Aluminum 535-T6
Temper
AA 535 · UNS A05350 · EN AlMg7 · also Almag 35, GM70B
T6 = solution heat treated and artificially aged
Non-standard for 535.0 (AA registers this alloy only as -F); a solution treat plus artificial age precipitates Mg-rich β-phase, giving a modest strength and hardness gain at the cost of ductility and the alloy's outstanding corrosion/SCC resistance.
Values for the T6 condition
Other 535 tempers and conditions
535 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at 535.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As fabricated | The only commercially supplied condition: solid-solution strengthened as cast, use for maximum corrosion resistance, machinability and dimensional stability. | 140 | 275 | 13 | 70 HB | 24 % IACS |
Cooled from hot working and artificially aged | Non-standard for 535.0 (normally supplied as-cast F); a low-temperature stabilizing age is used mainly for dimensional stability, raising yield slightly while cutting elongation and sensitizing the high-Mg matrix to intergranular attack and SCC. | 155 | 260 | 8 | 73 HB | 25 % IACS |
T6This page Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Non-standard for 535.0 (AA registers this alloy only as -F); a solution treat plus artificial age precipitates Mg-rich β-phase, giving a modest strength and hardness gain at the cost of ductility and the alloy's outstanding corrosion/SCC resistance. | 170 | 290 | 6 | 80 HB | 25 % IACS |
What is 535-T6?
535-T6 is 535 in the T6 temper — non-standard for 535.0 (AA registers this alloy only as -F); a solution treat plus artificial age precipitates Mg-rich β-phase, giving a modest strength and hardness gain at the cost of ductility and the alloy's outstanding corrosion/SCC resistance. 535-T6 has a yield strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) — weaker than 56% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 6% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi). 535-T6 has a density of 2.62 g/cm³ (0.0947 lb/in³), lighter than 96% of aluminum grades. It melts at 549°C (1,020 °F).
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 86/100, better than 95% of aluminum grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 80/100, better than 93% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 80°C (176 °F), worse than 94% 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
535-T6 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 535-T6; 19 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 535 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
535-T6 has a density of 2.62 g/cm³ (0.0947 lb/in³), lighter than 96% of aluminum grades. It melts at 549°C (1,020 °F).
Mechanical10
535-T6 has a yield strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) — weaker than 56% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 6% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi).
Thermal6
535-T6 is rated for continuous service to 80°C (176 °F). It conducts heat at 100 W/m·K (57.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 24.5 µm/m·K (13.6 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
535-T6 conducts electricity at 25 % IACS, worse than 92% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (50/100), worse than 56% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 535-T6 takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 20%.
Manufacturability7
535-T6's machinability is excellent (86/100, better than 95% of aluminum grades); weldability good (60/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with 535-T6
Is 535 easy to machine?
Outstanding chip formation and surface finish — the benchmark machining alloy among Al castings; use sharp polished-flute carbide, high speed, low feed, minimal lubricant.
Can 535 be welded?
Readily GTAW/GMAW welded with 5356 or 5556 filler; keep interpass temperature low and avoid Si-bearing (4000 series) filler to prevent brittle Mg2Si.
Can 535 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand and permanent-mold casting only; low fluidity and strong Mg oxidation demand flux/cover-gas melt protection, chilled risers and generous gating to avoid hot tears and dross.
What surface finishes work on 535?
Excellent clear and hard anodizing with bright uniform color; polishes well; chromate/chrome-free conversion coatings and marine paints adhere readily — no plating or brazing.
535 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mgprincipal solid-solution strengthener | 6.2 – 7.5 | 6.9 |
| Mn | 0.1 – 0.25 | 0.18 |
| Tigrain refiner | 0.1 – 0.25 | 0.18 |
| Si | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Fe | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Cu | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Zn | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Others (each)total 0.15 max | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
535-T6 — frequently asked
What is 535-T6 used for?
535-T6 is typically used for marine castings, saltwater deck and rigging hardware, instrument and sensor housings, food processing fittings, chemical handling components and outboard motor parts. In short: cast Al-Mg, marine grade.
What is the yield strength of 535-T6?
535-T6 has a typical yield strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) — weaker than 56% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is 535-T6 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (86/100, better than 95% of aluminum grades). Outstanding chip formation and surface finish — the benchmark machining alloy among Al castings; use sharp polished-flute carbide, high speed, low feed, minimal lubricant.
Can 535-T6 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (60/100). Readily GTAW/GMAW welded with 5356 or 5556 filler; keep interpass temperature low and avoid Si-bearing (4000 series) filler to prevent brittle Mg2Si.
What surface finishes work on 535-T6?
Excellent clear and hard anodizing with bright uniform color; polishes well; chromate/chrome-free conversion coatings and marine paints adhere readily — no plating or brazing.
Can 535-T6 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand and permanent-mold casting only; low fluidity and strong Mg oxidation demand flux/cover-gas melt protection, chilled risers and generous gating to avoid hot tears and dross.
What is the maximum service temperature of 535-T6?
535-T6 is rated for continuous use to about 80°C (176 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Can FabDigit make parts in 535-T6?
Yes — 535-T6 is available for CNC machining; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM B26/B26M — Aluminum-Alloy Sand Castings — ASTM International (2018)
- ASTM B108/B108M — Aluminum-Alloy Permanent Mold Castings — ASTM International (2019)
- 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)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 15 — Casting — ASM International (2008)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys — ASM International (1993)
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.