Aluminum ZL106-F (As fabricated)
Temper
GB ZL106
Use the untreated as-cast blank for low-stress parts with modest dimensional-stability demands, accepting 175 MPa tensile and 2.5 % elongation at the lowest processing cost.
Values for the F condition
Other ZL106 tempers and conditions
ZL106 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at ZL106.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FThis page As fabricated | Use the untreated as-cast blank for low-stress parts with modest dimensional-stability demands, accepting 175 MPa tensile and 2.5 % elongation at the lowest processing cost. | 100 | 175 | 2.5 | 60 HB | 36 % IACS |
Cooled from hot working and naturally aged | Pick as-cast plus artificial ageing for permanent-mould parts of moderate strength; skipping solution treatment keeps processing simple and distortion low but leaves 1.5 % elongation. | 150 | 200 | 1.5 | 70 HB | 35 % IACS |
Cooled from hot working and artificially aged | Choose solution treatment with partial artificial ageing for medium-load parts under vibration loading; it gives the best balance of 185 MPa yield and retained ductility. | 185 | 255 | 2 | 75 HB | 33 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and overaged (stabilized) | Use solution treatment plus overageing/stabilising for parts working long-term at 150–250 °C, trading peak strength for structural and dimensional stability and heat resistance. | 190 | 250 | 2.5 | 75 HB | 35 % IACS |
T6Default Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Specify solution treatment with full artificial ageing for highly loaded parts needing maximum 210 MPa yield and 90 HB, accepting the lowest ductility of the tempers. | 210 | 275 | 1.5 | 90 HB | 32 % IACS |
What is ZL106-F?
ZL106-F is ZL106 in the F temper — use the untreated as-cast blank for low-stress parts with modest dimensional-stability demands, accepting 175 MPa tensile and 2.5 % elongation at the lowest processing cost. ZL106-F has a yield strength of 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) — weaker than 84% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 2.5% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi). ZL106-F has a density of 2.73 g/cm³ (0.0986 lb/in³), heavier than 61% of aluminum grades. It melts at 550°C (1,022 °F). T6 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; F is available on request or by drawing note.
Limitations
- Low strength — 100 MPa (14.5 ksi), worse than 84% of aluminum grades
- Limited ductility — 2.5%, worse than 83% of aluminum grades
- Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 76% of aluminum grades
ZL106-F properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZL106-F; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZL106 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
ZL106-F has a density of 2.73 g/cm³ (0.0986 lb/in³), heavier than 61% of aluminum grades. It melts at 550°C (1,022 °F).
Mechanical14
ZL106-F has a yield strength of 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) — weaker than 84% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 2.5% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
Thermal6
ZL106-F is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 150 W/m·K (86.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 58% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 21.5 µm/m·K (11.9 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZL106-F conducts electricity at 36 % IACS, better than 55% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (44/100), worse than 65% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZL106-F takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 60%.
Manufacturability8
ZL106-F's machinability is fair (50/100, worse than 65% of aluminum grades); weldability fair (48/100); formability not recommended (12/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ZL106-F
Is ZL106 easy to machine?
Machinability is moderate at 58 and eutectic silicon abrades tooling - use PCD or diamond-coated carbide, high speed with light feed and ample coolant.
Can ZL106 be welded?
Weldable by TIG/MIG with ER4043 or ER4047 filler; the copper content gives a hot-cracking tendency, so preheat before welding and re-age afterward to recover strength.
Can ZL106 be formed, bent or molded?
Good sand and permanent-mould castability with high fluidity and good pressure tightness; set wall thicknesses for directional solidification and add risers to prevent shrinkage porosity.
What surface finishes work on ZL106?
Suits shot blasting, chemical oxidation and painting; anodizing turns dark and uneven because of the high silicon and copper, so use paint or powder coat on appearance parts.
ZL106 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 | 7.5 – 8.5 | 8 |
| Cu | 1 – 1.5 | 1.25 |
| Mg | 0.3 – 0.5 | 0.4 |
| Mn | 0.3 – 0.5 | 0.4 |
| Tigrain refiner | 0.1 – 0.25 | 0.17 |
| Feimpurity; sand cast ≤0.6, permanent mold ≤0.9 per standard | ≤ 0.6 | — |
| Znimpurity | ≤ 0.2 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
ZL106-F — frequently asked
What is ZL106-F used for?
ZL106-F is typically used for engine components, housings exposed to elevated temperature, pump and compressor bodies, gearbox and transmission housings, manifolds and covers and pressure-tight sand and permanent-mould castings. In short: heat-resistant Al-Si casting alloy; 275 MPa cast tensile strength; low ductility, 1.5% elongation.
What is the yield strength of ZL106-F?
ZL106-F has a typical yield strength of 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) — weaker than 84% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is ZL106-F easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (50/100, worse than 65% of aluminum grades). Machinability is moderate at 58 and eutectic silicon abrades tooling - use PCD or diamond-coated carbide, high speed with light feed and ample coolant.
Can ZL106-F be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (48/100). Weldable by TIG/MIG with ER4043 or ER4047 filler; the copper content gives a hot-cracking tendency, so preheat before welding and re-age afterward to recover strength.
What surface finishes work on ZL106-F?
Suits shot blasting, chemical oxidation and painting; anodizing turns dark and uneven because of the high silicon and copper, so use paint or powder coat on appearance parts.
Can ZL106-F be formed, bent or molded?
Good sand and permanent-mould castability with high fluidity and good pressure tightness; set wall thicknesses for directional solidification and add risers to prevent shrinkage porosity.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZL106-F?
ZL106-F 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 ZL106-T6 and ZL106-F?
T6 is the default condition — specify solution treatment with full artificial ageing for highly loaded parts needing maximum 210 MPa yield and 90 HB, accepting the lowest ductility of the tempers. F: use the untreated as-cast blank for low-stress parts with modest dimensional-stability demands, accepting 175 MPa tensile and 2.5 % elongation at the lowest processing cost. Yield strength is 210 MPa in T6 versus 100 MPa in F.
Sources
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
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.