Aluminum ZL303
GB ZL303
ZL303 (712.0) is an Al-Mg casting alloy selected for corrosion resistance and anodizing response rather than strength, and is comparable to ANSI 514.0.
Reference datasheet — ZL303 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the F condition
ZL303 tempers and conditions
ZL303 is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard. F is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
sand cast, as-cast | Sand-mould castings (largest size range, thicker walls); lowest end of the strength band due to coarser structure. | 90 | 155 | 2 | 58 HB | 30 % IACS |
investment cast, as-cast | Investment castings for thin-walled, near-net decorative parts; properties similar to sand cast with better surface. | 92 | 155 | 2 | 58 HB | 30 % IACS |
shell mould cast, as-cast | Shell-mould castings; dimensional accuracy between sand and metal mould, strength close to sand cast. | 93 | 160 | 2.5 | 60 HB | 30 % IACS |
FDefault As fabricated | The only supplied condition for ZL303; use as-cast for corrosion-resistant, anodizable parts of moderate strength. | 95 | 160 | 2.5 | 60 HB | 30 % IACS |
permanent (metal) mould cast, as-cast | Metal-mould castings; faster solidification gives finer grain, the top of the strength/ductility band. | 100 | 175 | 3.5 | 63 HB | 30.5 % IACS |
What is ZL303?
ZL303 (712.0) is an Al-Mg casting alloy selected for corrosion resistance and anodizing response rather than strength, and is comparable to ANSI 514.0. In the as-cast F condition it provides 160 MPa tensile, 95 MPa yield, 2.5 % elongation and 60 HB, with 121 W/m·K conductivity, 30 % IACS and service to about 150 °C, typically as sand, permanent-mould and low-pressure castings for marine and decorative hardware. Casting is the constraint: magnesium oxidises readily, fluidity is low and hot-tearing risk is high, so protected melting and generous risering are required. A356.0 is the easier-casting alternative when surface finish and seawater exposure are less critical. ZL303 has a density of 2.6 g/cm³ (0.0939 lb/in³), lighter than 97% of aluminum grades. It melts at 560°C (1,040 °F). ZL303 has a yield strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) — weaker than 86% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 2.5% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
What is ZL303 used for?
- marine hardware
- decorative fittings
- corrosion-resistant housings
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 80/100, better than 97% of aluminum grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 80/100, better than 93% of aluminum grades
- Easy to machine — 72/100, better than 80% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 95 MPa (13.8 ksi), worse than 86% of aluminum grades
- Limited ductility — 2.5%, worse than 83% of aluminum grades
- Poor heat conductor — 121 W/m·K (69.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 76% of aluminum grades
ZL303 properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZL303-F; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
ZL303 has a density of 2.6 g/cm³ (0.0939 lb/in³), lighter than 97% of aluminum grades. It melts at 560°C (1,040 °F).
Mechanical11
ZL303 has a yield strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) — weaker than 86% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 2.5% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
Thermal6
ZL303 is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 121 W/m·K (69.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 76% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 24.5 µm/m·K (13.6 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZL303 conducts electricity at 30 % IACS, worse than 73% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (80/100), better than 97% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZL303 takes about 195 MJ of energy and emits 11.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 86% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 45%.
Manufacturability8
ZL303's machinability is very good (72/100, better than 80% of aluminum grades); weldability very good (75/100); formability poor (15/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the aluminum family
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade FabDigit runs. ZL303 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with ZL303
Is ZL303 easy to machine?
Machines cleanly with sharp carbide/PCD tools, high speed and light feed; gives bright surfaces with little smearing, use flood coolant to avoid built-up edge.
Can ZL303 be welded?
Readily TIG/MIG welded with 5356 or ER5183 filler; keep interpass temperature low and clean the Mg oxide film thoroughly, no post-weld heat treatment needed.
Can ZL303 be formed, bent or molded?
Foundry-only alloy: low fluidity and high Mg oxidation mean protected melting (flux/cover gas), Be-free grain refining, generous risers and controlled pouring to avoid hot tears and oxide inclusions.
ZL303 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, gives corrosion resistance | 4.5 – 5.5 | 5 |
| Siimproves fluidity, forms Mg2Si | 0.8 – 1.3 | 1 |
| Mn | 0.1 – 0.4 | 0.25 |
| Feimpurity limit (tighter for sand cast, ~0.3) | ≤ 0.5 | |
| Cuimpurity; harmful to corrosion resistance | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Znimpurity | ≤ 0.2 | |
| Tigrain refiner / impurity | ≤ 0.2 | |
| Others (each)total ≤0.15 | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on ZL303?
Best cast aluminium choice for decorative and hard anodizing (bright, evenly coloured films); also takes chemical conversion coating, paint and mechanical polishing well.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on aluminum parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Organic Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Aluminum ZL303 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- Also called
- ZAlMg5Si1
- Other
- 514.0
- Similar grades
- 712.0
How much does ZL303 cost?
ZL303 is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 71% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
ZL303 — frequently asked
What is ZL303 used for?
ZL303 is typically used for marine hardware, decorative fittings and corrosion-resistant housings. In short: best-anodizing cast aluminum; marine-grade corrosion resistance; weldable with 5356 filler.
What is the yield strength of ZL303?
ZL303 has a typical yield strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) — weaker than 86% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is ZL303 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (72/100, better than 80% of aluminum grades). Machines cleanly with sharp carbide/PCD tools, high speed and light feed; gives bright surfaces with little smearing, use flood coolant to avoid built-up edge.
Can ZL303 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (75/100). Readily TIG/MIG welded with 5356 or ER5183 filler; keep interpass temperature low and clean the Mg oxide film thoroughly, no post-weld heat treatment needed.
What surface finishes work on ZL303?
Best cast aluminium choice for decorative and hard anodizing (bright, evenly coloured films); also takes chemical conversion coating, paint and mechanical polishing well.
Can ZL303 be formed, bent or molded?
Foundry-only alloy: low fluidity and high Mg oxidation mean protected melting (flux/cover gas), Be-free grain refining, generous risers and controlled pouring to avoid hot tears and oxide inclusions.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZL303?
ZL303 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 ZL303-F and ZL303 S-F?
F is the default condition — the only supplied condition for ZL303; use as-cast for corrosion-resistant, anodizable parts of moderate strength. S-F: sand-mould castings (largest size range, thicker walls); lowest end of the strength band due to coarser structure. Yield strength is 95 MPa in F versus 90 MPa in S-F.
How much does ZL303 cost?
ZL303 is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 71% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2: Properties and Selection — Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Aluminum Alloys in the Form of Castings and Ingot (Pink Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 13B: Corrosion — Materials — ASM International (2005)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.