Aluminum B443.0 F-S
Temper · default condition
AA B443.0 · UNS A24430
Default condition: general-purpose sand castings where pressure tightness and complex shape matter more than strength.
Values for the F-S condition
Other B443.0 tempers and conditions
B443.0 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at B443.0.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Occasionally specified when maximum dimensional stability and ductility are needed after machining; slightly lower strength than F. | 48 | 117 | 10 | 35 HB | 38 % IACS |
F-SDefaultThis page F | Default condition: general-purpose sand castings where pressure tightness and complex shape matter more than strength. | 55 | 130 | 8 | 40 HB | 37 % IACS |
F | Choose for higher-volume gravity-die parts: faster solidification gives finer eutectic and ~15–20 % higher strength and ductility than sand cast. | 62 | 159 | 10 | 45 HB | 37 % IACS |
What is B443.0 F-S?
B443.0 F-S is B443.0 in the F-S temper — default condition: general-purpose sand castings where pressure tightness and complex shape matter more than strength. B443.0 F-S has a yield strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) and a tensile strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) — weaker than 94% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi). B443.0 F-S has a density of 2.68 g/cm³ (0.0968 lb/in³), lighter than 72% of aluminum grades. It melts at 575°C (1,067 °F).
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 4 kg CO₂/kg, better than 100% of aluminum grades
- Readily welded — 82/100, better than 76% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 55 MPa (7.98 ksi), worse than 94% of aluminum grades
- Difficult to machine — 38/100, worse than 84% of aluminum grades
- Limited formability — 10/100, worse than 80% of aluminum grades
- Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 76% of aluminum grades
B443.0 F-S properties
Typical room-temperature values for B443.0 F-S; 10 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are B443.0 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
B443.0 F-S has a density of 2.68 g/cm³ (0.0968 lb/in³), lighter than 72% of aluminum grades. It melts at 575°C (1,067 °F).
Mechanical11
B443.0 F-S has a yield strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) and a tensile strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) — weaker than 94% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi).
Thermal6
B443.0 F-S 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 22.1 µm/m·K (12.3 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
B443.0 F-S conducts electricity at 37 % IACS, better than 58% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (66/100), better than 73% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of B443.0 F-S takes about 60 MJ of energy and emits 4 kg of CO₂ — less than 99% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 90%.
Manufacturability8
B443.0 F-S's machinability is fair (38/100, worse than 84% of aluminum grades); weldability very good (82/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with B443.0 F-S
Is B443.0 easy to machine?
Gummy with long chips at low Si content — use sharp polished-flute carbide or PCD, high speed, low feed, and flood coolant; expect abrasive tool wear from eutectic Si.
Can B443.0 be welded?
Readily GTAW/GMAW welded with 4043 (Al-Si5) filler, essentially matching composition; low hot-cracking sensitivity, but as-cast strength is not recovered by post-weld heat treatment.
Can B443.0 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent fluidity and feeding for thin, intricate sand and permanent-mold castings; modify with Na or Sr for finer eutectic and use chills to raise local ductility.
What surface finishes work on B443.0?
Takes clear/hard anodize as a grey, non-uniform film; chromate/phosphate conversion coatings and paint or powder coat give the best appearance and corrosion protection.
B443.0 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 | 4.5 – 6 | 5.25 |
| Ferelaxed vs 443.0 (0.8) / A443.0 (0.8) — secondary-metal limit | ≤ 0.8 | — |
| Cu | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Mn | ≤ 0.35 | — |
| Mg | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Zn | ≤ 0.35 | — |
| Tigrain refiner | ≤ 0.25 | — |
| Others (each) | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Others (total) | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
B443.0 F-S — frequently asked
What is B443.0 F-S used for?
B443.0 F-S is typically used for cookware, hardware fittings and general castings. In short: low-cost general casting alloy; excellent fluidity, low strength; secondary-grade 443.0.
What is the yield strength of B443.0 F-S?
B443.0 F-S has a typical yield strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) and a tensile strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) — weaker than 94% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is B443.0 F-S easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (38/100, worse than 84% of aluminum grades). Gummy with long chips at low Si content — use sharp polished-flute carbide or PCD, high speed, low feed, and flood coolant; expect abrasive tool wear from eutectic Si.
Can B443.0 F-S be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (82/100). Readily GTAW/GMAW welded with 4043 (Al-Si5) filler, essentially matching composition; low hot-cracking sensitivity, but as-cast strength is not recovered by post-weld heat treatment.
What surface finishes work on B443.0 F-S?
Takes clear/hard anodize as a grey, non-uniform film; chromate/phosphate conversion coatings and paint or powder coat give the best appearance and corrosion protection.
Can B443.0 F-S be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent fluidity and feeding for thin, intricate sand and permanent-mold castings; modify with Na or Sr for finer eutectic and use chills to raise local ductility.
What is the maximum service temperature of B443.0 F-S?
B443.0 F-S 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.
What is the difference between B443.0 F-S and B443.0 F-P?
F-S is the default condition — default condition: general-purpose sand castings where pressure tightness and complex shape matter more than strength. F-P: choose for higher-volume gravity-die parts: faster solidification gives finer eutectic and ~15–20 % higher strength and ductility than sand cast. Yield strength is 55 MPa in F-S versus 62 MPa in F-P.
Sources
- ASTM B26/B26M — Aluminum-Alloy Sand Castings — ASTM International (2018)
- ASTM B108/B108M — Aluminum-Alloy Permanent Mold Castings — ASTM International (2019)
- International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Aluminum Alloys in the Form of Castings and Ingot (Pink Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2019)
- ASM Handbook, Vol. 2: Properties and Selection — Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- 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.