Aluminum-Silicon-Magnesium
Casting Alloy
The gold standard for structural aluminum castings. Excellent combination of castability, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance — especially when T6 heat treated.
Mechanical Properties
| Property | As Cast (F) | T5 | T6 (Typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UTS (MPa) | 160–190 | 200–230 | 230–310 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 80–110 | 160–180 | 165–275 |
| Elongation (%) | 5–8 | 3–5 | 3–10 |
| Hardness (HB) | 55–65 | 65–75 | 70–90 |
| Fatigue Strength (MPa) | ~70 | ~90 | ~90–110 |
Chemical Composition (wt%)
| Si | Mg | Fe | Cu | Mn | Ti | Al |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5–7.5 | 0.20–0.45 | ≤ 0.20 | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.10 | 0.10–0.20 | Balance |
Why Engineers Choose A356
Heat Treatable to T6
Solution treatment + aging cycle achieves 230–310 MPa UTS. No die casting alloy comes close.
Low Porosity
High Si content improves castability and reduces shrinkage porosity in gravity casting.
Excellent Corrosion Resistance
Suitable for outdoor, marine, and chemical environments without surface coating.
Good Weldability
Can be welded for repair or assembly — a major advantage over ADC12.
Widely Certified
Accepted by ASTM, EN, ISO. Bohua A356 castings meet TS16949 quality system requirements.
T6 = Structural Grade
Used by Volvo, Geely, Ford for suspension brackets, housings, and structural components.
Quick Reference
Typical Applications
- Automotive suspension parts
- Intake manifolds
- Transmission housings
- Structural brackets
- Pump bodies
- Industrial equipment frames
- Railway components
Related Resources
- Aluminum Gravity Casting Process GuideSee why A356 is the default alloy for permanent mold casting.
- T6 Heat Treatment for Aluminum CastingsUnderstand how A356-T6 reaches structural-grade properties.
- A356 vs ADC12 Alloy ComparisonCompare A356 with the leading die casting alloy before locking your spec.
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