Aluminum K100-S
K100-S is a proprietary Vista Metals precision cast aluminium-magnesium plate, cast then machined on both faces and thermally stress relieved, offered as an alternative to Mic 6, Alca 5 and ATP-5 mould-grade cast plate.
K100-S tempers and conditions
K100-S is supplied in 2 conditions, soft to hard.
Compare all 2 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As fabricated | Un-stress-relieved cast plate or off-cut stock; acceptable for non-critical fixtures where post-machining movement is tolerable. | 105 | 180 | 3 | 70 HB | 32 % IACS |
As-cast, thermally stress-relieved, double-side machined plate | The only normally stocked condition: use it wherever flatness and stress-free machining matter more than strength. | 110 | 180 | 3 | 70 HB | 32 % IACS |
What is K100-S?
K100-S is a proprietary Vista Metals precision cast aluminium-magnesium plate, cast then machined on both faces and thermally stress relieved, offered as an alternative to Mic 6, Alca 5 and ATP-5 mould-grade cast plate. It is chosen for very low residual stress, flatness and dimensional stability, a uniform non-directional structure and high machinability: vacuum chucks, gauges, fixtures, injection and blow mould frames, composite moulds and automation base plates. Strength and elongation are below rolled 6061/5083 (cast structure with some micro-porosity), it cannot be cold formed, decorative anodising is blotchy and welds tend to be porous. K100-S has a density of 2.66 g/cm³ (0.0961 lb/in³), lighter than 84% of aluminum grades. It melts at 570°C (1,058 °F). K100-S has a yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) — weaker than 81% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
What is K100-S used for?
- Tooling and mould plates
- Composite layup moulds
- Vacuum chuck plates
- Inspection and gauge fixtures
- Injection and blow mould frames
- Automation equipment base plates
- Machine jigs and fixtures
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 9 kg CO₂/kg, better than 99% of aluminum grades
- Easy to machine — 88/100, better than 96% of aluminum grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 68/100, better than 75% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 40/100, worse than 91% of aluminum grades
- Low strength — 110 MPa (16 ksi), worse than 81% of aluminum grades
- Limited ductility — 3%, worse than 79% of aluminum grades
K100-S properties
Typical room-temperature values; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
K100-S has a density of 2.66 g/cm³ (0.0961 lb/in³), lighter than 84% of aluminum grades. It melts at 570°C (1,058 °F).
Mechanical10
K100-S has a yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) — weaker than 81% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
Thermal6
K100-S is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 140 W/m·K (80.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 52% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.8 µm/m·K (13.2 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
K100-S conducts electricity at 32 % IACS, worse than 63% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (68/100), better than 75% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of K100-S takes about 150 MJ of energy and emits 9 kg of CO₂ — less than 97% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 50%.
Manufacturability8
K100-S's machinability is excellent (88/100, better than 96% of aluminum grades); weldability good (60/100); formability not recommended (12/100).
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. K100-S is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with K100-S
Is K100-S easy to machine?
Outstanding: cuts freely with polished-flute carbide, holds flatness after heavy one-side milling because the plate is stress-relieved; use sharp tools and air/mist to avoid the slightly gummy Al–Mg smearing.
Can K100-S be welded?
GTAW/GMAW with 5356 filler is possible for repairs, but cast micro-porosity outgasses — pre-mill the joint, expect porosity and local distortion, and re-stress-relieve if flatness is critical.
Can K100-S be formed, bent or molded?
Not a forming alloy — the cast structure has 2–5 % elongation, so no bending, rolling or stamping; produce all shape by machining.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to K100-S. Every K100-S part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Excellent88 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | N.1 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 350 / 420 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.5 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 8× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 0.8 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
K100-S 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mgproprietary Al–Mg cast-plate chemistry, approximately in the 5052/5083 magnesium range; exact limits not published | 4 – 5.5 | 4.8 |
| Mngrain/structure control | 0 – 0.5 | 0.2 |
| Siimpurity limit (typical for cast tooling plate) | ≤ 0.4 | |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.5 | |
| Cuimpurity limit | ≤ 0.2 | |
| Cr | ≤ 0.25 | |
| Zn | ≤ 0.2 | |
| Tigrain refiner | ≤ 0.2 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on K100-S?
Hard anodize (Type III) or electroless nickel for wear surfaces; decorative anodize is blotchy, so painting, bead blast or black hardcoat are the usual cosmetic routes; polishing reveals scattered pinholes.
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).
Passivation
Conversion Coating
PVD Coating
How much does K100-S cost?
K100-S is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 62% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
K100-S — frequently asked
What is K100-S used for?
K100-S is typically used for tooling and mould plates, composite layup moulds, vacuum chuck plates, inspection and gauge fixtures, injection and blow mould frames and automation equipment base plates. In short: premium cast tool plate.
What is the yield strength of K100-S?
K100-S has a typical yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) — weaker than 81% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is K100-S easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (88/100, better than 96% of aluminum grades). Outstanding: cuts freely with polished-flute carbide, holds flatness after heavy one-side milling because the plate is stress-relieved; use sharp tools and air/mist to avoid the slightly gummy Al–Mg smearing.
Can K100-S be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (60/100). GTAW/GMAW with 5356 filler is possible for repairs, but cast micro-porosity outgasses — pre-mill the joint, expect porosity and local distortion, and re-stress-relieve if flatness is critical.
What surface finishes work on K100-S?
Hard anodize (Type III) or electroless nickel for wear surfaces; decorative anodize is blotchy, so painting, bead blast or black hardcoat are the usual cosmetic routes; polishing reveals scattered pinholes.
Can K100-S be formed, bent or molded?
Not a forming alloy — the cast structure has 2–5 % elongation, so no bending, rolling or stamping; produce all shape by machining.
What is the maximum service temperature of K100-S?
K100-S is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does K100-S cost?
K100-S is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 62% 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.
Can FabDigit make parts in K100-S?
Yes — K100-S is available for CNC machining; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- K100-S cast aluminum tooling plate data sheet — Vista Metals Corp. (2022)
- Cast aluminum tooling plate property records (Mic 6 / Alca 5 / ATP-5 class) — MatWeb (2024)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Aluminum Standards and Data (Al–Mg alloy reference values) — The Aluminum Association (2017)
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.