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Aluminum ZL205A-F (As fabricated)

Temper

GB ZAlCu5MnCdVZr

As-cast, un-heat-treated stock — only for machining allowance blanks or before subsequent solution treatment.

CNC machiningHigh cost $$$$

Values for the F condition

Other ZL205A tempers and conditions

ZL205A is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at ZL205A.

Compare all 5 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
FThis page
As fabricated
As-cast, un-heat-treated stock — only for machining allowance blanks or before subsequent solution treatment.110200660 HB28 % IACS
Solution heat treated and naturally aged
Best ductility/toughness combination; used when the casting must be straightened or lightly formed before final ageing.2504001390 HB28 % IACS
T5Default
Cooled from hot working and artificially aged
The standard stocked condition: 440 MPa minimum with 7 % elongation — the best strength/ductility balance for structural castings.3204609105 HB33 % IACS
Solution heat treated and overaged (stabilized)
Over-aged/stabilised for dimensional stability and reduced residual stress in parts running warm or requiring tight tolerances.3604703112 HB38 % IACS
Solution heat treated and artificially aged
Peak-strength condition (≥470 MPa, HB≥120) for statically loaded parts where ductility can drop to ~3 %.3804905125 HB36 % IACS

What is ZL205A-F?

ZL205A-F is ZL205A in the F temper — as-cast, un-heat-treated stock — only for machining allowance blanks or before subsequent solution treatment. ZL205A-F 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 6% and the elastic modulus is 69 GPa (10 Msi). ZL205A-F has a density of 2.82 g/cm³ (0.102 lb/in³), heavier than 89% of aluminum grades. It melts at 545°C (1,013 °F). T5 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; F is available on request or by drawing note.

Limitations

  • Needs corrosion protection — 27/100, worse than 100% of aluminum grades
  • Limited formability — 8/100, worse than 88% of aluminum grades
  • Low fracture toughness — 17 MPa·√m (15.5 ksi·√in), worse than 83% of aluminum grades
  • Low electrical conductivity — 28 % IACS, worse than 82% of aluminum grades
  • Low strength — 110 MPa (16 ksi), worse than 81% of aluminum grades

ZL205A-F properties

Typical room-temperature values for ZL205A-F; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZL205A reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.

Physical3

ZL205A-F has a density of 2.82 g/cm³ (0.102 lb/in³), heavier than 89% of aluminum grades. It melts at 545°C (1,013 °F).

Density2.82 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)545°C1,013 °F
Liquidus Temperature650°C1,202 °F

Mechanical14

ZL205A-F 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 6% and the elastic modulus is 69 GPa (10 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus69 GPa10 Msi
Shear Modulus26.5 GPa3.8 Msi
Bulk Modulus70 GPa10.2 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.33
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)200 MPa29 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)110 MPa16 ksi
Elongation at Break6%
Compressive Strength120 MPa17.4 ksi
Shear Strength130 MPa18.9 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)60 MPa8.7 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)17 MPa·√m15.5 ksi·√in
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)5 J3.7 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell60 HB
Hardness, Vickers64 HV

Thermal6

ZL205A-F is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 130 W/m·K (75.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 65% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 22.5 µm/m·K (12.5 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity130 W/m·K75.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity880 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)22.5 µm/m·K12.5 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion390 J/g168 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)120°C248 °F
Min Service Temperature-196°C-321 °F

Electrical3

ZL205A-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 poor (27/100), worse than 100% of aluminum grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.73 V
Corrosion ResistancePoor27/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryPoor in chloride/marine environments; the 5 % Cu promotes pitting and intergranular attack — protective coating, anodizing or cladding is normally required. Resists dry organics and neutral fuels; attacked by strong acids and alkalis.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of ZL205A-F takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 10%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)12.5 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content10%

Manufacturability8

ZL205A-F's machinability is good (60/100, worse than 51% of aluminum grades); weldability fair (50/100); formability not recommended (8/100).

MachinabilityGood60/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)110%
WeldabilityFair50/100
Formability (cold)Not recommended8/100
CastabilityFair40/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityPoor25/100
PolishabilityGood55/100
Anodizing Responsefair — high Cu gives dull, less uniform and less protective films; chromic or hard anodizing possible but colour matching is poor

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

Working with ZL205A-F

Is ZL205A easy to machine?

Machines well in T5/T6 with sharp carbide tools, high speed and flood coolant; chips are short and surfaces finish cleanly.

Can ZL205A be welded?

TIG/MIG possible with matching ZL205A or Al-Cu filler but hot-crack sensitive — preheat, low restraint and post-weld solution + age are recommended.

Can ZL205A be formed, bent or molded?

Casting alloy with long freezing range: needs strong directional solidification, generous risering, chills and careful gating; poor fluidity for thin sections.

What surface finishes work on ZL205A?

Chromic/hard anodizing or chromate conversion plus primer is normal — bare surfaces corrode readily; painted or clad protection advised for outdoor service.

ZL205A 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
Cu4.6 – 5.35
Mn0.3 – 0.50.4
Tigrain refiner0.15 – 0.350.25
Cdaccelerates θ' nucleation0.15 – 0.250.2
V0.05 – 0.30.15
Zr0.05 – 0.20.15
B0.01 – 0.060.03
Siimpurity limit≤ 0.06—
Feimpurity limit≤ 0.15—
Mgimpurity limit≤ 0.05—
Znimpurity limit≤ 0.1—
Albalance—

ZL205A-F — frequently asked

What is ZL205A-F used for?

ZL205A-F is typically used for aerospace castings, missile components and brackets. In short: premium aerospace Cu-Al cast; highest-strength cast Al.

What is the yield strength of ZL205A-F?

ZL205A-F 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 5 listed tempers.

Is ZL205A-F easy to machine?

Reasonably — machinability is rated good (60/100, worse than 51% of aluminum grades). Machines well in T5/T6 with sharp carbide tools, high speed and flood coolant; chips are short and surfaces finish cleanly.

Can ZL205A-F be welded?

With care — weldability is rated fair (50/100). TIG/MIG possible with matching ZL205A or Al-Cu filler but hot-crack sensitive — preheat, low restraint and post-weld solution + age are recommended.

What surface finishes work on ZL205A-F?

Chromic/hard anodizing or chromate conversion plus primer is normal — bare surfaces corrode readily; painted or clad protection advised for outdoor service.

Can ZL205A-F be formed, bent or molded?

Casting alloy with long freezing range: needs strong directional solidification, generous risering, chills and careful gating; poor fluidity for thin sections.

What is the maximum service temperature of ZL205A-F?

ZL205A-F 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 ZL205A-T5 and ZL205A-F?

T5 is the default condition — the standard stocked condition: 440 MPa minimum with 7 % elongation — the best strength/ductility balance for structural castings. F: as-cast, un-heat-treated stock — only for machining allowance blanks or before subsequent solution treatment. Yield strength is 320 MPa in T5 versus 110 MPa in F.

Can FabDigit make parts in ZL205A-F?

Yes — ZL205A-F 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

  1. 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.