Understanding Cast Aluminium Alloys: Properties, Applications, and Benefits

Metallurgy

03/01/2022


The designation of cast aluminium alloys can be done in two forms.


The numerical designation according to NF EN 1706; that of cast alloys is identical to that of wrought alloys.
Five digits instead of four specify the chemical composition.

The conventional designation according to NF A 57 702 for casting alloys; this is of the alphanumeric type according to NF A 02-004.
The method of production and the metallurgical state are designated by the letter Y followed by two digits in accordance with standard NF A 02-002.
This type of designation is still partially used.

Aluminium alloys for casting


ABCDEFGHIJ
1
Group of aluminium alloysDesignationStateProprieties and uses
2
NF EN 1706NF A 57-702
3
Aluminium + CopperEN AB-20180 [Al Cui8MgTi]A-U8SY23, Y33, Y24, Y34Good machinability (mechanical parts, high mechanical properties).
4
5
Aluminium + ManganeseEN AB-30040[Al Mn1Mg]A-M1GY10Hardening by work hardening
Ingots for rolled products
6
7
Aluminium + SiliconEN AB-42200[Al Si7Mg]A-S7G06Y20 Y30High mechanical properties at room temperature and hot.
8
9
Aluminium + MagnesiumEN AB-51000[Al Mg3Ti]A-G3TY23 Y30
Excellent corrosion resistance
10
11
Aluminium + Magnesium + SiliconEN AB-60000[Al Mg1Si]A-G3Si1Y20 Y30Welds well. Good corrosion resistance (car components...)
12
13
Aluminium + ZincEN AB-71000[Al Zn5Mg]A-Z5GY25 Y29Good corrosion resistance, welds well.
14
15
Cast products NF A 02-002Delivery states
16
Designation: Letter followed by two digits, the first specifies the production method, the second indicates the heat treatment. For example: A-U5GT Y23
17
18
SymbolProduction methodSymbolDelivery state
19
Y0Not defined0No treatment, or treatment not specified
20
Y1Ingot1Annealed
21
Y2Sand casting2Quenched
22
Y3Chill casting3Quenched and tempered
23
Y4Die casting4-
24
Y5Concretion5Stabilized
25
Y6-6Soaked and stabilized
26
Y7By continuous casting7-
27
Y8By centrifugation8-
28
Y9As prescibed9As prescribed
29
Processing symbolsBasic metallurgical state
30
F - Unprocessed0 - AnnealedH - HardenedT - Heat Treated
31
Subdivisions of the H-state
32
ConditionHardenedHardened and temperedHardened and stabilised
33
1/4 durH 12H 22H 32
34
1/2 durH 14H 24H 34
35
3/4 durH 16H 26H 36
36
4/4 durH 18H 28H 38
37
Extra-durH 19H 29H 39
38
Subdivisions of the T-state
39
Aluminium et alliages d'aluminiumCuivre et alliages de cuivre - nickel et alliages de nickel
40
T3 Solution* cold worked and wroughtT6 Solution and temperedTA Controlled coolingTC TA and cold forming
41
42
T4 Solution et mûriT8 Solution, hardened and tempered
43
TB Solution and quenchTD TB and cold worked
44
T5 Refroidi et revenuT10 Cooled, tempered and hardened
45