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Aluminum 204.0-F (As fabricated)

Temper

AA 204.0 · UNS A02040

Rarely supplied; as-cast 204.0 has low strength and is normally only an intermediate state before solution treatment.

Premium cost $$$

Values for the F condition

Other 204.0 tempers and conditions

204.0 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at 204.0.

Compare all 4 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
FThis page
As fabricated
Rarely supplied; as-cast 204.0 has low strength and is normally only an intermediate state before solution treatment.110170460 HB38 % IACS
T4Default
Solution heat treated and naturally aged
The standard commercial condition for 204.0 — best combination of high strength with useful ductility and toughness.195320895 HB33 % IACS
Solution heat treated and overaged (stabilized)
Overaged condition used when dimensional stability at elevated temperature and reduced residual stress are more important than peak strength.2503005105 HB40 % IACS
Solution heat treated and artificially aged
Pick when peak strength and hardness matter more than ductility and toughness; elongation drops sharply versus T4.2853503120 HB37 % IACS

What is 204.0-F?

204.0-F is 204.0 in the F temper — rarely supplied; as-cast 204.0 has low strength and is normally only an intermediate state before solution treatment. 204.0-F has a yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) — weaker than 81% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 4% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi). 204.0-F has a density of 2.8 g/cm³ (0.101 lb/in³), heavier than 81% of aluminum grades. It melts at 571°C (1,060 °F). T4 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; F is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Easy to machine — 75/100, better than 86% of aluminum grades

Limitations

  • Limited formability — 5/100, worse than 94% of aluminum grades
  • Needs corrosion protection — 33/100, worse than 91% of aluminum grades
  • Low strength — 110 MPa (16 ksi), worse than 81% of aluminum grades
  • Difficult to weld — 25/100, worse than 76% of aluminum grades

204.0-F properties

Typical room-temperature values for 204.0-F; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 204.0 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.

Physical3

204.0-F has a density of 2.8 g/cm³ (0.101 lb/in³), heavier than 81% of aluminum grades. It melts at 571°C (1,060 °F).

Density2.8 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)571°C1,060 °F
Liquidus Temperature650°C1,202 °F

Mechanical12

204.0-F has a yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) — weaker than 81% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 4% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus71 GPa10.3 Msi
Shear Modulus27 GPa3.9 Msi
Bulk Modulus71 GPa10.3 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.33
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)170 MPa24.7 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)110 MPa16 ksi
Elongation at Break4%
Compressive Strength115 MPa16.7 ksi
Shear Strength115 MPa16.7 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)55 MPa8 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)20 MPa·√m18.2 ksi·√in
Hardness, Brinell60 HB

Thermal6

204.0-F is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 137 W/m·K (79.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 57% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 22.7 µm/m·K (12.6 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity137 W/m·K79.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)22.7 µm/m·K12.6 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion390 J/g168 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)150°C302 °F
Min Service Temperature-196°C-321 °F

Electrical3

204.0-F conducts electricity at 38 % IACS, better than 61% of aluminum grades.

Electrical Conductivity38 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity4.5×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.77 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is poor (33/100), worse than 91% of aluminum grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.7 V
Corrosion ResistancePoor33/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryFair in neutral atmospheres; poor in chlorides, seawater and acidic/alkaline media — copper-rich phases promote pitting and intergranular attack; requires coating or anodize+seal for outdoor service.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of 204.0-F takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 15%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)12 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content15%

Manufacturability8

204.0-F's machinability is very good (75/100, better than 86% of aluminum grades); weldability poor (25/100); formability not recommended (5/100).

MachinabilityVery good75/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)160%
WeldabilityPoor25/100
Formability (cold)Not recommended5/100
CastabilityFair35/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityPoor20/100
PolishabilityGood60/100
Anodizing Responsefair — sulfuric anodize gives a serviceable but dark, non-uniform film because of 4–5 % Cu; hardcoat is possible with reduced abrasion life; not suited to decorative clear anodize.

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with 204.0-F

Is 204.0 easy to machine?

Machines very well in T4/T6 with sharp carbide tools, high speed and moderate feed; chips break cleanly, use flood coolant to avoid built-up edge.

Can 204.0 be welded?

Poor fusion weldability — wide freezing range causes hot cracking; repair welds (4043/2319) require preheat, low restraint and post-weld re-solution treatment to restore properties.

Can 204.0 be formed, bent or molded?

Sand and permanent-mold casting only; needs generous risering, chills and controlled directional solidification because of high shrinkage and hot-tear sensitivity — do not specify for pressure-tight parts.

What surface finishes work on 204.0?

Take painting or chromate/anodize+seal for corrosion protection; sulfuric anodize gives a dark uneven film due to Cu, so use paint or conversion coat for cosmetic parts.

204.0 chemical composition (wt %)

Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Siimpurity limit≤ 0.2—
Fe0.15 max for premium/high-toughness practice≤ 0.35—
Cumain strengthening element4.2 – 54.6
Mn≤ 0.1—
Mg0.15 – 0.350.25
Ni≤ 0.05—
Zn≤ 0.1—
Sn≤ 0.05—
Tigrain refiner0.15 – 0.30.22
Others (each)≤ 0.05—
Others (total)≤ 0.15—
Albalance—

204.0-F — frequently asked

What is 204.0-F used for?

204.0-F is typically used for aircraft wheels, structural castings and brackets. In short: high-strength Al-Cu casting; excellent machinability, rating 85; not for pressure-tight parts.

What is the yield strength of 204.0-F?

204.0-F has a typical yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) — weaker than 81% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.

Is 204.0-F easy to machine?

Yes — machinability is rated very good (75/100, better than 86% of aluminum grades). Machines very well in T4/T6 with sharp carbide tools, high speed and moderate feed; chips break cleanly, use flood coolant to avoid built-up edge.

Can 204.0-F be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated poor (25/100). Poor fusion weldability — wide freezing range causes hot cracking; repair welds (4043/2319) require preheat, low restraint and post-weld re-solution treatment to restore properties.

What surface finishes work on 204.0-F?

Take painting or chromate/anodize+seal for corrosion protection; sulfuric anodize gives a dark uneven film due to Cu, so use paint or conversion coat for cosmetic parts.

Can 204.0-F be formed, bent or molded?

Sand and permanent-mold casting only; needs generous risering, chills and controlled directional solidification because of high shrinkage and hot-tear sensitivity — do not specify for pressure-tight parts.

What is the maximum service temperature of 204.0-F?

204.0-F is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between 204.0-T4 and 204.0-T6?

T4 is the default condition — the standard commercial condition for 204.0 — best combination of high strength with useful ductility and toughness. T6: pick when peak strength and hardness matter more than ductility and toughness; elongation drops sharply versus T4. Yield strength is 195 MPa in T4 versus 285 MPa in T6.

Sources

  1. Registration Record of Aluminum Association Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Aluminum Alloys in the Form of Castings and Ingot (Pink Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
  2. ASTM B26/B26M — Aluminum-Alloy Sand Castings — ASTM International (2018)
  3. ASTM B108/B108M — Aluminum-Alloy Permanent Mold Castings — ASTM International (2019)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  5. ASM Specialty Handbook: Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys — ASM International (1993)
  6. EN 1706 — Aluminium and aluminium alloys: castings (AlCu4MgTi / AlCu4Ti) — CEN (2020)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.