Aluminum ZL303 K-F
Temper
GB ZL303
Shell-mould castings; dimensional accuracy between sand and metal mould, strength close to sand cast.
Values for the K-F condition
Other ZL303 tempers and conditions
ZL303 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at ZL303.
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 |
K-FThis page 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 K-F?
ZL303 K-F is ZL303 in the K-F temper — shell-mould castings; dimensional accuracy between sand and metal mould, strength close to sand cast. ZL303 K-F has a yield strength of 93 MPa (13.5 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). ZL303 K-F 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). F is the default condition FabDigit quotes; K-F is available on request or by drawing note.
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 — 93 MPa (13.5 ksi), worse than 86% of aluminum grades
- Limited ductility — 2.5%, worse than 83% of aluminum grades
ZL303 K-F properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZL303 K-F; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZL303 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
ZL303 K-F 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 K-F has a yield strength of 93 MPa (13.5 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 K-F is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 122 W/m·K (70.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 74% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 24.5 µm/m·K (13.6 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZL303 K-F 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 K-F 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 K-F's machinability is very good (72/100, better than 80% of aluminum grades); weldability very good (75/100); formability not recommended (13/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ZL303 K-F
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.
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.
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 | — |
ZL303 K-F — frequently asked
What is ZL303 K-F used for?
ZL303 K-F 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 K-F?
ZL303 K-F has a typical yield strength of 93 MPa (13.5 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 K-F 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 K-F 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 K-F?
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 K-F 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 K-F?
ZL303 K-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 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.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.