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2021.1.14
In casting alloys collection, A356 aluminum is a typical material for aircraft applications. Unlike wrought alloys, cast aluminum has a different designation system. In this article, we’ll focus on A356 (A356.0) aluminum alloy, explain what is A356 aluminum, list its composition, properties, tempers, and uses, as well as 6061 vs A356. For superior quality A356 aluminum casting parts, we’re capable of aluminum die casting for a wide range of industries.
A356 is a type of aluminum alloy for casting. In cast aluminum alloy designation system, there are 1xx.x, 2xx.x, 3xx.x, 4xx.x, 5xx.x, 6xx.x, 7xx.x, 8xx.x, and 9xx.x series. The 3xx.x series means the principal alloying element is silicon plus copper and/or magnesium. The second and third digits reveal the minimum percentage of aluminum. The number following the decimal point indicates whether the alloy is a casting (.0) or an ingot (.1 or .2). The A in front of an alloy designation denotes a higher purity version of the chemical composition. A356.0 is the designation for this material from Aluminum Association (AA). In UNS standard, it is A13560 and the SAE designation is 336. A356 aluminum die casting alloy has good casting and machining performance, suitable for use in aircraft, pump housings, impellers, high-velocity blowers, and other structural castings that require high strength. A356 aluminum often used to manufacture intricate and complex aluminum castings, which provides lightweight, pressure tightness and great mechanical properties. Sometimes, A356 used as an alternative for 6061 aluminum.
– Cu: 0.20% (max)
– Mg: 0.25 to 0.45%
– Mn: 0.10% (max)
– Si: 6.5 to 7.5%
– Fe: 0.20% (max)
– Zn: 0.10% (max)
– Ti: 0.20% (max)
– Others (total): 0.15% (max)
– Al: balance
The properties of A356.0 aluminum including 5 variations (tempers), they are A356.0-F, A356.0-T6, A356.0-T51, A356.0-T61, and A356.0-T71. T6 heat treatment of A356 aluminum castings offers improved hardness and other mechanical properties. Here we create a chart that shows some properties of A356.0 aluminum in the T51, T6, and T71 temper.
The typical applications of A356.0 cast aluminum including aircraft structures and engine controls, nuclear energy installations, high strength airframe and space frame structural parts, machine parts, truck chassis parts, high-velocity blowers, and impellers, and other applications where high-strength permanent mold or investment castings are required
Why A356 can be used as a substitute for 6061 aluminum? Let’s take a look at the comparison between 6061-T6 aluminum and A356.0 aluminum. They have 94% of their average alloy composition in common. Check out the difference between 6061 and A356 properties.
