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Aluminum EN AC-21100-F (As fabricated)

Temper

EN AC-21100

Rarely supplied; only for non-structural parts or as the pre-heat-treatment condition, since Al-Cu gains most of its strength from ageing.

Standard cost $$

Values for the F condition

Other EN AC-21100 tempers and conditions

EN AC-21100 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at EN AC-21100.

Compare all 5 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
FThis page
As fabricated
Rarely supplied; only for non-structural parts or as the pre-heat-treatment condition, since Al-Cu gains most of its strength from ageing.95160460 HB38 % IACS
Solution heat treated and naturally aged
Choose when maximum ductility and toughness are wanted with moderate strength, or before a straightening/machining step followed by ageing.1652901475 HB30 % IACS
Solution heat treated and under-aged
Pick when higher elongation and impact toughness are needed than T6 gives, accepting ~20–30 MPa lower proof strength.180280985 HB35 % IACS
Solution heat treated and overaged (stabilized)
Non-EN-1706 shop practice used for dimensionally stable parts and elevated-temperature service, trading strength for stability and better corrosion behaviour.200260585 HB38 % IACS
T6Default
Solution heat treated and artificially aged
Standard condition for structural castings — highest strength and hardness of this grade, with acceptable elongation.210320695 HB33 % IACS

What is EN AC-21100-F?

EN AC-21100-F is EN AC-21100 in the F temper — rarely supplied; only for non-structural parts or as the pre-heat-treatment condition, since Al-Cu gains most of its strength from ageing. EN AC-21100-F has a yield strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) — weaker than 86% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 4% and the elastic modulus is 72 GPa (10.4 Msi). EN AC-21100-F has a density of 2.75 g/cm³ (0.0994 lb/in³), heavier than 67% of aluminum grades. It melts at 545°C (1,013 °F). T6 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; F is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Low embodied carbon — 9.5 kg CO₂/kg, better than 97% of aluminum grades

Limitations

  • Low strength — 95 MPa (13.8 ksi), worse than 86% of aluminum grades
  • Needs corrosion protection — 35/100, worse than 85% of aluminum grades
  • Limited formability — 10/100, worse than 80% of aluminum grades

EN AC-21100-F properties

Typical room-temperature values for EN AC-21100-F; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are EN AC-21100 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.

Physical3

EN AC-21100-F has a density of 2.75 g/cm³ (0.0994 lb/in³), heavier than 67% of aluminum grades. It melts at 545°C (1,013 °F).

Density2.75 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)545°C1,013 °F
Liquidus Temperature650°C1,202 °F

Mechanical14

EN AC-21100-F has a yield strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) — weaker than 86% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 4% and the elastic modulus is 72 GPa (10.4 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus72 GPa10.4 Msi
Shear Modulus27 GPa3.9 Msi
Bulk Modulus71 GPa10.3 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.33
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)160 MPa23.2 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)95 MPa13.8 ksi
Elongation at Break4%
Compressive Strength100 MPa14.5 ksi
Shear Strength105 MPa15.2 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)60 MPa8.7 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)18 MPa·√m16.4 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)5 J3.7 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell60 HB
Hardness, Vickers65 HV

Thermal6

EN AC-21100-F is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 155 W/m·K (89.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 71% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 22.5 µm/m·K (12.5 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity155 W/m·K89.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)22.5 µm/m·K12.5 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion390 J/g168 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)150°C302 °F
Min Service Temperature-196°C-321 °F

Electrical3

EN AC-21100-F conducts electricity at 38 % IACS, better than 61% of aluminum grades.

Electrical Conductivity38 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity4.5×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.77 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is fair (35/100), worse than 85% of aluminum grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.69 V
Corrosion ResistanceFair35/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood in dry atmospheres and most organics; poor in chloride-bearing water, seawater and acids/alkalis — copper content promotes pitting and intergranular corrosion, so protective coating or cladding is usual.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of EN AC-21100-F takes about 150 MJ of energy and emits 9.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 97% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)150 MJ/kg64,488 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)9.5 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water1,100 L/kg132 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content25%

Manufacturability8

EN AC-21100-F's machinability is very good (70/100, better than 72% of aluminum grades); weldability poor (30/100); formability not recommended (10/100).

