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Aluminum C355.0-T61

Temper

UNS A33550

T61 = t6 variant, underaged

Choose when maximum yield strength and hardness are needed and 2–3 % elongation is acceptable (typical aerospace permanent-mold castings).

Standard cost $$

Values for the T61 condition

Other C355.0 tempers and conditions

C355.0 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at C355.0.

Compare all 5 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
As fabricated
Pick only for non-structural parts or as the shipping state before customer heat treatment.901652.565 HB36 % IACS
Solution heat treated and overaged (stabilized)
Use where dimensional stability at elevated temperature and improved toughness matter more than peak strength.2002554.580 HB41 % IACS
T6Default
Solution heat treated and artificially aged
The standard stocked condition: best balance of high strength and usable ductility for structural sand and permanent-mold castings.207275485 HB39 % IACS
T61This page
T6 variant, underaged
Choose when maximum yield strength and hardness are needed and 2–3 % elongation is acceptable (typical aerospace permanent-mold castings).240290390 HB39 % IACS
T6, heat treated by the user
Permanent-mold option (ASTM B108) for the highest hardness/strength where ductility and toughness are secondary.2753102100 HB38 % IACS

What is C355.0-T61?

C355.0-T61 is C355.0 in the T61 temper — choose when maximum yield strength and hardness are needed and 2–3 % elongation is acceptable (typical aerospace permanent-mold castings). C355.0-T61 has a yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) — stronger than 63% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi). C355.0-T61 has a density of 2.71 g/cm³ (0.0979 lb/in³), heavier than 51% of aluminum grades. It melts at 546°C (1,015 °F). T6 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; T61 is available on request or by drawing note.

Limitations

  • Limited formability — 10/100, worse than 80% of aluminum grades
  • Limited ductility — 3%, worse than 79% of aluminum grades

C355.0-T61 properties

Typical room-temperature values for C355.0-T61; 11 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C355.0 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.

Physical3

C355.0-T61 has a density of 2.71 g/cm³ (0.0979 lb/in³), heavier than 51% of aluminum grades. It melts at 546°C (1,015 °F).

Density2.71 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)546°C1,015 °F
Liquidus Temperature621°C1,150 °F

Mechanical12

C355.0-T61 has a yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) — stronger than 63% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus71 GPa10.3 Msi
Shear Modulus26.5 GPa3.8 Msi
Bulk Modulus71 GPa10.3 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.33
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)290 MPa42.1 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)240 MPa34.8 ksi
Elongation at Break3%
Compressive Strength215 MPa31.2 ksi
Shear Strength220 MPa31.9 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)90 MPa13.1 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)25 MPa·√m22.8 ksi·√in
Hardness, Brinell90 HB

Thermal6

C355.0-T61 is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 151 W/m·K (87.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 63% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 22.4 µm/m·K (12.4 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity151 W/m·K87.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)22.4 µm/m·K12.4 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion389 J/g167 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)150°C302 °F
Min Service Temperature-196°C-321 °F

Electrical3

C355.0-T61 conducts electricity at 39 % IACS, better than 65% of aluminum grades.

Electrical Conductivity39 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity4.4×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.73 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is fair (48/100), worse than 58% of aluminum grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.78 V
Corrosion ResistanceFair48/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood in dry atmospheres and neutral waters; the 1.3 % Cu lowers resistance to chlorides and marine service versus 356/A356, and it is attacked by strong acids and alkalis — protect with anodize, chromate or paint.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of C355.0-T61 takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)12.5 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content25%

Manufacturability8

C355.0-T61's machinability is good (65/100, better than 62% of aluminum grades); weldability good (55/100); formability not recommended (10/100).

MachinabilityGood65/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)130%
WeldabilityGood55/100
Formability (cold)Not recommended10/100
CastabilityExcellent88/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityPoor25/100
PolishabilityGood55/100
Anodizing Responsefair — hard/sulfuric anodize possible but the ~5 % Si and Cu give a dark grey, non-uniform film; chromate or hardcoat with cosmetic tolerance is typical

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with C355.0-T61

Is C355.0 easy to machine?

Machines well in T6/T61 with polished-flute carbide, high speed and flood coolant; the eutectic Si is abrasive, so use PCD for long production runs.

Can C355.0 be welded?

TIG/MIG repair with 4043 or 4145 filler is practical but the Cu content raises hot-crack sensitivity — re-solution and re-age after structural repairs.

Can C355.0 be formed, bent or molded?

Sand and permanent-mold (also investment) casting alloy with excellent fluidity and pressure tightness; needs good gating/chill practice and clean, degassed melt to reach rated properties — HIP is often used on aerospace parts.

What surface finishes work on C355.0?

Takes chromate conversion and hard anodize (grey, non-decorative), primes and paints well; shot-peen fillets for fatigue-critical castings.

C355.0 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Si4.5 – 5.55
Cu1 – 1.51.25
Mg0.4 – 0.60.5
Felow-iron premium quality≤ 0.2—
Mn≤ 0.1—
Zn≤ 0.1—
Tigrain refiner≤ 0.2—
Others (each)total 0.15 max≤ 0.05—
Albalance—

C355.0-T61 — frequently asked

What is C355.0-T61 used for?

C355.0-T61 is typically used for aircraft housings, wheels, structural brackets and gearbox cases. In short: high-strength structural casting; controlled-purity 355.0 variant; pressure-tight castings.

What is the yield strength of C355.0-T61?

C355.0-T61 has a typical yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) — stronger than 63% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.

Is C355.0-T61 easy to machine?

Reasonably — machinability is rated good (65/100, better than 62% of aluminum grades). Machines well in T6/T61 with polished-flute carbide, high speed and flood coolant; the eutectic Si is abrasive, so use PCD for long production runs.

Can C355.0-T61 be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated good (55/100). TIG/MIG repair with 4043 or 4145 filler is practical but the Cu content raises hot-crack sensitivity — re-solution and re-age after structural repairs.

What surface finishes work on C355.0-T61?

Takes chromate conversion and hard anodize (grey, non-decorative), primes and paints well; shot-peen fillets for fatigue-critical castings.

Can C355.0-T61 be formed, bent or molded?

Sand and permanent-mold (also investment) casting alloy with excellent fluidity and pressure tightness; needs good gating/chill practice and clean, degassed melt to reach rated properties — HIP is often used on aerospace parts.

What is the maximum service temperature of C355.0-T61?

C355.0-T61 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 C355.0-T6 and C355.0-F?

T6 is the default condition — the standard stocked condition: best balance of high strength and usable ductility for structural sand and permanent-mold castings. F: pick only for non-structural parts or as the shipping state before customer heat treatment. Yield strength is 207 MPa in T6 versus 90 MPa in F.

Sources

  1. Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Aluminum Alloys in the Form of Castings and Ingot (Teal Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
  2. ASTM B26/B26M — Aluminum-Alloy Sand Castings — ASTM International (2018)
  3. ASTM B108/B108M — Aluminum-Alloy Permanent Mold Castings — ASTM International (2019)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  5. Aluminum: Properties and Physical Metallurgy (ed. J.E. Hatch) — ASM International (1984)

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.