A356.0 Aluminum-Silicon Alloy Casting Material

Aluminum-Silicon Alloy

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Introduction

A356.0 is an aluminum-silicon alloy grade covered by ASTM B26/B26M. Typical applications include automotive wheels, engine and crankcase components, intake manifolds, impellers and electric-motor parts.

FieldValue
DesignationA356.0
Material TypeAluminum Alloy
Sub TypeAluminum-Silicon Alloy
Product Formcasting

Manufacturing Process

Sand Casting

Equivalent Materials

N/A

Similar Materials

N/A

Reference Standards

StandardStandard TitleEditionSpecificationIdentifier
ASTM B26/B26MStandard Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Sand Castings05A356.0UNS A13560

Physical Properties

N/A

Chemical Composition

ElementASTM B26/B26MEdition 05 · wt.%
Si6.5–7.5
Fe≤ 0.20
Cu≤ 0.20
Mn≤ 0.10
Mg0.25–0.45
Ni≤ 0.05
Zn≤ 0.10
Ti≤ 0.20
Alremainder

Chemical requirements[1][2]

Notes

ASTM B26/B26M · Edition 05

[1] Chemical composition: Other elements, each: ≤ 0.05 wt.%

[2] Chemical composition: Other elements, total: ≤ 0.15 wt.%

Heat Treatment

ASTM B26/B26M–05 · Sand Casting · T6 · Recommended heat treatment

StepOperationTemperatureCooling
1Recommended: Solution heat treatment1000 °F / 540 °C; Holding time: 6–12 h[1]Water quench
2Recommended: Precipitation heat treatment310 °F / 155 °C; Holding time: 2–5 h[2]Still air outside furnace

ASTM B26/B26M–05 · Sand Casting · T61 · Recommended heat treatment

StepOperationTemperatureCooling
1Recommended: Solution heat treatment1000 °F / 540 °C; Holding time: 6–12 h[3]Water quench
2Recommended: Precipitation heat treatment330 °F / 165 °C; Holding time: 6–12 h[4]Still air outside furnace

Notes

ASTM B26/B26M · Edition 05

[1] T6, T6 · Recommended heat treatment: Source: ASTM B917/B917M–25 (Recommended; when specified by the material specification or purchase order).; ±10°F; Use suitable metal-temperature measurement; sections/microstructure affect soak time selection (7.2).; Quench in water at 150 to 212°F except as noted.; Time at solution temperature may be increased for section thickness over 1 in.; The solution times may be reduced when the silicon eutectic has been well modified such as when modified with Sr or Na.; ±5°C; Quench in water at 65 to 100°C except as noted.; Time at solution temperature may be increased for section thickness over 25 mm.

[2] T6, T6 · Recommended heat treatment: Source: ASTM B917/B917M–25 (Recommended; when specified by the material specification or purchase order).; ±10°F; Use suitable metal-temperature measurement; sections/microstructure affect soak time selection (7.2).; No quenching required. Cool in still air outside the furnace.; ±5°C

[3] T6, T61, T61 · Recommended heat treatment: Source: ASTM B917/B917M–25 (Recommended; when specified by the material specification or purchase order).; ±10°F; Use suitable metal-temperature measurement; sections/microstructure affect soak time selection (7.2).; Quench in water at 150 to 212°F except as noted.; Time at solution temperature may be increased for section thickness over 1 in.; The solution times may be reduced when the silicon eutectic has been well modified such as when modified with Sr or Na.; ±5°C; Quench in water at 65 to 100°C except as noted.; Time at solution temperature may be increased for section thickness over 25 mm.

[4] T6, T61, T61 · Recommended heat treatment: Source: ASTM B917/B917M–25 (Recommended; when specified by the material specification or purchase order).; ±10°F; Use suitable metal-temperature measurement; sections/microstructure affect soak time selection (7.2).; No quenching required. Cool in still air outside the furnace.; ±5°C

Mechanical Properties

Core Mechanical Properties

Conditions are not identical. Compare each stated condition and applicability separately.

ASTM B26/B26M — 05 · Table 2 — Normative

PropertyT6T61
Tensile Strength≥ 34.0 ksi[1]≥ 35.0 ksi[1]
Yield Strength (Rp0.2)≥ 24.0 ksi[1]≥ 26.0 ksi[1]
Elongation≥ 3.5 %[1]≥ 1.0 %[1]

ASTM B26/B26M — 05 · Table 2 — Informative

PropertyT6
Brinell Hardness80 HB[2]

ASTM B26/B26M — 05 · Table 3 — Normative

PropertyT6T61
Tensile Strength≥ 235 MPa[3]≥ 245 MPa[3]
Yield Strength (Rp0.2)≥ 165 MPa[3]≥ 180 MPa[3]
Elongation≥ 3.5 %[3]≥ 1.0 %[3]

ASTM B26/B26M — 05 · Table 3 — Informative

PropertyT6
Brinell Hardness80 HB[4]

Notes

ASTM B26/B26M · Edition 05

[1] Tensile Strength/Yield Strength (Rp0.2)/Elongation: inch-pound; 2 in. or 4 x diameter

[2] Brinell Hardness: inch-pound; 2 in. or 4 x diameter; 500 kgf; 10 mm; Typical hardness is for information only, not required for acceptance

[3] Tensile Strength/Yield Strength (Rp0.2)/Elongation: SI; 5 x diameter

[4] Brinell Hardness: SI; 5 x diameter; 500 kgf; 10 mm; Typical hardness is for information only, not required for acceptance

Welding Conditions

N/A

Applications

Aluminum-silicon alloy ASTM B26/B26M A356.0 is used for automotive wheels, engine and crankcase components, intake manifolds, impellers and electric-motor parts. Other cast components used in this material family include engine-related castings, transmission cases, motor housings and pump parts. Applications include automotive and industrial machinery, original equipment manufacture, repair and replacement supply.

The specified alloy, temper and sand-casting purchase scope remain applicable; general automotive examples do not confer aerospace or safety-critical approval.

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Last Updated: November 6, 2026

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