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Aluminum EN AC-44500 F-TW

Finish state

EN AC-44500

Pick when the casting is a thin-wall, rapidly solidified section — fine eutectic gives higher strength and slightly better ductility than thick sections.

Standard cost $$

Values for the F-TW condition

Other EN AC-44500 tempers and conditions

EN AC-44500 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at EN AC-44500.

Compare all 4 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
F
Use for design allowables in heavy sections or hot-spot zones, where coarse eutectic and porosity drop strength and ductility toward the EN 1706 minima.1302351.258 HB31.5 % IACS
Stress relieved
Choose for precision machined housings that must stay dimensionally stable; a low-temperature bake relieves casting and machining stresses at a small strength penalty (blister-free, unlike T6).1302452.560 HB31 % IACS
FDefault
As fabricated
Standard supply condition for EN AC-44500: as-cast HPDC parts, typical 2–4 mm wall, no heat treatment.140260265 HB30 % IACS
F-TWThis page
F
Pick when the casting is a thin-wall, rapidly solidified section — fine eutectic gives higher strength and slightly better ductility than thick sections.160300370 HB29 % IACS

What is EN AC-44500 F-TW?

EN AC-44500 F-TW is EN AC-44500 supplied in the F-TW condition — pick when the casting is a thin-wall, rapidly solidified section — fine eutectic gives higher strength and slightly better ductility than thick sections. EN AC-44500 F-TW has a yield strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) — weaker than 61% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 74 GPa (10.7 Msi). EN AC-44500 F-TW has a density of 2.65 g/cm³ (0.0957 lb/in³), lighter than 90% of aluminum grades. It melts at 574°C (1,065 °F). F is the default condition FabDigit quotes; F-TW is available on request or by drawing note.

Limitations

  • Low fracture toughness — 17 MPa·√m (15.5 ksi·√in), worse than 83% of aluminum grades
  • Limited formability — 10/100, worse than 80% of aluminum grades
  • Limited ductility — 3%, worse than 79% of aluminum grades
  • Low electrical conductivity — 29 % IACS, worse than 78% of aluminum grades
  • Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 76% of aluminum grades

EN AC-44500 F-TW properties

Typical room-temperature values for EN AC-44500 F-TW; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are EN AC-44500 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.

Physical3

EN AC-44500 F-TW has a density of 2.65 g/cm³ (0.0957 lb/in³), lighter than 90% of aluminum grades. It melts at 574°C (1,065 °F).

Density2.65 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)574°C1,065 °F
Liquidus Temperature585°C1,085 °F

Mechanical13

EN AC-44500 F-TW has a yield strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) — weaker than 61% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 74 GPa (10.7 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus74 GPa10.7 Msi
Shear Modulus27 GPa3.9 Msi
Bulk Modulus72 GPa10.4 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.33
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)300 MPa43.5 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)160 MPa23.2 ksi
Elongation at Break3%
Shear Strength190 MPa27.6 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)120 MPa17.4 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)17 MPa·√m15.5 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)4 J3 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell70 HB
Hardness, Vickers76 HV

Thermal6

EN AC-44500 F-TW is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 125 W/m·K (72.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 72% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 20.5 µm/m·K (11.4 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity125 W/m·K72.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)20.5 µm/m·K11.4 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion510 J/g219 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)150°C302 °F
Min Service Temperature-60°C-76 °F

Electrical3

EN AC-44500 F-TW conducts electricity at 29 % IACS, worse than 78% of aluminum grades.

Electrical Conductivity29 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity5.95×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.34 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is good (62/100), better than 67% of aluminum grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.83 V
Corrosion ResistanceGood62/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood in atmospheric and mild marine service thanks to very low Cu; attacked by strong alkalis and by acids below pH ~4; avoid direct galvanic contact with copper alloys and stainless steel in wet service.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of EN AC-44500 F-TW takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 90%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)12 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water1,100 L/kg132 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content90%

Manufacturability8

EN AC-44500 F-TW's machinability is fair (50/100, worse than 65% of aluminum grades); weldability fair (40/100); formability not recommended (10/100).

MachinabilityFair50/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)55%
WeldabilityFair40/100
Formability (cold)Not recommended10/100
CastabilityExcellent96/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityFair35/100
PolishabilityFair45/100
Anodizing Responsepoor — high Si and Fe give a dark grey, non-uniform decorative film; hard anodizing is possible for wear but with reduced thickness and grey-black colour; chromate/chemical conversion or paint is preferred.

