Aluminum A360 · print state
Aluminum A360-AB
Properties of the AB condition, compared with the other A360 tempers.
Pick for printed AlSi10Mg parts used straight off the machine — highest strength but high residual stress and anisotropy.
What is A360-AB?
A360-AB is A360 in the AB condition — pick for printed AlSi10Mg parts used straight off the machine — highest strength but high residual stress and anisotropy. A360-AB has a yield strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) and a tensile strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) — stronger than 67% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 5% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi). A360-AB has a density of 2.63 g/cm³ (0.095 lb/in³), lighter than 95% of aluminum grades. It melts at 557°C (1,035 °F).
Limitations
- Limited formability — 10/100, worse than 81% of aluminum grades
- Poor heat conductor — 120 W/m·K (69.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 79% of aluminum grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 29 % IACS, worse than 78% of aluminum grades
A360-AB properties
Typical room-temperature values for A360-AB — 9 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every A360 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the aluminum grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
A360-AB has a density of 2.63 g/cm³ (0.095 lb/in³), lighter than 95% of aluminum grades. It melts at 557°C (1,035 °F).
Mechanical14
A360-AB has a yield strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) and a tensile strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) — stronger than 67% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 5% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
Thermal6
A360-AB is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 120 W/m·K (69.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 79% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 21 µm/m·K (11.7 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
A360-AB conducts electricity at 29 % IACS, worse than 78% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (58/100), better than 57% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of A360-AB takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 70%.
Manufacturability7
A360-AB's machinability is fair (50/100, worse than 65% of aluminum grades); weldability fair (40/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other A360 tempers and conditions
A360 is also supplied in 3 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the A360 overview.
- ABPick for printed AlSi10Mg parts used straight off the machine — highest strength but high residual stress and anisotropy.255 MPa yield · 114 HB
- FStandard supply condition for A360 die castings — use for thin-wall pressure-tight housings needing strength above ADC12.165 MPa yield · 75 HB
Working with A360-AB
Is A360 easy to machine?
Machines freely with sharp positive-rake tools and flood coolant, but 9–10 % Si is abrasive — use PCD or polished carbide and expect built-up edge with soft alloy chips.
Can A360 be welded?
TIG/MIG with 4043 or 4047 filler works on printed or low-porosity parts; high-pressure die castings often blister or crack from trapped gas, so favour mechanical joining or adhesive.
Can A360 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent die-casting fluidity and hot-tear resistance for 1–3 mm walls; keep die temperature and vacuum control tight to limit porosity, and avoid post-cast solution treatment on HPDC parts.
What surface finishes work on A360?
Takes chromate/chrome-free conversion coatings, powder coat and paint well; anodizing gives a dark grey film, so use hardcoat only where wear matters and shot-blast or vibratory finish for cosmetics.
A360 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 | 9 – 10 | 9.5 |
| Mg | 0.4 – 0.6 | 0.5 |
| Felow-Fe version of 360.0 (which allows 2.0 %) | ≤ 1.3 | — |
| Cu | ≤ 0.6 | — |
| Mn | ≤ 0.35 | — |
| Ni | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Zn | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Sn | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Others (total)each 0.10 max, total 0.25 max | ≤ 0.25 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
A360-AB — frequently asked
What is A360-AB used for?
A360-AB is typically used for cellphone and electronics housings, cookware, L-PBF printed brackets and manifolds, pressure-tight pump and valve housings, automotive covers and brackets and lighting and heat-sink bodies. In short: pressure die cast Al-Si-Mg.
What is the yield strength of A360-AB?
A360-AB has a typical yield strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) and a tensile strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) — stronger than 67% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is A360-AB easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (50/100, worse than 65% of aluminum grades). Machines freely with sharp positive-rake tools and flood coolant, but 9–10 % Si is abrasive — use PCD or polished carbide and expect built-up edge with soft alloy chips.
Can A360-AB be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (40/100). TIG/MIG with 4043 or 4047 filler works on printed or low-porosity parts; high-pressure die castings often blister or crack from trapped gas, so favour mechanical joining or adhesive.
What surface finishes work on A360-AB?
Takes chromate/chrome-free conversion coatings, powder coat and paint well; anodizing gives a dark grey film, so use hardcoat only where wear matters and shot-blast or vibratory finish for cosmetics.
Can A360-AB be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent die-casting fluidity and hot-tear resistance for 1–3 mm walls; keep die temperature and vacuum control tight to limit porosity, and avoid post-cast solution treatment on HPDC parts.
What is the maximum service temperature of A360-AB?
A360-AB 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.
Can FabDigit make parts in A360-AB?
Yes — A360-AB is available for CNC machining with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM B85/B85M — Aluminum-Alloy Die Castings — ASTM International (2018)
- 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 Specialty Handbook: Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys — ASM International (1993)
- AlSi10Mg L-PBF material data sheet — EOS / SLM Solutions (2023)
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.