Aluminum 518.0-F (As fabricated)
Temper · default condition
AA 518.0 · UNS A05180
The only commercially supplied condition: 518.0 is a die-casting alloy that develops its strength from Mg in solid solution and is used as cast.
Values for the F condition
Other 518.0 tempers and conditions
518.0 is listed in 2 conditions; see the grade overview at 518.0.
Compare all 2 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FDefaultThis page As fabricated | The only commercially supplied condition: 518.0 is a die-casting alloy that develops its strength from Mg in solid solution and is used as cast. | 190 | 310 | 8 | 80 HB | 24 % IACS |
Foundry ingot chemistry | Ingot designation with slightly tightened chemistry (notably Fe ≤1.1%, Mg 7.6–8.6%) intended for remelting into 518.0 die castings. | — | — | — | 75 HB | 24 % IACS |
What is 518.0-F?
518.0-F is 518.0 in the F temper — the only commercially supplied condition: 518.0 is a die-casting alloy that develops its strength from Mg in solid solution and is used as cast. 518.0-F has a yield strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) — weaker than 52% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi). 518.0-F has a density of 2.57 g/cm³ (0.0928 lb/in³), lighter than 99% of aluminum grades. It melts at 535°C (995 °F).
Advantages
- Polishes to a fine finish — 88/100, better than 97% of aluminum grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 78/100, better than 94% of aluminum grades
- Easy to machine — 80/100, better than 92% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 96 W/m·K (55.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 95% of aluminum grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 24 % IACS, worse than 95% of aluminum grades
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 79% of aluminum grades
518.0-F properties
Typical room-temperature values for 518.0-F; 11 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 518.0 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
518.0-F has a density of 2.57 g/cm³ (0.0928 lb/in³), lighter than 99% of aluminum grades. It melts at 535°C (995 °F).
Mechanical11
518.0-F has a yield strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) — weaker than 52% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
Thermal6
518.0-F is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 96 W/m·K (55.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 95% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 24.1 µm/m·K (13.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
518.0-F conducts electricity at 24 % IACS, worse than 95% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (78/100), better than 94% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 518.0-F takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 55%.
Manufacturability8
518.0-F's machinability is very good (80/100, better than 92% of aluminum grades); weldability fair (45/100); formability poor (15/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with 518.0-F
Is 518.0 easy to machine?
Machines very freely with a bright finish — one of the best-machining cast Al alloys; use sharp polished-flute carbide, high speed, low feed and good chip evacuation to avoid built-up edge.
Can 518.0 be welded?
GTAW/GMAW with 5356 (Al-Mg) filler works metallurgically, but die-cast gas porosity blows out in the weld — repair welding is often restricted to vacuum/high-integrity castings.
Can 518.0 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold-chamber die casting only; melt must be protected against oxidation/dross, hot-tearing sensitivity is high and die life is shorter than with 380/383 — thicker uniform walls and generous fillets help.
What surface finishes work on 518.0?
Best-in-class for buffing, bright polishing and clear or dyed anodizing; low Si/Cu means light, uniform anodic film — chromate/paint and powder coat also adhere well.
518.0 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Si | ≤ 0.35 | — |
| Femax (die-cast tolerance; 518.1 ingot ≤1.1) | ≤ 1.8 | — |
| Cu | ≤ 0.25 | — |
| Mn | ≤ 0.35 | — |
| Mgprincipal alloying element | 7.5 – 8.5 | 8 |
| Ni | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Zn | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Sn | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Others (each) | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Others (total) | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
518.0-F — frequently asked
What is 518.0-F used for?
518.0-F is typically used for decorative die castings, architectural hardware, marine and outdoor fittings and polished consumer goods. In short: strongest Al-Mg die casting; best-polishing cast aluminium; short die life, hot-tear prone.
What is the yield strength of 518.0-F?
518.0-F has a typical yield strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) — weaker than 52% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is 518.0-F easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (80/100, better than 92% of aluminum grades). Machines very freely with a bright finish — one of the best-machining cast Al alloys; use sharp polished-flute carbide, high speed, low feed and good chip evacuation to avoid built-up edge.
Can 518.0-F be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (45/100). GTAW/GMAW with 5356 (Al-Mg) filler works metallurgically, but die-cast gas porosity blows out in the weld — repair welding is often restricted to vacuum/high-integrity castings.
What surface finishes work on 518.0-F?
Best-in-class for buffing, bright polishing and clear or dyed anodizing; low Si/Cu means light, uniform anodic film — chromate/paint and powder coat also adhere well.
Can 518.0-F be formed, bent or molded?
Cold-chamber die casting only; melt must be protected against oxidation/dross, hot-tearing sensitivity is high and die life is shorter than with 380/383 — thicker uniform walls and generous fillets help.
What is the maximum service temperature of 518.0-F?
518.0-F is rated for continuous use to about 120°C (248 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Aluminum Alloys in the Form of Castings and Ingot (Teal Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- ASTM B85 — Aluminum-Alloy Die Castings — ASTM International (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys — ASM International (1993)
- NADCA Product Specification Standards for Die Castings — North American Die Casting Association (2018)
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.