Aluminum ZL301 · temper · default condition
Aluminum ZL301-F
Properties of the F condition, compared with the other ZL301 tempers.
Pick only for non-structural or trial castings — as-cast Al-10Mg is brittle because of the Mg₅Al₈ network at the grain boundaries.
What is ZL301-F?
ZL301-F is ZL301 in the F temper — pick only for non-structural or trial castings — as-cast Al-10Mg is brittle because of the Mg₅Al₈ network at the grain boundaries. ZL301-F has a yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) — weaker than 81% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 68 GPa (9.86 Msi). ZL301-F has a density of 2.57 g/cm³ (0.0928 lb/in³), lighter than 99% of aluminum grades. It melts at 450°C (842 °F).
Advantages
- Polishes to a fine finish — 75/100, better than 90% of aluminum grades
- Easy to machine — 78/100, better than 89% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Low electrical conductivity — 24 % IACS, worse than 95% of aluminum grades
- Poor heat conductor — 100 W/m·K (57.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of aluminum grades
- Limited service temperature — 100°C (212 °F), worse than 91% of aluminum grades
- Low strength — 110 MPa (16 ksi), worse than 81% of aluminum grades
- Limited formability — 10/100, worse than 81% of aluminum grades
ZL301-F properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZL301-F — 12 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every ZL301 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the aluminum grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
ZL301-F has a density of 2.57 g/cm³ (0.0928 lb/in³), lighter than 99% of aluminum grades. It melts at 450°C (842 °F).
Mechanical12
ZL301-F has a yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) — weaker than 81% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 68 GPa (9.86 Msi).
Thermal6
ZL301-F is rated for continuous service to 100°C (212 °F). It conducts heat at 100 W/m·K (57.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 25.2 µm/m·K (14 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZL301-F conducts electricity at 24 % IACS, worse than 95% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (62/100), better than 67% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZL301-F takes about 195 MJ of energy and emits 13.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 86% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 15%.
Manufacturability8
ZL301-F's machinability is very good (78/100, better than 89% of aluminum grades); weldability fair (45/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other ZL301 tempers and conditions
ZL301 is also supplied in 1 other condition. The full side-by-side table is on the ZL301 overview.
- FDefaultPick only for non-structural or trial castings — as-cast Al-10Mg is brittle because of the Mg₅Al₈ network at the grain boundaries.110 MPa yield · 55 HB
- T4The only temper registered for ZL301 in GB/T 1173 and the standard supply condition — use it for marine hardware and high-toughness structural sand/permanent-mould castings.155 MPa yield · 65 HB
Working with ZL301-F
Is ZL301 easy to machine?
Machines very freely with sharp polished-flute tools, high speed and light feeds; use kerosene/emulsion coolant and beware of gummy chips and Mg dust fire risk when dry grinding.
Can ZL301 be welded?
TIG/MIG repair with ER5356 (Al-5Mg) filler only; preheat lightly, keep heat input low and re-solution treat where full properties are needed — the high-Mg matrix is oxide- and hot-crack sensitive.
Can ZL301 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand and permanent-mould casting only (not for die casting or pressure-tight parts); needs dry, well-vented moulds, a protective flux/cover gas over the melt, chills for feeding and a long high-temperature solution soak followed by natural ageing.
What surface finishes work on ZL301?
Responds well to clear and hard-coat anodizing and to chemical brightening; chromate/trivalent conversion coating plus epoxy primer is preferred for marine paint systems.
ZL301 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mgprincipal alloying element | 9.5 – 11 | 10.2 |
| Siimpurity limit | ≤ 0.3 | — |
| Feimpurity limit (sand casting) | ≤ 0.3 | — |
| Cuimpurity limit | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Mnimpurity limit | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Znimpurity limit | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Tigrain refiner / impurity | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Beoptional melt-oxidation inhibitor where permitted | ≤ 0.07 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
ZL301-F — frequently asked
What is ZL301-F used for?
ZL301-F is typically used for marine castings, naval components, deck and hull fittings, decorative and architectural castings, anodized instrument housings and pump and valve bodies for seawater service. In short: china GB Al-Mg cast; corrosion-resistant.
What is the yield strength of ZL301-F?
ZL301-F has a typical yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) — weaker than 81% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is ZL301-F easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (78/100, better than 89% of aluminum grades). Machines very freely with sharp polished-flute tools, high speed and light feeds; use kerosene/emulsion coolant and beware of gummy chips and Mg dust fire risk when dry grinding.
Can ZL301-F be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (45/100). TIG/MIG repair with ER5356 (Al-5Mg) filler only; preheat lightly, keep heat input low and re-solution treat where full properties are needed — the high-Mg matrix is oxide- and hot-crack sensitive.
What surface finishes work on ZL301-F?
Responds well to clear and hard-coat anodizing and to chemical brightening; chromate/trivalent conversion coating plus epoxy primer is preferred for marine paint systems.
Can ZL301-F be formed, bent or molded?
Sand and permanent-mould casting only (not for die casting or pressure-tight parts); needs dry, well-vented moulds, a protective flux/cover gas over the melt, chills for feeding and a long high-temperature solution soak followed by natural ageing.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZL301-F?
ZL301-F is rated for continuous use to about 100°C (212 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between ZL301-F and ZL301-T4?
F is the default condition — pick only for non-structural or trial castings — as-cast Al-10Mg is brittle because of the Mg₅Al₈ network at the grain boundaries. T4: the only temper registered for ZL301 in GB/T 1173 and the standard supply condition — use it for marine hardware and high-toughness structural sand/permanent-mould castings. Yield strength is 110 MPa in F versus 155 MPa in T4.
Can FabDigit make parts in ZL301-F?
Yes — ZL301-F is available for CNC machining with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- GB/T 1173 (Cast aluminium alloys) (2013)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys (520.0 data) — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys — ASM International (1993)
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.