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A Guide to Aluminum Casting Alloys

The specification of an aluminum alloy for a cast component is based upon the mechanical properties it can achieve. For the designer and purchaser, it is vital to understand that the properties obtained from one particular combination of casting alloy, foundry practice and thermal treatment may not be identical to those achieved with the same alloy in a different foundry or with a different thermal treating source. In all aluminum casting alloys, the percentages of alloying elements and impurities must be controlled carefully. If they are not, characteristics such as soundness, machinability, corrosion resistance and conductivity are affected adversely.

For example, calcium and sodium, within a few thousandths of a percent, can have either a beneficial or detrimental effect upon both the soundness and machinability of alloys containing a high percentage of silicon (Si). Similarly, the use of phosphorus in controlled amounts has a beneficial effect on the hypereutectic aluminum-silicon alloys containing Si in excess of 12%.

Special mechanical properties are obtained in many alloys through accurate control of chemistry, manufacturing and heat treating. Reliable ingot producers can supply foundries with ingot and heat treating specifications designed to obtain specific mechanical properties. However, while certain mechanical properties are improved, it is at the expense of others. For example, tensile and yield strengths can be increased, but this results in lower elongation and higher hardness. Higher elongation and lower hardness result in losses in tensile and yield strengths.

Learn more by reading our complete Aluminum Castings guide. It's in a PDF, for easy downloading & printing. Highlights include specifications and other detailed information regarding:

• Thermal Treatment
• Alloy Choice
• Alloy Designations
• Alloys 242.0 and A242.0
• Alloys 319.0, A319.0, B319.0 and 320.0
• Alloy 356.0
• Alloy A356.0
• Alloys A380.0 and B380.0
• Alloys A390.0 and B390.0
• Alloy 535.0
• Alloy 712.0
  
  Learn a whole lot more by reading our complete Aluminum Casting Guide. It's in a PDF, for easy downloading & printing.

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