Aluminum EN AC-45100-T6
Temper · default condition
EN AC-45100
T6 = solution heat treated and artificially aged
Standard condition for load-bearing castings needing maximum strength and hardness; accept very low elongation.
Values for the T6 condition
Other EN AC-45100 tempers and conditions
EN AC-45100 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at EN AC-45100.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As fabricated | Cheapest condition for low-stress housings and brackets where dimensional stability matters more than strength. | 105 | 175 | 1.5 | 65 HB | 30 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and naturally aged | Choose when some ductility and impact tolerance is needed together with medium strength, e.g. bolted or press-fit castings. | 115 | 230 | 3.5 | 75 HB | 27 % IACS |
T6DefaultThis page Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Standard condition for load-bearing castings needing maximum strength and hardness; accept very low elongation. | 215 | 260 | 1.2 | 100 HB | 30 % IACS |
What is EN AC-45100-T6?
EN AC-45100-T6 is EN AC-45100 in the T6 temper — standard condition for load-bearing castings needing maximum strength and hardness; accept very low elongation. EN AC-45100-T6 has a yield strength of 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) — stronger than 58% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 1.2% and the elastic modulus is 75 GPa (10.9 Msi). EN AC-45100-T6 has a density of 2.75 g/cm³ (0.0994 lb/in³), heavier than 67% of aluminum grades. It melts at 525°C (977 °F).
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 4.2 kg CO₂/kg, better than 99% of aluminum grades
- High service temperature — 200°C (392 °F), better than 90% of aluminum grades
- Easy to machine — 74/100, better than 85% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Limited formability — 5/100, worse than 94% of aluminum grades
- Limited ductility — 1.2%, worse than 93% of aluminum grades
- Low fracture toughness — 17 MPa·√m (15.5 ksi·√in), worse than 83% of aluminum grades
EN AC-45100-T6 properties
Typical room-temperature values for EN AC-45100-T6; 38 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are EN AC-45100 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
EN AC-45100-T6 has a density of 2.75 g/cm³ (0.0994 lb/in³), heavier than 67% of aluminum grades. It melts at 525°C (977 °F).
Mechanical14
EN AC-45100-T6 has a yield strength of 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) — stronger than 58% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 1.2% and the elastic modulus is 75 GPa (10.9 Msi).
Thermal6
EN AC-45100-T6 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 130 W/m·K (75.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 65% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 22 µm/m·K (12.2 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
EN AC-45100-T6 conducts electricity at 30 % IACS, worse than 73% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (43/100), worse than 65% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of EN AC-45100-T6 takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 4.2 kg of CO₂ — less than 100% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 80%.
Manufacturability8
EN AC-45100-T6's machinability is very good (74/100, better than 85% of aluminum grades); weldability fair (35/100); formability not recommended (5/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with EN AC-45100-T6
Is EN AC-45100 easy to machine?
Excellent machinability — Cu-bearing matrix gives clean chips; use PCD or polished-flute carbide at high speed and low feed to cope with abrasive eutectic Si.
Can EN AC-45100 be welded?
Poor fusion weldability due to ~3 % Cu (hot-crack and porosity prone); repair with 4145/4047-type filler, preheat 150–200 °C and re-heat-treat where properties matter.
Can EN AC-45100 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand and permanent-mould casting alloy with good flow and moderate hot-tear resistance; degas and grain-refine/modify the melt, avoid cold forming entirely.
What surface finishes work on EN AC-45100?
Takes chromate conversion, primer and paint well; hard anodize gives a dark grey film only, so use plating or powder coating for decorative parts.
EN AC-45100 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 | 5.2 |
| Cu | 2.6 – 3.6 | 3.1 |
| Mg | 0.15 – 0.45 | 0.3 |
| Fe0.55 max typical for permanent-mould/high-integrity castings | ≤ 0.8 | 0.5 |
| Mn | ≤ 0.55 | 0.3 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.55 | 0.2 |
| Ni | ≤ 0.35 | — |
| Tigrain refiner | ≤ 0.25 | 0.12 |
| Pb | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Sn | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| others (each / total)0.05 each, 0.15 total | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
EN AC-45100-T6 — frequently asked
What is EN AC-45100-T6 used for?
EN AC-45100-T6 is typically used for housings, brackets, pump bodies and gearbox covers. In short: high-machinability cast aluminum; 200 °C service capability; weak weldability versus Al-Si.
What is the yield strength of EN AC-45100-T6?
EN AC-45100-T6 has a typical yield strength of 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) — stronger than 58% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is EN AC-45100-T6 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (74/100, better than 85% of aluminum grades). Excellent machinability — Cu-bearing matrix gives clean chips; use PCD or polished-flute carbide at high speed and low feed to cope with abrasive eutectic Si.
Can EN AC-45100-T6 be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (35/100). Poor fusion weldability due to ~3 % Cu (hot-crack and porosity prone); repair with 4145/4047-type filler, preheat 150–200 °C and re-heat-treat where properties matter.
What surface finishes work on EN AC-45100-T6?
Takes chromate conversion, primer and paint well; hard anodize gives a dark grey film only, so use plating or powder coating for decorative parts.
Can EN AC-45100-T6 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand and permanent-mould casting alloy with good flow and moderate hot-tear resistance; degas and grain-refine/modify the melt, avoid cold forming entirely.
What is the maximum service temperature of EN AC-45100-T6?
EN AC-45100-T6 is rated for continuous use to about 200°C (392 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between EN AC-45100-T6 and EN AC-45100-F?
T6 is the default condition — standard condition for load-bearing castings needing maximum strength and hardness; accept very low elongation. F: cheapest condition for low-stress housings and brackets where dimensional stability matters more than strength. Yield strength is 215 MPa in T6 versus 105 MPa in F.
Sources
- EN 1706 — Aluminium and aluminium alloys, castings: chemical composition and mechanical properties — CEN (2020)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys (319.0 data) — ASM International (1990)
- GB/T 1173 (ZL105 comparison) — SAC (2013)
- Aluminium casting alloy property tables — European Aluminium / foundry association data (2019)
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.