MachinabilityVery good70/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)100%
WeldabilityPoor30/100
Formability (cold)Not recommended10/100
CastabilityFair40/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityPoor20/100
PolishabilityGood55/100
Anodizing Responsefair — hard/protective anodizing is possible but the ~4.5 % Cu gives dull, patchy and less corrosion-resistant films; clear decorative anodizing is not recommended.

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

Working with EN AC-21100-F

Is EN AC-21100 easy to machine?

One of the best-machining cast aluminium alloys — sharp carbide/PCD tooling, high speeds, short chips; T6 gives the cleanest surface finish.

Can EN AC-21100 be welded?

Poor fusion weldability (hot cracking with 2000-series-type chemistry); repair welding with 2319 filler only with preheat, and re-solution + re-age afterwards.

Can EN AC-21100 be formed, bent or molded?

Sand and permanent-mould casting only; long freezing range means heavy risers, chills and controlled solidification are needed to avoid hot tears and shrinkage porosity.

What surface finishes work on EN AC-21100?

Prime and paint or chromate/chemical-conversion coat for corrosion protection; hard anodize is possible but the copper gives dark, uneven films, so decorative clear anodizing should be avoided.

EN AC-21100 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
Cumain strengthening element4.2 – 5.24.7
Tigrain refiner0.15 – 0.30.2
Siimpurity limit≤ 0.18—
Feimpurity limit≤ 0.15—
Mg≤ 0.05—
Mn≤ 0.1—
Ni≤ 0.05—
Zn≤ 0.07—
Others (each)EN 1706 residual limit≤ 0.03—
Others (total)EN 1706 residual limit≤ 0.1—
Albalance—

EN AC-21100-F — frequently asked

What is EN AC-21100-F used for?

EN AC-21100-F is typically used for engine components, aerospace fittings and machined structural castings. In short: best-machining cast aluminium; al-Cu without high silicon; poor castability.

What is the yield strength of EN AC-21100-F?

EN AC-21100-F has a typical yield strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) — weaker than 86% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.

Is EN AC-21100-F easy to machine?

Yes — machinability is rated very good (70/100, better than 72% of aluminum grades). One of the best-machining cast aluminium alloys — sharp carbide/PCD tooling, high speeds, short chips; T6 gives the cleanest surface finish.

Can EN AC-21100-F be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated poor (30/100). Poor fusion weldability (hot cracking with 2000-series-type chemistry); repair welding with 2319 filler only with preheat, and re-solution + re-age afterwards.

What surface finishes work on EN AC-21100-F?

Prime and paint or chromate/chemical-conversion coat for corrosion protection; hard anodize is possible but the copper gives dark, uneven films, so decorative clear anodizing should be avoided.

Can EN AC-21100-F be formed, bent or molded?

Sand and permanent-mould casting only; long freezing range means heavy risers, chills and controlled solidification are needed to avoid hot tears and shrinkage porosity.

What is the maximum service temperature of EN AC-21100-F?

EN AC-21100-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.

What is the difference between EN AC-21100-T6 and EN AC-21100-F?

T6 is the default condition — standard condition for structural castings — highest strength and hardness of this grade, with acceptable elongation. F: rarely supplied; only for non-structural parts or as the pre-heat-treatment condition, since Al-Cu gains most of its strength from ageing. Yield strength is 210 MPa in T6 versus 95 MPa in F.

Sources

  1. EN 1706 — Aluminium and aluminium alloys: castings — chemical composition and mechanical properties — CEN (2020)
  2. ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials — ASM International (1990)
  3. ASM Handbook Vol. 13B / Vol. 5 — Corrosion and Surface Engineering of Aluminium — ASM International (2005)
  4. GB/T 1173 (ZL2xx series) — SAC (2013)
  5. Foundry alloy datasheets for AlCu4Ti / A201-206 type castings — various European foundries (2023)

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.