Cast aluminum alloy, 3xx.x series (Si, Cu, Mg-alloyed)

General Information

CategoryDetails
OverviewOne of the most widely used casting series due to its good combination of properties and castability.
Designation3xx.x series

Strengths and Limitations

StrengthsLimitations
Good castabilityGenerally low shock resistance
Can be solution-treated and age-hardenedMachinability decreases with increasing Si content
Corrosion resistance decreases with increasing Cu content

Typical Uses

Applications
Engine crankcases
Gasoline and oil tanks
Pistons
Cylinder heads
Gear housings
Machine parts
Engine cooling fans
Clutch housings

Composition Overview

Compositional SummaryMaterial FamilyBase Material
Al/5-11Si/2-4Cu/0.5-1.5MgMetal (non-ferrous)Al (Aluminum)
Varying additions: Fe, Mn, Si, Ti, Zn

Effect of Composition

ElementEffect
CuImproves strength and machinability.
SiImproves castability by increasing fluidity and creating a narrow solidification temperature range.

Reduces hot shortness but decreases machinability.
MgEnhances heat treatment response, enabling premium strength capabilities.

Processing Properties

Available Forms

Forms
Sand castings
Permanent mold castings
Die castings

Forming

PropertyDetails
CastabilityGood castability with high fluidity

Machining

PropertyDetails
MachinabilityGenerally good but decreases with higher Si content

Heat Treatment

PropertyDetails
Heat-treatableAlloys with < 5.6% Cu can be heat-treated.
Mg AdditionsEnhance heat treatment response for premium strength capabilities.

Joining

PropertyDetails
WeldabilityGenerally good

Surface Treatment

Treatment Types
Solution treatment
Precipitation/age-hardening
Porcelain enameling

MODULUS METAL | ALUMINUM CASTING FOUNDRY IN TURKEY
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