Aluminum LM16-TB
Precip hard
BS LM16
TB = solution heat treated and naturally aged
Choose when ductility and shock resistance matter more than peak strength (equivalent to T4).
Values for the TB 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
TBThis page 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-TB?
LM16-TB is LM16 in the TB condition — choose when ductility and shock resistance matter more than peak strength (equivalent to T4). LM16-TB has a yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) — weaker than 81% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi). LM16-TB 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; TB is available on request or by drawing note.
Limitations
- Low strength — 110 MPa (16 ksi), worse than 81% of aluminum grades
- Limited ductility — 3%, worse than 79% of aluminum grades
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 79% of aluminum grades
LM16-TB properties
Typical room-temperature values for LM16-TB; 11 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-TB 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-TB has a yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) — weaker than 81% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi).
Thermal6
LM16-TB is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 145 W/m·K (83.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 53% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 22.4 µm/m·K (12.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
LM16-TB conducts electricity at 35 % IACS, better than 52% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (52/100), worse than 55% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of LM16-TB 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-TB's machinability is good (60/100, worse than 51% 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-TB
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-TB — frequently asked
What is LM16-TB used for?
LM16-TB 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-TB?
LM16-TB has a typical yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) — weaker than 81% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is LM16-TB easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (60/100, worse than 51% 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-TB 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-TB?
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-TB 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-TB?
LM16-TB is rated for continuous use to about 120°C (248 °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.