Aluminum ATP-5
ATP-5 is a continuously cast Al-Mg tooling plate from Alimex, machined on both faces to high flatness and belonging to the same class as MIC-6, ALCA 5 and K100.
ATP-5 tempers and conditions
ATP-5 is supplied in 2 conditions, soft to hard.
Compare all 2 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As fabricated | Choose only for rough blanks or when the buyer will machine and stress-relieve in house; flatness and residual stress are not guaranteed. | 105 | 160 | 3 | 63 HB | 40 % IACS |
As-cast, thermally stress-relieved and precision two-side machined plate | Default and essentially only commercial supply condition: low-stress cast plate machined to tight flatness/thickness for jigs, fixtures and mould bases. | 110 | 165 | 3 | 65 HB | 40 % IACS |
What is ATP-5?
ATP-5 is a continuously cast Al-Mg tooling plate from Alimex, machined on both faces to high flatness and belonging to the same class as MIC-6, ALCA 5 and K100. Its value is not strength but very low residual stress and uniform structure, so parts stay flat after heavy pocketing — hence its use for gauges, vacuum platens, mould bases and machine base plates. Strength and elongation are low (about 3% elongation), forming is not practical, and anodizing looks mottled, so it is not suited to load-bearing or cold-formed parts. ATP-5 has a density of 2.78 g/cm³ (0.1 lb/in³), heavier than 74% of aluminum grades. It melts at 580°C (1,076 °F). ATP-5 has a yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) — weaker than 81% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi).
What is ATP-5 used for?
- Vacuum platens
- Index and locating plates
- Inspection and checking fixtures
- Mould base and die set plates
- Semiconductor equipment base plates
- Packaging machinery frame plates
- Jig and fixture baseplates
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 92/100, better than 98% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 35/100, worse than 98% of aluminum grades
- Low strength — 110 MPa (16 ksi), worse than 81% of aluminum grades
- Limited formability — 10/100, worse than 80% of aluminum grades
- Limited ductility — 3%, worse than 79% of aluminum grades
ATP-5 properties
Typical room-temperature values; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
ATP-5 has a density of 2.78 g/cm³ (0.1 lb/in³), heavier than 74% of aluminum grades. It melts at 580°C (1,076 °F).
Mechanical11
ATP-5 has a yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) — weaker than 81% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi).
Thermal6
ATP-5 is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 142 W/m·K (82 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 51% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 24 µm/m·K (13.3 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ATP-5 conducts electricity at 40 % IACS, better than 72% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), worse than 51% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ATP-5 takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 60%.
Manufacturability8
ATP-5's machinability is excellent (92/100, better than 98% of aluminum grades); weldability fair (50/100); 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. ATP-5 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with ATP-5
Is ATP-5 easy to machine?
Machines very freely with sharp polished-flute carbide tools and high speeds; low residual stress means minimal movement after heavy pocketing, but expect slightly abrasive cast surface skin on the first cut.
Can ATP-5 be welded?
TIG/MIG weldable with 5356 filler for repairs only — casting porosity causes gas pick-up and welds are not strength- or leak-rated.
Can ATP-5 be formed, bent or molded?
Not a forming stock: elongation of ~3 % means it will crack on bending or spinning; use only in the flat machined state.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to ATP-5. Every ATP-5 part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Excellent92 / 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 |
ATP-5 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 alloying element of the Al-Mg cast tooling-plate class; confirm on mill certificate | 0.6 – 1.3 | 1 |
| Sitypical max | ≤ 0.4 | 0.2 |
| Fetypical max | ≤ 0.5 | 0.3 |
| Cutypical max | ≤ 0.3 | 0.1 |
| Mntypical max | ≤ 0.3 | 0.1 |
| Zntypical max | ≤ 0.3 | 0.1 |
| Tigrain refiner | ≤ 0.2 | 0.05 |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on ATP-5?
Bead blast, paint or hardcoat for wear surfaces; decorative anodizing gives mottled colour, and vacuum-tight surfaces may need impregnation.
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
How much does ATP-5 cost?
ATP-5 is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 62% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
ATP-5 — frequently asked
What is ATP-5 used for?
ATP-5 is typically used for vacuum platens, index and locating plates, inspection and checking fixtures, mould base and die set plates, semiconductor equipment base plates and packaging machinery frame plates. In short: stress-relieved cast tool plate.
What is the yield strength of ATP-5?
ATP-5 has a typical yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) — weaker than 81% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is ATP-5 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (92/100, better than 98% of aluminum grades). Machines very freely with sharp polished-flute carbide tools and high speeds; low residual stress means minimal movement after heavy pocketing, but expect slightly abrasive cast surface skin on the first cut.
Can ATP-5 be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (50/100). TIG/MIG weldable with 5356 filler for repairs only — casting porosity causes gas pick-up and welds are not strength- or leak-rated.
What surface finishes work on ATP-5?
Bead blast, paint or hardcoat for wear surfaces; decorative anodizing gives mottled colour, and vacuum-tight surfaces may need impregnation.
Can ATP-5 be formed, bent or molded?
Not a forming stock: elongation of ~3 % means it will crack on bending or spinning; use only in the flat machined state.
What is the maximum service temperature of ATP-5?
ATP-5 is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does ATP-5 cost?
ATP-5 is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 62% 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 ATP-5?
Yes — ATP-5 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
- ATP-5 cast aluminium tooling plate data sheet — Alimex GmbH / Alimex America (2023)
- Cast aluminium tooling plate (MIC-6 / ALCA 5 class) property sheets — Arconic / Clinton Aluminum (2022)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2: Properties and Selection — Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 13B: Corrosion — Materials — ASM International (2005)
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.