A356.0 (7Si-0.3Mg) Aluminum Alloy
A356 is a versatile aluminum alloy commonly used in aircraft-related and structural castings due to its strength and weight. Typically, this alloy is heat-treated for best results.
- AMS. 356.0: 4217, 4260, 4261, 4284, 4285, 4286. A356.0: 4218
- Former ASTM. 356.0, SG70A; A356.0, SG70B
- SAE. 356.0: J452, 323
- UNS number. 356.0: A03560. A356.0: A13560
- Government. 356.0: QQ-A-601, QQ-A-596. A356.0: MIL-C-21180
- Foreign. ISO: AlSi7Mg, AC 4C, 3599, G-AlSi7Mg, A-S7G, EN AC-42000, LM 25
- Description: We typically always use A356.2 aluminum alloy. A356.2 (original material direct from smelter) contains improved mechanical properties. A356.2 is stronger and more ductile. The trade-off is that A356.2 is more expensive than 356.1.
What Is A356 Aluminum Made Of?
The A356 aluminum alloy has many constituents, including:
- Aluminum (Al): As the base metal, aluminum accounts for a minimum of 91.1% and may constitute up to 92.05%.
- Silicon (Si): Silicon makes up between 6.5% and 7.5% of this alloy.
- Magnesium (Mg): This alloy consists of magnesium between 0.25% and 0.45%.
- Copper (Cu): While there may be variation within the alloy, it will contain a maximum of 0.20% copper.
- Iron (Fe): A356 may contain up to 0.20% iron.
- Manganese (Mn): Up to 0.10% of this alloy comprises manganese.
- Zinc (Zn): Zinc accounts for up to 0.10% of A356 aluminum alloy.
A356 Aluminum Alloy Properties and Qualities
The following tables demonstrate some of the properties of A356 aluminum alloy:
| Typical Aluminum Alloys (a) | … | Resistance to Corrosion (b) | … | … | … | Typical Mechanical Properties | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AA | Former AA Designation | ASTM Spec. No. | Federal Spec. No. | SAE Alloy No. | Approx. Weight, lb./in.3 | General | Stress Corrosion Cracking | Relative Machinability (c) | Castability (k) | Weldability (Arc) (d) | Ultimate Tensile Strength, ksi (i) | Yield Strength Tension, ksi (e) (i) | Elongation, Percentage in 2 in. (Round Specimen, 1/2" Dia.) (f) (i) | Shear Strength, ksi (g) | Fatigue Endurance Limit, ksi (h) | Brinell Hardness (500-kg Load, 10-mm Ball) (j) | ||||||||||
| 356.0-T6 | 356 | B26 | QQ-A-601 | 323 | 0.098 | 2 | A | 4 | 1 | 2 | 33 | 24 | 3.5 | 26 | 8.5 | 70 | ||||||||||
| 356.0-T7 | 356 | B26 | QQ-A-601 | … | 0.098 | 2 | A | 4 | 1 | 2 | 34 | 30 | 2 | 24 | 9 | 75 | ||||||||||
| A356.0-T6 | A356 | … | … | … | 0.098 | 2 | A | 4 | 1 | 2 | 37 | 27 | 5 | 20 | 8.5 | 80 | ||||||||||
| Designations & nominal compositions of common aluminum alloys used for sand casting | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AA Number | Former AA designations | Former ASTM number | Cu | Mg | Mn | Si | Others | |||||||
| A356.0 | A356 | SG70B | 0.20 (Max) | 0.35 | 0.10 (Max) | 7.00 | 0.20 Fe (Max), 0.10 Zn (Max) | |||||||
| Characteristics of common aluminum alloys used in sand casting | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alloy | Fluidity | Resistance to hot cracking | Pressure tightness | Heat Treatment | Strength at elevated temperatures | General corrosion resistance | Machining | Polishing | Anodizing Appearance | Weldability | ||||||||||
| A356.0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Yes | 3 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 1 | ||||||||||
| Alloy | Uses |
|---|---|
| A356.0 | Automobile transmission cases, oil pans and rear-axle housings |
| Typical Tensile Properties for separately cast test bars of common aluminum casting alloys | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alloy | Temper | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Shear strength | Compressive yield strength | Elongation % | ||||||||||||||
| Mpa | Ksi | Mpa | Ksi | Mpa | Ksi | Mpa | Ksi | |||||||||||||
| 356.0 | T6 | 230 | 33 | 165 | 24 | 180 | 26 | 170 | 25 | 3.5 | ||||||||||
| 356.0 | T7 | 235 | 34 | 210 | 30 | 165 | 24 | 215 | 31 | 2 | ||||||||||
Common Applications
Due to its useful characteristics, A356 alloy castings find use in various applications, including:
- Structural castings
- Aerospace applications
- Pump housings
- Automobile transmission cases
- Impellers and propellers
- High-velocity blowers
- Substituting for 6061 aluminum alloy
A356-T6 Aluminum Cast vs. 6061-T6
A356 alloy castings are often used instead of A6061 castings. However, there are distinct differences, as this table demonstrates:
| Tensile Strength | Melting Range | Corrosion Resistance | Weldability | |
| A356-T6 | 230 MPa | 1,060-1,130°F | Good | Excellent |
| 6061-T6 | 310 MPa | 1,080-1,205°F | Excellent | Excellent |
Create Top-Quality Castings With A356 Aluminum Alloy
The A356 aluminum alloy is a versatile alloy ideal for various applications. Whether you need strength for structural casts or you’re creating lightweight aircraft parts, A356 is an ideal choice.
You can trust us to deliver high-quality castings quickly and with great craftsmanship. Contact us today to discuss your project and requirements.
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