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

Working with EN AC-44500 F-TW

Is EN AC-44500 easy to machine?

Machines cleanly at high speed but the eutectic Si is abrasive — use PCD or polished-flute carbide, high rpm, flood or MQL coolant; avoid deep cuts into as-cast skin porosity.

Can EN AC-44500 be welded?

Fusion welding of HPDC parts is unreliable (entrapped gas blisters); use ER4047/AlSi12 filler for repairs on low-porosity zones, otherwise join by mechanical fastening, self-pierce riveting, or adhesive.

Can EN AC-44500 be formed, bent or molded?

Excellent HPDC alloy: near-eutectic freezing range, high fluidity for 1–2 mm walls, low hot-tearing, and the 0.45–1.1% Fe strongly reduces die soldering and extends die life; do not solution heat treat (blistering).

What surface finishes work on EN AC-44500?

Best finished with chromate-free conversion coating plus powder/wet paint; decorative anodizing turns dark grey and patchy, hard anodize only where wear demands it; shot blasting or vibratory finishing evens out the cast skin.

EN AC-44500 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
Sinear-eutectic, drives fluidity10.5 – 13.512
Fedeliberate Fe addition to suppress die soldering0.45 – 1.10.8
Cu≤ 0.150.05
Mn≤ 0.550.3
Mg≤ 0.10.03
Zn≤ 0.150.05
Ni≤ 0.1—
Ti≤ 0.150.05
Pb≤ 0.1—
Sn≤ 0.05—
Others (each)total ≤0.15≤ 0.05—
Albalance—

EN AC-44500 F-TW — frequently asked

What is EN AC-44500 F-TW used for?

EN AC-44500 F-TW is typically used for high-pressure die castings, automotive housings and consumer product housings. In short: standard European HPDC alloy; fe content limits die soldering; thin walls at high volume.

What is the yield strength of EN AC-44500 F-TW?

EN AC-44500 F-TW has a typical yield strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) — weaker than 61% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.

Is EN AC-44500 F-TW easy to machine?

Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (50/100, worse than 65% of aluminum grades). Machines cleanly at high speed but the eutectic Si is abrasive — use PCD or polished-flute carbide, high rpm, flood or MQL coolant; avoid deep cuts into as-cast skin porosity.

Can EN AC-44500 F-TW be welded?

With care — weldability is rated fair (40/100). Fusion welding of HPDC parts is unreliable (entrapped gas blisters); use ER4047/AlSi12 filler for repairs on low-porosity zones, otherwise join by mechanical fastening, self-pierce riveting, or adhesive.

What surface finishes work on EN AC-44500 F-TW?

Best finished with chromate-free conversion coating plus powder/wet paint; decorative anodizing turns dark grey and patchy, hard anodize only where wear demands it; shot blasting or vibratory finishing evens out the cast skin.

Can EN AC-44500 F-TW be formed, bent or molded?

Excellent HPDC alloy: near-eutectic freezing range, high fluidity for 1–2 mm walls, low hot-tearing, and the 0.45–1.1% Fe strongly reduces die soldering and extends die life; do not solution heat treat (blistering).

What is the maximum service temperature of EN AC-44500 F-TW?

EN AC-44500 F-TW 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-44500-F and EN AC-44500 F-TW?

F is the default condition — standard supply condition for EN AC-44500: as-cast HPDC parts, typical 2–4 mm wall, no heat treatment. F-TW: pick when the casting is a thin-wall, rapidly solidified section — fine eutectic gives higher strength and slightly better ductility than thick sections. Yield strength is 140 MPa in F versus 160 MPa in F-TW.

Sources

  1. EN 1706 — Aluminium and aluminium alloys — Castings — Chemical composition and mechanical properties — CEN (2020)
  2. EN 1676 — Aluminium alloy ingots for remelting — CEN (2020)
  3. ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys (A413.0/Al-Si12 data) — ASM International (1990)
  4. Rheinfelden Alloys / Trimet die-casting alloy datasheets (AlSi12(Fe)) — Rheinfelden Alloys, Trimet Aluminium (2021)
  5. ASM Handbook Vol.13B — Corrosion of aluminium alloys — ASM International (2005)

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.