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Aluminum EN AC-51500-F (As fabricated)

Temper · default condition

EN AC-51500

Standard commercial condition: thin-wall HPDC parts used as cast, no heat treatment, best strength/ductility combination.

Standard cost $$

Values for the F 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 datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
As cast, sand casting
Sand-cast prototypes or large low-volume parts; coarsest structure, lowest strength and ductility of the as-cast conditions.125190665 HB29 % IACS
Annealed
Anneal used when crash-relevant elongation, self-pierce riveting or clinching of the casting matters more than strength.1302352065 HB30 % IACS
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.140220970 HB29 % IACS
FDefaultThis page
As fabricated
Standard commercial condition: thin-wall HPDC parts used as cast, no heat treatment, best strength/ductility combination.1852851285 HB28 % 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.2203209100 HB27 % 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).230305895 HB29 % IACS

What is EN AC-51500-F?

EN AC-51500-F is EN AC-51500 in the F temper — standard commercial condition: thin-wall HPDC parts used as cast, no heat treatment, best strength/ductility combination. EN AC-51500-F has a yield strength of 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) — weaker than 53% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi). EN AC-51500-F 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).

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

  • Poor heat conductor — 100 W/m·K (57.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of aluminum grades
  • Limited service temperature — 100°C (212 °F), worse than 91% of aluminum grades
  • Low electrical conductivity — 28 % IACS, worse than 82% of aluminum grades

EN AC-51500-F properties

Typical room-temperature values for EN AC-51500-F; 10 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 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).

Density2.65 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)575°C1,067 °F
Liquidus Temperature620°C1,148 °F

Mechanical11

EN AC-51500-F has a yield strength of 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) — weaker than 53% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus70 GPa10.2 Msi
Shear Modulus26.5 GPa3.8 Msi
Bulk Modulus69 GPa10 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.33
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)285 MPa41.3 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)185 MPa26.8 ksi
Elongation at Break12%
Shear Strength175 MPa25.4 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)100 MPa14.5 ksi
Hardness, Brinell85 HB
Hardness, Vickers90 HV

Thermal6

EN AC-51500-F is rated for continuous service to 100°C (212 °F). It conducts heat at 100 W/m·K (57.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 24 µm/m·K (13.3 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity100 W/m·K57.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)24 µm/m·K13.3 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion395 J/g170 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)100°C212 °F
Min Service Temperature-196°C-321 °F

Electrical3

EN AC-51500-F conducts electricity at 28 % IACS, worse than 82% of aluminum grades.

Electrical Conductivity28 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity6.2×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.44 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is very good (78/100), better than 94% of aluminum grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.87 V
Corrosion ResistanceVery good78/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryVery good in marine/atmospheric and mildly alkaline media, better than AlSi-Cu die-cast alloys; attacked by strong acids and strong alkalis, and prolonged exposure above ~80–100 °C can sensitize the >3% Mg matrix (β-phase, SCC/exfoliation risk).

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of EN AC-51500-F takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 15%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)12.5 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water1,100 L/kg132 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content15%

Manufacturability8

EN AC-51500-F's machinability is very good (70/100, better than 72% of aluminum grades); weldability good (60/100); formability poor (25/100).

MachinabilityVery good70/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)60%
WeldabilityGood60/100
Formability (cold)Poor25/100
CastabilityVery good72/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityPoor25/100
PolishabilityGood65/100
Anodizing Responsegood — decorative and hard anodizing far better than AlSi die-cast alloys; the ~2% Si and Mg2Si phases can give a slightly grey/uneven tone in clear finishes

Common Calculations5

Specific Strength (UTS / density)calculated108 kN·m/kg
Specific Stiffness (E / density)calculated26.4 MN·m/kg
Modulus of Resiliencecalculated244 kJ/m³
Thermal Diffusivitycalculated41.9 mm²/s
Thermal Shock Resistance Indexcalculated17

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

Working with EN AC-51500-F

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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Siimproves fluidity, forms Mg2Si1.8 – 2.62.2
Mg5 – 65.5
Mnanti-soldering, replaces Fe0.5 – 0.80.6
Fekept low for ductility≤ 0.20.12
Tigrain refiner0.1 – 0.20.15
Cu≤ 0.05—
Zn≤ 0.07—
Others (each)total ≤ 0.15≤ 0.05—
Albalance—

EN AC-51500-F — frequently asked

What is EN AC-51500-F used for?

EN AC-51500-F 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?

EN AC-51500-F has a typical yield strength of 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) — weaker than 53% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.

Is EN AC-51500-F 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 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?

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 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?

EN AC-51500-F 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

  1. EN 1706 — Aluminium and aluminium alloys — Castings — Chemical composition and mechanical properties — CEN (2020)
  2. Magsimal-59 (AlMg5Si2Mn) die casting alloy datasheet — Rheinfelden Alloys (2019)
  3. ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  4. 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.