8/12/24, 4:59 PM What is A356 Aluminum - A356 Aluminum Composition, Properties, Uses & A356 Aluminum vs 6061
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A356 Aluminum vs 6061
What is A356 Aluminum – A356 Aluminum Composition, Properties, Uses
& A356 Aluminum vs 6061
2021.1.14
What is A356 Aluminum - A356 Aluminum Composition,
Properties, Uses & A356 Aluminum vs 6061
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.
What is A356 Aluminum? - Introduction to A356 Aluminum Names and
Properties
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
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8/12/24, 4:59 PM What is A356 Aluminum - A356 Aluminum Composition, Properties, Uses & A356 Aluminum vs 6061
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.
A356 (A356.0) Aluminum Composition
– 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
A356 (A356.0) Aluminum Properties - Physical and Mechanical Properties of
A356 Aluminum
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.
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8/12/24, 4:59 PM What is A356 Aluminum - A356 Aluminum Composition, Properties, Uses & A356 Aluminum vs 6061
A356.0 Aluminum Uses/Applications
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
A356 Aluminum vs 6061
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.
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