Aluminum A383
AA A383 · EN AlSi10Cu2
A383 is an Al–Si–Cu pressure die-casting alloy (nominally ~10.5 % Si, 2.5 % Cu) developed as a higher-silicon, better-flowing companion to A380 for thin-wall, intricate and hot-crack-prone die castings.
A383 tempers and conditions
A383 is supplied in one standard condition, F.
What is A383?
A383 is an Al–Si–Cu pressure die-casting alloy (nominally ~10.5 % Si, 2.5 % Cu) developed as a higher-silicon, better-flowing companion to A380 for thin-wall, intricate and hot-crack-prone die castings. It gives good as-cast strength, hardness and pressure tightness at low cost and is normally poured from secondary (recycled) ingot. Limits are low ductility (~3 % elongation), poor fusion weldability and only fair corrosion resistance/decorative anodizing because of the copper content; it is not heat treated in normal practice. A383 has a density of 2.74 g/cm³ (0.099 lb/in³), heavier than 64% of aluminum grades. It melts at 516°C (961 °F). A383 has a yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) — weaker than 65% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3.5% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi).
What is A383 used for?
- Thin housings
- Computer chassis
- Electronics and telecom enclosures
- Pressure-tight pump and valve housings
- Power tool housings
- Connector bodies
- Heat-sink covers
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 80% of aluminum grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 38/100, worse than 79% of aluminum grades
- Limited ductility — 3.5%, worse than 76% of aluminum grades
A383 properties
Typical room-temperature values; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
A383 has a density of 2.74 g/cm³ (0.099 lb/in³), heavier than 64% of aluminum grades. It melts at 516°C (961 °F).
Mechanical11
A383 has a yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) — weaker than 65% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3.5% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi).
Thermal6
A383 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 21.1 µm/m·K (11.7 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
A383 conducts electricity at 23 % IACS, worse than 97% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (38/100), worse than 79% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of A383 takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 90%.
Manufacturability7
A383's machinability is very good (70/100, better than 72% of aluminum grades); weldability poor (25/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the aluminum family
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade FabDigit runs. A383 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with A383
Is A383 easy to machine?
Machines freely with sharp carbide or PCD tooling and flood coolant; the ~10 % Si is abrasive, so expect faster edge wear than 6061, and avoid heavy cuts into subsurface porosity.
Can A383 be welded?
Not recommended for fusion welding (gas porosity plus 2–3 % Cu causes cracking); repair by mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding or low-temperature Al-Zn solder/braze instead.
Can A383 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold-chamber high-pressure die casting alloy — very high fluidity for thin walls (down to ~1 mm) and complex cores, with lower hot-cracking tendency than A380; not intended for wrought forming.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to A383. Every A383 part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Better70 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | N.1 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 350 / 420 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.5 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 8× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 0.8 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
A383 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sihigh Si for fluidity/thin walls | 9.5 – 11.5 | 10.5 |
| Cu | 2 – 3 | 2.5 |
| Fedie-casting Fe level limits die soldering | ≤ 1.3 | 0.9 |
| Mn | ≤ 0.5 | |
| Mg | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Ni | ≤ 0.3 | |
| Zn | ≤ 3 | |
| Sn | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on A383?
Best finished with chromate/trivalent conversion coat, powder coat or paint; decorative anodizing turns grey/patchy, and plating requires zincate-based pretreatment for die-cast aluminium.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on aluminum parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Passivation
Conversion Coating
PVD Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Aluminum A383 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- AlSi10Cu2
How much does A383 cost?
A383 is a budget-cost aluminum ($), cheaper than about 83% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
A383 — frequently asked
What is A383 used for?
A383 is typically used for thin housings, computer chassis, electronics and telecom enclosures, pressure-tight pump and valve housings, power tool housings and connector bodies. In short: thin-wall die cast.
What is the yield strength of A383?
A383 has a typical yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) — weaker than 65% of aluminum grades.
Is A383 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (70/100, better than 72% of aluminum grades). Machines freely with sharp carbide or PCD tooling and flood coolant; the ~10 % Si is abrasive, so expect faster edge wear than 6061, and avoid heavy cuts into subsurface porosity.
Can A383 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (25/100). Not recommended for fusion welding (gas porosity plus 2–3 % Cu causes cracking); repair by mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding or low-temperature Al-Zn solder/braze instead.
What surface finishes work on A383?
Best finished with chromate/trivalent conversion coat, powder coat or paint; decorative anodizing turns grey/patchy, and plating requires zincate-based pretreatment for die-cast aluminium.
Can A383 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold-chamber high-pressure die casting alloy — very high fluidity for thin walls (down to ~1 mm) and complex cores, with lower hot-cracking tendency than A380; not intended for wrought forming.
What is the maximum service temperature of A383?
A383 is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does A383 cost?
A383 is a budget-cost aluminum ($), cheaper than about 83% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in A383?
Yes — A383 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 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)
- NADCA Product Specification Standards for Die Castings — North American Die Casting Association (2018)
- GB/T 15115 / JIS H 5302 ADC10, ADC12 — SAC / JISC (2009)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.