Aluminum LM16-M
Heat-treated state
BS LM16
M = thermomechanically controlled processed
Lowest-cost condition for lightly loaded, dimensionally stable parts where heat-treat distortion is unacceptable.
Values for the M condition
Other LM16 tempers and conditions
LM16 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at LM16.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MThis page Thermomechanically controlled processed | Lowest-cost condition for lightly loaded, dimensionally stable parts where heat-treat distortion is unacceptable. | 85 | 155 | 2 | 65 HB | 40 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and naturally aged | Choose when ductility and shock resistance matter more than peak strength (equivalent to T4). | 110 | 200 | 3 | 75 HB | 35 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and stabilised | Use for castings that must stay dimensionally stable in service at elevated temperature, accepting lower strength. | 130 | 180 | 3 | 80 HB | 39 % IACS |
TFDefault Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Standard high-strength condition for LM16 — pick it for pressure-tight, medium-strength gravity-die or sand castings. | 220 | 250 | 2 | 105 HB | 37 % IACS |
What is LM16-M?
LM16-M is LM16 heat treated to M — lowest-cost condition for lightly loaded, dimensionally stable parts where heat-treat distortion is unacceptable. LM16-M has a yield strength of 85 MPa (12.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 155 MPa (22.5 ksi) — weaker than 88% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 2% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi). LM16-M has a density of 2.71 g/cm³ (0.0979 lb/in³), heavier than 51% of aluminum grades. It melts at 550°C (1,022 °F). TF is the default condition FabDigit quotes; M is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Conducts heat well — 160 W/m·K (92.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 76% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 85 MPa (12.3 ksi), worse than 88% of aluminum grades
- Limited ductility — 2%, worse than 87% of aluminum grades
LM16-M properties
Typical room-temperature values for LM16-M; 10 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are LM16 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
LM16-M has a density of 2.71 g/cm³ (0.0979 lb/in³), heavier than 51% of aluminum grades. It melts at 550°C (1,022 °F).
Mechanical14
LM16-M has a yield strength of 85 MPa (12.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 155 MPa (22.5 ksi) — weaker than 88% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 2% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi).
Thermal6
LM16-M is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 160 W/m·K (92.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 76% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 22.4 µm/m·K (12.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
LM16-M conducts electricity at 40 % IACS, better than 72% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (52/100), worse than 55% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of LM16-M takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability6
LM16-M's machinability is good (55/100, worse than 59% of aluminum grades); weldability fair (40/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with LM16-M
Is LM16 easy to machine?
Machines well in TF with sharp carbide (PCD for volume), high speed and flood coolant; free-cutting chips, but eutectic Si is abrasive on HSS.
Can LM16 be welded?
TIG/MIG possible with 4043/4047 filler but the 1.2% Cu gives hot-cracking sensitivity — re-solution treat and age after major weld repair.
Can LM16 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand and gravity-die (chill) casting alloy with good fluidity and pressure tightness; chill casting plus Sr/Na modification and Ti-B refinement give the best properties; not suitable for high-pressure die casting when full heat treatment is required.
What surface finishes work on LM16?
Takes paint and chromate/chemical conversion coatings well; anodising is only fair (grey, patchy) — use hard anodise or impregnation for wear/sealing rather than decoration.
LM16 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 | 4.5 – 5.5 | 5 |
| Cu | 1 – 1.5 | 1.25 |
| Mg | 0.4 – 0.6 | 0.5 |
| Felower limit preferred for die/chill castings | ≤ 0.6 | 0.3 |
| Mn | ≤ 0.5 | 0.2 |
| Ni | ≤ 0.25 | — |
| Zn | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Tigrain refiner | ≤ 0.2 | 0.1 |
| Pb | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Sn | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Others (each)total 0.15 max | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
LM16-M — frequently asked
What is LM16-M used for?
LM16-M is typically used for pump housings, structural brackets, valve and manifold bodies, gearbox and crankcase castings, compressor components and pressure-tight instrument housings. In short: best-machining Al-Si-Cu casting; medium-strength sand castings; hot-crack sensitive weld.
What is the yield strength of LM16-M?
LM16-M has a typical yield strength of 85 MPa (12.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 155 MPa (22.5 ksi) — weaker than 88% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is LM16-M easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (55/100, worse than 59% of aluminum grades). Machines well in TF with sharp carbide (PCD for volume), high speed and flood coolant; free-cutting chips, but eutectic Si is abrasive on HSS.
Can LM16-M be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (40/100). TIG/MIG possible with 4043/4047 filler but the 1.2% Cu gives hot-cracking sensitivity — re-solution treat and age after major weld repair.
What surface finishes work on LM16-M?
Takes paint and chromate/chemical conversion coatings well; anodising is only fair (grey, patchy) — use hard anodise or impregnation for wear/sealing rather than decoration.
Can LM16-M be formed, bent or molded?
Sand and gravity-die (chill) casting alloy with good fluidity and pressure tightness; chill casting plus Sr/Na modification and Ti-B refinement give the best properties; not suitable for high-pressure die casting when full heat treatment is required.
What is the maximum service temperature of LM16-M?
LM16-M 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 LM16-TF and LM16-M?
TF is the default condition — standard high-strength condition for LM16 — pick it for pressure-tight, medium-strength gravity-die or sand castings. M: lowest-cost condition for lightly loaded, dimensionally stable parts where heat-treat distortion is unacceptable. Yield strength is 220 MPa in TF versus 85 MPa in M.
Sources
- BS 1490: Aluminium and aluminium alloy ingots and castings for general engineering purposes — BSI (1988)
- ASTM B26/B26M — Aluminum-Alloy Sand Castings (355.0) — ASTM (2018)
- GB/T 1173 (ZL105) — SAC (2013)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys — ASM International (1993)
- UK foundry LM16 alloy data sheets (heat-treated sand/chill properties) — various foundries (2020)
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.