Aluminum EN AC-51500 F-K
Heat-treated state
EN AC-51500
F-K = as cast, permanent mould (gravity die) casting
Gravity permanent-mould variant for thicker sections; slower solidification coarsens the structure so strength drops well below HPDC values.
Values for the F-K condition
Other EN AC-51500 tempers and conditions
EN AC-51500 is listed in 6 conditions; see the grade overview at EN AC-51500.
Compare all 6 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As cast, sand casting | Sand-cast prototypes or large low-volume parts; coarsest structure, lowest strength and ductility of the as-cast conditions. | 125 | 190 | 6 | 65 HB | 29 % IACS |
Annealed | Anneal used when crash-relevant elongation, self-pierce riveting or clinching of the casting matters more than strength. | 130 | 235 | 20 | 65 HB | 30 % IACS |
F-KThis page As cast, permanent mould (gravity die) casting | Gravity permanent-mould variant for thicker sections; slower solidification coarsens the structure so strength drops well below HPDC values. | 140 | 220 | 9 | 70 HB | 29 % IACS |
FDefault As fabricated | Standard commercial condition: thin-wall HPDC parts used as cast, no heat treatment, best strength/ductility combination. | 185 | 285 | 12 | 85 HB | 28 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Only for low-gas (vacuum-assisted HPDC) or gravity castings — conventional die castings blister; gives the highest strength but reduced ductility. | 220 | 320 | 9 | 100 HB | 27 % IACS |
Cooled from hot working and artificially aged | Short low-temperature age of the as-cast part to raise proof strength and stabilise dimensions, at the cost of some elongation; safe for HPDC (no blistering). | 230 | 305 | 8 | 95 HB | 29 % IACS |
What is EN AC-51500 F-K?
EN AC-51500 F-K is EN AC-51500 heat treated to F-K — gravity permanent-mould variant for thicker sections; slower solidification coarsens the structure so strength drops well below HPDC values. EN AC-51500 F-K has a yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) — weaker than 70% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 9% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi). EN AC-51500 F-K has a density of 2.65 g/cm³ (0.0957 lb/in³), lighter than 90% of aluminum grades. It melts at 575°C (1,067 °F). F is the default condition FabDigit quotes; F-K is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 78/100, better than 94% of aluminum grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 65/100, better than 82% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 100°C (212 °F), worse than 91% of aluminum grades
- Poor heat conductor — 105 W/m·K (60.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 91% of aluminum grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 29 % IACS, worse than 78% of aluminum grades
EN AC-51500 F-K properties
Typical room-temperature values for EN AC-51500 F-K; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are EN AC-51500 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
EN AC-51500 F-K has a density of 2.65 g/cm³ (0.0957 lb/in³), lighter than 90% of aluminum grades. It melts at 575°C (1,067 °F).
Mechanical11
EN AC-51500 F-K has a yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) — weaker than 70% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 9% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
Thermal6
EN AC-51500 F-K is rated for continuous service to 100°C (212 °F). It conducts heat at 105 W/m·K (60.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 91% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 24 µm/m·K (13.3 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
EN AC-51500 F-K conducts electricity at 29 % IACS, worse than 78% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (78/100), better than 94% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of EN AC-51500 F-K takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 15%.
Manufacturability8
EN AC-51500 F-K's machinability is very good (70/100, better than 72% of aluminum grades); weldability good (60/100); formability poor (20/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with EN AC-51500 F-K
Is EN AC-51500 easy to machine?
Machines like a soft 5000-series alloy — sharp polished-flute carbide tools, high speed, generous coolant/lubrication to avoid built-up edge and gummy chips.
Can EN AC-51500 be welded?
MIG/TIG weldable with AlMg filler (ER5356/5183); vacuum or low-gas die castings weld best, conventional HPDC can blow porosity in the weld pool.
Can EN AC-51500 be formed, bent or molded?
High-pressure die casting with fast fill, good melt protection (Mg oxidation) and low-Fe metal; thin walls down to ~2 mm achieve the best strength-ductility; suitable for self-pierce riveting and clinching in F/O condition.
What surface finishes work on EN AC-51500?
Anodizes noticeably better than AlSi die-cast alloys (decorative and hard coats), takes chromate-free conversion coats and powder paint well; not suited to flux brazing because of the high Mg.
EN AC-51500 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Siimproves fluidity, forms Mg2Si | 1.8 – 2.6 | 2.2 |
| Mg | 5 – 6 | 5.5 |
| Mnanti-soldering, replaces Fe | 0.5 – 0.8 | 0.6 |
| Fekept low for ductility | ≤ 0.2 | 0.12 |
| Tigrain refiner | 0.1 – 0.2 | 0.15 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Zn | ≤ 0.07 | — |
| Others (each)total ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
EN AC-51500 F-K — frequently asked
What is EN AC-51500 F-K used for?
EN AC-51500 F-K is typically used for marine hardware, structural decorative parts and housings. In short: ductile as-cast die alloy; 12% elongation without heat treatment; anodizes better than AlSi.
What is the yield strength of EN AC-51500 F-K?
EN AC-51500 F-K has a typical yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) — weaker than 70% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is EN AC-51500 F-K easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (70/100, better than 72% of aluminum grades). Machines like a soft 5000-series alloy — sharp polished-flute carbide tools, high speed, generous coolant/lubrication to avoid built-up edge and gummy chips.
Can EN AC-51500 F-K be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (60/100). MIG/TIG weldable with AlMg filler (ER5356/5183); vacuum or low-gas die castings weld best, conventional HPDC can blow porosity in the weld pool.
What surface finishes work on EN AC-51500 F-K?
Anodizes noticeably better than AlSi die-cast alloys (decorative and hard coats), takes chromate-free conversion coats and powder paint well; not suited to flux brazing because of the high Mg.
Can EN AC-51500 F-K be formed, bent or molded?
High-pressure die casting with fast fill, good melt protection (Mg oxidation) and low-Fe metal; thin walls down to ~2 mm achieve the best strength-ductility; suitable for self-pierce riveting and clinching in F/O condition.
What is the maximum service temperature of EN AC-51500 F-K?
EN AC-51500 F-K is rated for continuous use to about 100°C (212 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between EN AC-51500-F and EN AC-51500 F-S?
F is the default condition — standard commercial condition: thin-wall HPDC parts used as cast, no heat treatment, best strength/ductility combination. F-S: sand-cast prototypes or large low-volume parts; coarsest structure, lowest strength and ductility of the as-cast conditions. Yield strength is 185 MPa in F versus 125 MPa in F-S.
Sources
- EN 1706 — Aluminium and aluminium alloys — Castings — Chemical composition and mechanical properties — CEN (2020)
- Magsimal-59 (AlMg5Si2Mn) die casting alloy datasheet — Rheinfelden Alloys (2019)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 13B — Corrosion: Materials — 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.
