Aluminum 332.0-T6
Temper
AA 332.0 · UNS A03320 · BS LM26 · also SC103A
T6 = solution heat treated and artificially aged
Choose when maximum room-temperature strength and hardness are needed and quench distortion can be tolerated.
Values for the T6 condition
Other 332.0 tempers and conditions
332.0 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at 332.0.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As fabricated | Cheapest condition for low-stress parts where dimensional stability at temperature is not critical. | 140 | 214 | 1.5 | 90 HB | 28 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and overaged (stabilized) | Use where long-term dimensional stability and toughness at elevated temperature matter more than peak strength. | 170 | 225 | 1.5 | 95 HB | 29 % IACS |
T5Default Cooled from hot working and artificially aged | Standard commercial condition for pistons: good hot strength and dimensional stability with minimum distortion risk (no quench). | 193 | 248 | 1 | 105 HB | 26 % IACS |
T6This page Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Choose when maximum room-temperature strength and hardness are needed and quench distortion can be tolerated. | 240 | 285 | 0.8 | 125 HB | 25 % IACS |
What is 332.0-T6?
332.0-T6 is 332.0 in the T6 temper — choose when maximum room-temperature strength and hardness are needed and quench distortion can be tolerated. 332.0-T6 has a yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) — stronger than 63% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 0.8% and the elastic modulus is 76 GPa (11 Msi). 332.0-T6 has a density of 2.76 g/cm³ (0.0997 lb/in³), heavier than 70% of aluminum grades. It melts at 521°C (970 °F). T5 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; T6 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 3.5 kg CO₂/kg, better than 100% of aluminum grades
- High service temperature — 200°C (392 °F), better than 90% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Limited formability — 3/100, worse than 100% of aluminum grades
- Low fracture toughness — 13 MPa·√m (11.8 ksi·√in), worse than 98% of aluminum grades
- Limited ductility — 0.8%, worse than 97% of aluminum grades
- Poor heat conductor — 100 W/m·K (57.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of aluminum grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 25 % IACS, worse than 92% of aluminum grades
332.0-T6 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 332.0-T6; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 332.0 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
332.0-T6 has a density of 2.76 g/cm³ (0.0997 lb/in³), heavier than 70% of aluminum grades. It melts at 521°C (970 °F).
Mechanical12
332.0-T6 has a yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) — stronger than 63% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 0.8% and the elastic modulus is 76 GPa (11 Msi).
Thermal6
332.0-T6 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 100 W/m·K (57.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 20.6 µm/m·K (11.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
332.0-T6 conducts electricity at 25 % IACS, worse than 92% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (33/100), worse than 91% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 332.0-T6 takes about 45 MJ of energy and emits 3.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 100% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 85%.
Manufacturability7
332.0-T6's machinability is fair (52/100, worse than 63% of aluminum grades); weldability poor (20/100); formability not recommended (3/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with 332.0-T6
Is 332.0 easy to machine?
Machinable but abrasive — use PCD or polished carbide, high speed with light feeds and flood coolant; expect short tool life on primary Si.
Can 332.0 be welded?
Poor fusion weldability (Cu+Mg hot cracking); repair only with 4145/4047 filler and preheat, or use mechanical joining.
Can 332.0 be formed, bent or molded?
Permanent-mold (gravity die) casting alloy with good fluidity and low hot-tear tendency; not cold-formable, and holding Mg requires tight melt control.
What surface finishes work on 332.0?
Chromate or phosphate conversion coats and hard anodize for wear surfaces; decorative anodizing looks dark and mottled, so paint or plate for appearance.
332.0 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.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Siprimary Si + eutectic gives wear resistance and low CTE | 8.5 – 10.5 | 9.5 |
| Cu | 2 – 4 | 3 |
| Mg | 0.5 – 1.5 | 1 |
| Niimproves hot strength; LM26 allows up to ~1.0 | ≤ 0.5 | 0.3 |
| Fe | ≤ 1.2 | — |
| Mn | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Zn | ≤ 1 | — |
| Ti | ≤ 0.25 | — |
| Others (each)total 0.15 max | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
332.0-T6 — frequently asked
What is 332.0-T6 used for?
332.0-T6 is typically used for automotive pistons, engine components running hot, compressor pistons, cylinder heads and covers, pulleys and drive components and wear-resistant gravity die castings. In short: low-expansion piston alloy; 250 °C service capability; high hardness, wear resistant.
What is the yield strength of 332.0-T6?
332.0-T6 has a typical yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) — stronger than 63% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is 332.0-T6 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (52/100, worse than 63% of aluminum grades). Machinable but abrasive — use PCD or polished carbide, high speed with light feeds and flood coolant; expect short tool life on primary Si.
Can 332.0-T6 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (20/100). Poor fusion weldability (Cu+Mg hot cracking); repair only with 4145/4047 filler and preheat, or use mechanical joining.
What surface finishes work on 332.0-T6?
Chromate or phosphate conversion coats and hard anodize for wear surfaces; decorative anodizing looks dark and mottled, so paint or plate for appearance.
Can 332.0-T6 be formed, bent or molded?
Permanent-mold (gravity die) casting alloy with good fluidity and low hot-tear tendency; not cold-formable, and holding Mg requires tight melt control.
What is the maximum service temperature of 332.0-T6?
332.0-T6 is rated for continuous use to about 200°C (392 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 332.0-T5 and 332.0-F?
T5 is the default condition — standard commercial condition for pistons: good hot strength and dimensional stability with minimum distortion risk (no quench). F: cheapest condition for low-stress parts where dimensional stability at temperature is not critical. Yield strength is 193 MPa in T5 versus 140 MPa in F.
Sources
- Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Aluminum Alloys in the Form of Castings and Ingot (Teal Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- ASTM B108 / B26 — Aluminum-Alloy Permanent Mold and Sand Castings — ASTM International (2021)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys — ASM International (1993)
- BS 1490 LM26 (Al-Si9Cu3Mg1Ni) casting alloy — BSI (1988)
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.