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Aluminum EN AC-45400-F (As fabricated)

Temper

EN AC-45400

Lowest-cost condition for non-critical or dimensionally sensitive parts where no heat treatment distortion is acceptable.

Standard cost $$

Values for the F condition

Other EN AC-45400 tempers and conditions

EN AC-45400 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at EN AC-45400.

Compare all 4 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
FThis page
As fabricated
Lowest-cost condition for non-critical or dimensionally sensitive parts where no heat treatment distortion is acceptable.951651.570 HB31 % IACS
T4Default
Solution heat treated and naturally aged
Choose when ductility, impact tolerance and pressure-tightness matter more than peak strength.130250680 HB26 % IACS
Cooled from hot working and artificially aged
Low-distortion, low-cost strengthening step when a full solution treatment is not wanted.145205285 HB30 % IACS
Solution heat treated and artificially aged
Pick for maximum strength and hardness in structurally loaded castings, accepting low elongation.2252851.5105 HB29 % IACS

What is EN AC-45400-F?

EN AC-45400-F is EN AC-45400 in the F temper — lowest-cost condition for non-critical or dimensionally sensitive parts where no heat treatment distortion is acceptable. EN AC-45400-F has a yield strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) — weaker than 86% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 1.5% and the elastic modulus is 75 GPa (10.9 Msi). EN AC-45400-F 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). T4 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; F is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Low embodied carbon — 10 kg CO₂/kg, better than 95% of aluminum grades
  • High service temperature — 175°C (347 °F), better than 83% of aluminum grades
  • Easy to machine — 72/100, better than 80% of aluminum grades

Limitations

  • Limited formability — 3/100, worse than 100% of aluminum grades
  • Limited ductility — 1.5%, worse than 91% of aluminum grades
  • Hard to polish — 40/100, worse than 91% of aluminum grades
  • Low fracture toughness — 16 MPa·√m (14.6 ksi·√in), worse than 89% of aluminum grades
  • Low strength — 95 MPa (13.8 ksi), worse than 86% of aluminum grades

EN AC-45400-F properties

Typical room-temperature values for EN AC-45400-F; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are EN AC-45400 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.

Physical3

EN AC-45400-F 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).

Density2.75 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)525°C977 °F
Liquidus Temperature625°C1,157 °F

Mechanical12

EN AC-45400-F has a yield strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) — weaker than 86% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 1.5% and the elastic modulus is 75 GPa (10.9 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus75 GPa10.9 Msi
Shear Modulus28 GPa4.1 Msi
Bulk Modulus74 GPa10.7 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.33
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)165 MPa23.9 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)95 MPa13.8 ksi
Elongation at Break1.5%
Shear Strength115 MPa16.7 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)60 MPa8.7 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)16 MPa·√m14.6 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)3 J2.2 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell70 HB

Thermal6

EN AC-45400-F is rated for continuous service to 175°C (347 °F). It conducts heat at 130 W/m·K (75.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 65% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 21.5 µm/m·K (11.9 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity130 W/m·K75.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)21.5 µm/m·K11.9 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion390 J/g168 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)175°C347 °F
Min Service Temperature-50°C-58 °F

Electrical3

EN AC-45400-F conducts electricity at 31 % IACS, worse than 68% of aluminum grades.

Electrical Conductivity31 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity5.6×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.2 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is fair (38/100), worse than 79% of aluminum grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.78 V
Corrosion ResistanceFair38/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood in dry atmospheres, oils, fuels and most neutral organics; the ~3 % Cu makes it noticeably less resistant than Cu-free Al-Si alloys to salt spray, marine and acidic/alkaline media — protective coating or painting recommended for outdoor/marine service.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of EN AC-45400-F takes about 150 MJ of energy and emits 10 kg of CO₂ — less than 97% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 80%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)150 MJ/kg64,488 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)10 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water1,100 L/kg132 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content80%

Manufacturability8

EN AC-45400-F's machinability is very good (72/100, better than 80% of aluminum grades); weldability poor (30/100); formability not recommended (3/100).

MachinabilityVery good72/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)75%
WeldabilityPoor30/100
Formability (cold)Not recommended3/100
CastabilityVery good80/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityPoor20/100
PolishabilityFair40/100
Anodizing Responsepoor for decorative anodising (Si + ~3 % Cu give dark, patchy, low-corrosion-resistance films); hard/technical anodising is possible but thin and grey-black.

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

Working with EN AC-45400-F

Is EN AC-45400 easy to machine?

Machines well with carbide/PCD tooling and high speeds; Cu improves chip breaking, eutectic Si is abrasive so PCD is preferred for volume work.

Can EN AC-45400 be welded?

Weldable by TIG/MIG with Al-Si filler (4043/4047) only for repair — the ~3 % Cu makes it hot-crack sensitive and reduces joint corrosion resistance.

Can EN AC-45400 be formed, bent or molded?

Gravity sand and permanent-mould casting alloy with good fluidity and feeding; use chills and risers on heavy sections, then solution treat ~505–515 °C and quench for T4/T6.

What surface finishes work on EN AC-45400?

Take paint/powder coat or chromate-free conversion coatings well; decorative anodising is poor (dark mottled film) — use hard anodise or coating for wear/corrosion duty.

EN AC-45400 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
Sifluidity / eutectic strengthening4.5 – 65.2
Cuage-hardening, machinability2.6 – 3.63.1
Felower limit for permanent-mould castings≤ 0.80.5
Mn≤ 0.550.3
Mg≤ 0.050.02
Ni≤ 0.3—
Zn≤ 0.55—
Pb≤ 0.15—
Sn≤ 0.05—
Tigrain refinement≤ 0.250.1
Albalance—

EN AC-45400-F — frequently asked

What is EN AC-45400-F used for?

EN AC-45400-F is typically used for gearbox housings, brake components and hydraulic fittings. In short: highest ductility of the Cu-Si casts; solution-treated T4 toughness; 150 °C service ceiling.

What is the yield strength of EN AC-45400-F?

EN AC-45400-F has a typical yield strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) — weaker than 86% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.

Is EN AC-45400-F easy to machine?

Yes — machinability is rated very good (72/100, better than 80% of aluminum grades). Machines well with carbide/PCD tooling and high speeds; Cu improves chip breaking, eutectic Si is abrasive so PCD is preferred for volume work.

Can EN AC-45400-F be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated poor (30/100). Weldable by TIG/MIG with Al-Si filler (4043/4047) only for repair — the ~3 % Cu makes it hot-crack sensitive and reduces joint corrosion resistance.

What surface finishes work on EN AC-45400-F?

Take paint/powder coat or chromate-free conversion coatings well; decorative anodising is poor (dark mottled film) — use hard anodise or coating for wear/corrosion duty.

Can EN AC-45400-F be formed, bent or molded?

Gravity sand and permanent-mould casting alloy with good fluidity and feeding; use chills and risers on heavy sections, then solution treat ~505–515 °C and quench for T4/T6.

What is the maximum service temperature of EN AC-45400-F?

EN AC-45400-F is rated for continuous use to about 175°C (347 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between EN AC-45400-T4 and EN AC-45400-T6?

T4 is the default condition — choose when ductility, impact tolerance and pressure-tightness matter more than peak strength. T6: pick for maximum strength and hardness in structurally loaded castings, accepting low elongation. Yield strength is 130 MPa in T4 versus 225 MPa in T6.

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 — ASM International (1990)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol.15 — Casting — ASM International (2008)
  5. ASM Handbook Vol.13B — Corrosion: Materials — ASM International (2005)
  6. European foundry alloy datasheets (AlSi5Cu3 gravity casting) — various EU secondary aluminium producers (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.