Aluminum EN AC-46400
EN AC-46400
EN AC-46400 (AlSi9Cu1Mg, ZL111) is an Al-Si-Cu-Mg die casting alloy whose lower copper level, combined with magnesium, gives a better heat-treatment response than plain AlSi9Cu3 in the F, F-K, T5 and T6 conditions.
Reference datasheet — EN AC-46400 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the F condition
EN AC-46400 tempers and conditions
EN AC-46400 is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. F is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FDefault As fabricated | Standard supply condition for high-pressure die castings: best productivity, thin walls, no heat-treat blistering risk. | 95 | 165 | 1.5 | 65 HB | 28 % IACS |
F | Gravity/permanent-mould castings supplied as-cast where dimensional stability matters more than strength; can be heat treated later. | 110 | 185 | 1.5 | 75 HB | 31 % IACS |
Cooled from hot working and artificially aged | Low-distortion strengthening/stress-relief for gravity castings when full T6 solution treatment would cause distortion or blistering. | 170 | 215 | 1 | 90 HB | 31 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Pick for maximum strength and hardness in gravity or sand castings; not suitable for gas-porous conventional HPDC parts. | 240 | 285 | 1 | 105 HB | 30 % IACS |
What is EN AC-46400?
EN AC-46400 (AlSi9Cu1Mg, ZL111) is an Al-Si-Cu-Mg die casting alloy whose lower copper level, combined with magnesium, gives a better heat-treatment response than plain AlSi9Cu3 in the F, F-K, T5 and T6 conditions. Typical values are 95 MPa yield, 165 MPa tensile, 1.5 % elongation, 65 HB, 75 GPa modulus, 2.75 g/cm³ density, 125 W/m·K and a 520 °C melting point, with service to 150 °C. It is used for load-bearing die castings that will be aged after casting. Corrosion resistance is moderate (score 45), weldability limited (40) and the material cannot be formed after casting (formability 10). EN AC-46400 has a density of 2.75 g/cm³ (0.0994 lb/in³), heavier than 67% of aluminum grades. It melts at 520°C (968 °F). EN AC-46400 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).
What is EN AC-46400 used for?
- chassis brackets
- engine mounts
- housings
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 9.5 kg CO₂/kg, better than 97% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Low fracture toughness — 15 MPa·√m (13.7 ksi·√in), worse than 93% 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 strength — 95 MPa (13.8 ksi), worse than 86% of aluminum grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 28 % IACS, worse than 82% of aluminum grades
EN AC-46400 properties
Typical room-temperature values for EN AC-46400-F; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
EN AC-46400 has a density of 2.75 g/cm³ (0.0994 lb/in³), heavier than 67% of aluminum grades. It melts at 520°C (968 °F).
Mechanical14
EN AC-46400 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).
Thermal6
EN AC-46400 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 21 µm/m·K (11.7 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
EN AC-46400 conducts electricity at 28 % IACS, worse than 82% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (45/100), worse than 62% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of EN AC-46400 takes about 150 MJ of energy and emits 9.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 97% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 70%.
Manufacturability8
EN AC-46400's machinability is good (65/100, better than 62% of aluminum grades); weldability fair (40/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the aluminum family
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade FabDigit runs. EN AC-46400 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with EN AC-46400
Is EN AC-46400 easy to machine?
Machines well with PCD or coated carbide at high speed; eutectic Si is abrasive so HSS tooling wears fast — use flood coolant and sharp positive-rake geometry.
Can EN AC-46400 be welded?
Fusion welding is limited: HPDC porosity causes blowholes and the Cu content raises hot-cracking risk; if required use TIG/MIG with ER4145/ER4047 filler on gravity castings and re-age afterwards.
Can EN AC-46400 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent die-castability and mould filling for thin walls (≥1.5 mm); use vacuum or squeeze casting if the part must be T6 heat treated to avoid blistering.
EN AC-46400 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 | 8.3 – 9.7 | 9 |
| Feup to ~1.0 % permitted for high-pressure die castings | ≤ 0.8 | 0.5 |
| Cu | 0.8 – 1.3 | 1 |
| Mn | 0.15 – 0.55 | 0.35 |
| Mg | 0.25 – 0.65 | 0.4 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.55 | |
| Ni | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Tigrain refiner | ≤ 0.2 | 0.1 |
| Pb | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Sn | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Others (each)total 0.15 max | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on EN AC-46400?
Best finished by chromate-free conversion coating, primer + paint or powder coat; hard anodize gives a dark grey non-decorative film, and shot blasting is common on as-cast surfaces.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on aluminum parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Organic Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Aluminum EN AC-46400 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- AC-46400AlSi9Cu1Mg
- Similar grades
- ZL111
How much does EN AC-46400 cost?
EN AC-46400 is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 71% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
EN AC-46400 — frequently asked
What is EN AC-46400 used for?
EN AC-46400 is typically used for chassis brackets, engine mounts and housings. In short: heat-treatable die casting alloy; higher strength than AlSi9Cu3; needs vacuum casting for T6.
What is the yield strength of EN AC-46400?
EN AC-46400 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-46400 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (65/100, better than 62% of aluminum grades). Machines well with PCD or coated carbide at high speed; eutectic Si is abrasive so HSS tooling wears fast — use flood coolant and sharp positive-rake geometry.
Can EN AC-46400 be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (40/100). Fusion welding is limited: HPDC porosity causes blowholes and the Cu content raises hot-cracking risk; if required use TIG/MIG with ER4145/ER4047 filler on gravity castings and re-age afterwards.
What surface finishes work on EN AC-46400?
Best finished by chromate-free conversion coating, primer + paint or powder coat; hard anodize gives a dark grey non-decorative film, and shot blasting is common on as-cast surfaces.
Can EN AC-46400 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent die-castability and mould filling for thin walls (≥1.5 mm); use vacuum or squeeze casting if the part must be T6 heat treated to avoid blistering.
What is the maximum service temperature of EN AC-46400?
EN AC-46400 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-46400-F and EN AC-46400-T6?
F is the default condition — standard supply condition for high-pressure die castings: best productivity, thin walls, no heat-treat blistering risk. T6: pick for maximum strength and hardness in gravity or sand castings; not suitable for gas-porous conventional HPDC parts. Yield strength is 95 MPa in F versus 240 MPa in T6.
How much does EN AC-46400 cost?
EN AC-46400 is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 71% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- EN 1706 — Aluminium and aluminium alloys — Castings — Chemical composition and mechanical properties — CEN (2020)
- GB/T 1173 (ZL111 comparison) — SAC (2013)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 15 — Casting — ASM International (2008)
- European die-casting alloy datasheets (AlSi9Cu1Mg / EN AC-46400) — Rheinfelden Alloys / Trimet (2022)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.