Aluminum A380 · temper
Aluminum A380-F
Properties of the F condition, compared with the other A380 tempers.
Standard supply condition: the alloy is used exactly as it comes out of the die, no heat treatment.
What is A380-F?
A380-F is A380 in the F temper — standard supply condition: the alloy is used exactly as it comes out of the die, no heat treatment. A380-F has a yield strength of 159 MPa (23.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 324 MPa (47 ksi) — weaker than 62% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3.5% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi). A380-F has a density of 2.76 g/cm³ (0.0997 lb/in³), heavier than 69% of aluminum grades. It melts at 540°C (1,004 °F).
Limitations
- Low electrical conductivity — 23 % IACS, worse than 97% of aluminum grades
- Poor heat conductor — 96 W/m·K (55.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 95% of aluminum grades
- Limited formability — 10/100, worse than 81% of aluminum grades
- Limited ductility — 3.5%, worse than 76% of aluminum grades
- Difficult to weld — 25/100, worse than 76% of aluminum grades
A380-F properties
Typical room-temperature values for A380-F — 10 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every A380 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the aluminum grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
A380-F has a density of 2.76 g/cm³ (0.0997 lb/in³), heavier than 69% of aluminum grades. It melts at 540°C (1,004 °F).
Mechanical12
A380-F has a yield strength of 159 MPa (23.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 324 MPa (47 ksi) — weaker than 62% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3.5% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi).
Thermal6
A380-F is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 96 W/m·K (55.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 95% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 21.8 µm/m·K (12.1 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
A380-F conducts electricity at 23 % IACS, worse than 97% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (42/100), worse than 69% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of A380-F takes about 195 MJ of energy and emits 11.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 86% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 85%.
Manufacturability7
A380-F's machinability is very good (70/100, better than 72% of aluminum grades); weldability poor (25/100); 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.
Working with A380-F
Is A380 easy to machine?
Machines freely with carbide (PCD for long runs) — Si particles are abrasive; use high speed, sharp positive rake and flood coolant, and avoid breaking into subsurface porosity on sealing faces.
Can A380 be welded?
Not recommended for structural fusion welding (Cu content plus die-cast gas porosity cause cracking/blowholes); use mechanical fastening, adhesives or laser/friction-stir with tight process control.
Can A380 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent high-pressure die-casting alloy: narrow freezing range, good fluidity for 1–2 mm walls, low die soldering; not solution heat treatable because entrapped gas blisters.
What surface finishes work on A380?
Take paint, powder coat, chromate/trivalent conversion and electroless nickel well; anodizing gives dark non-uniform films, so use hard-coat only for wear, not for appearance.
A380 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 |
|---|---|---|
| SiASTM B85 A380.0 | 7.5 – 9.5 | 8.5 |
| Cu | 3 – 4 | 3.5 |
| Fe2.0 max in the plain 380.0 die-cast grade | ≤ 1.3 | — |
| Mn | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Mg | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Ni | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Zn | ≤ 3 | — |
| Sn | ≤ 0.35 | — |
| Others (total) | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
A380-F — frequently asked
What is A380-F used for?
A380-F is typically used for power tool housings, engine and accessory brackets, gearbox and electronics enclosures, thin-wall covers and end caps, automotive under-hood housings and appliance and garden equipment frames. In short: most common die cast.
What is the yield strength of A380-F?
A380-F has a typical yield strength of 159 MPa (23.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 324 MPa (47 ksi) — weaker than 62% of aluminum grades.
Is A380-F easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (70/100, better than 72% of aluminum grades). Machines freely with carbide (PCD for long runs) — Si particles are abrasive; use high speed, sharp positive rake and flood coolant, and avoid breaking into subsurface porosity on sealing faces.
Can A380-F be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (25/100). Not recommended for structural fusion welding (Cu content plus die-cast gas porosity cause cracking/blowholes); use mechanical fastening, adhesives or laser/friction-stir with tight process control.
What surface finishes work on A380-F?
Take paint, powder coat, chromate/trivalent conversion and electroless nickel well; anodizing gives dark non-uniform films, so use hard-coat only for wear, not for appearance.
Can A380-F be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent high-pressure die-casting alloy: narrow freezing range, good fluidity for 1–2 mm walls, low die soldering; not solution heat treatable because entrapped gas blisters.
What is the maximum service temperature of A380-F?
A380-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.
Can FabDigit make parts in A380-F?
Yes — A380-F is available for CNC machining and casting & forging 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 (2021)
- 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)
- NADCA Product Specification Standards for Die Castings — North American Die Casting Association (2018)
- GB/T 15115 (ADC10/YL112 ) — SAC (2009)
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.