |
Physical Properties
The physical properties of magnesium WE54-T6 alloy are given in the following table.
|
Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
Density |
1.85 g/cm³ |
0.0668 lb/in³ |
|
Melting point |
550-640°C |
1020-1180°F |
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of cast magnesium WE54-T6 alloy are listed in the following table.
|
Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
Tensile strength |
280 MPa |
40600 psi |
|
Yield strength (@ strain 0.200%) |
225 MPa |
32600 psi |
|
Compressive yield strength (at 0.2% offset) |
172 MPa |
24900 psi |
|
Shear modulus |
17 GPa |
2470 ksi |
|
Elastic modulus |
44.4 GPa |
6440 ksi |
|
Poisson's ratio |
0.27 |
0.27 |
|
Elongation at break (in 50 mm) |
4% |
4% |
|
Brinell hardness (500 kg load, 10 mm ball) |
85 |
85 |
|
Knoop hardness (estimated from Brinell) |
109 |
109 |
|
Rockwell A hardness (estimated from Brinell) |
36 |
36 |
|
Rockwell B hardness (estimated from Brinell) |
53 |
53 |
|
Vickers hardness (estimated from Brinell) |
96 |
96 |
Thermal Properties
The following table outlines the thermal properties of magnesium WE54-T6 alloy.
|
Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
Thermal expansion co-efficient (@ 0.000-100°C/32-212°F) |
26 µm/m°C |
14.4 µin/in°F |
|
Thermal conductivity |
52 W/mK |
361 BTU in/hr.ft².°F |
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
Machinability
Magnesium WE54-T6 alloy can be machined faster than any other metal.
Welding
Magnesium WE54-T6 alloy can be welded using tungsten arc inert gas process with a filler rod.
Heat Treatment
Magnesium WE54-T6 alloy is heat treated at 525°C (977°F) for 8 h followed by quenching in hot or warm water.
Applications
Magnesium WE54-T6 alloy can be used for the following applications:
-
Power systems
-
Missiles
-
High performance cars.