AZ31B vs WE43: 33% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
AZ31B vs WE43
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
AZ31B
M11311
The most widely used wrought magnesium alloy. Available as sheet, plate, bar, and extrusion. 3% Al + 1% Zn gives good room-temperature strength and ductility with excellent weldability (TIG/MIG). Density 1.78 g/cm³. An alternative to aluminum where weight reduction is critical. Used for aircraft fuselage panels, electronic device housings (laptops, smartphones), lightweight jigs and fixtures, vibration-damping components, and rapid prototyping. Strain-hardened tempers (H24, H26) provide higher strength. DIN: 3.5312.
WE43
M18430
Rare-earth magnesium alloy with yttrium (4%) and neodymium (2.25%) for exceptional high-temperature strength and creep resistance up to 300°C. Passed FAA flammability tests in 2015, lifting the ban on Mg in aircraft cabin interiors. Also biocompatible — used in biodegradable medical implants (stents, screws) with CE marking. Weldable (TIG). Used for helicopter gearbox casings, aircraft seat structures, engine components, racing wheels, and biomedical implants. The premium aerospace magnesium alloy.
| AZ31B | WE43 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | M11311 | M18430 |
| Category | magnesium | magnesium |
| Standard | ASTM B90 | ASTM B80 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | AZ31B | WE43 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Si | ≤ 0.1% | — | — |
| Mn | 0.2–1% | ≤ 0.15% | No overlap |
| Ni | ≤ 0.005% | — | — |
| Cu | ≤ 0.05% | — | — |
Mechanical properties
| Property | AZ31B | WE43 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 250–290 | 250–295 | MPa |
| yield_strength | 180–220 | 170–205 | MPa |
| elongation | 6–12 | 2–7 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
AZ31B and WE43 have significantly different compositions (33% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AZ31B the same as WE43?
AZ31B and WE43 have a 33% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace AZ31B with WE43?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (33% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between AZ31B and WE43?
The main differences are in the following elements: Mn, Zn. AZ31B is a magnesium grade, while WE43 is a magnesium grade.
View full data for each material:
Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.