A360 (AlSi10Mg)
Die-casting version of AlSi10Mg, with excellent fluidity and pressure tightness for high-volume thin-wall parts.
A360 is the high-pressure die-casting (HPDC) version of the AlSi10Mg family, defined by AA standard 360.0/A360.0. Its magnesium content (0.40–0.60%) and controlled iron level provide excellent fluidity, pressure tightness, and resistance to die soldering. The A360.0 variant limits iron to ≤1.3% for improved ductility, while 360.0 allows up to ≤2.0% in secondary aluminum. For low-iron applications (gravity casting or additive manufacturing), see AlSi10Mg (EN AC-43400).
International Nomenclature
| Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
| AA (USA) | 360.0 / A360.0 |
| EN (Europa) | EN AC-43400 · AlSi10Mg(Fe) |
| DIN (Alemania) | G-AlSi10Mg / 3.2381 |
| JIS (Japón) | ADC3 |
| Relacionada | AlSi10Mg (EN AC-43400) de bajo hierro |
Chemical Composition
| Element | Symbol | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Al | Balance |
| Silicon | Si | 9.0–10.0% |
| Magnesium | Mg | 0.40–0.60% |
| Iron | Fe | ≤2.00% (360) · ≤1.30% (A360) |
| Copper | Cu | ≤0.60% |
| Manganese | Mn | ≤0.35% |
| Zinc | Zn | ≤0.50% |
| Nickel | Ni | ≤0.50% |
| Tin | Sn | ≤0.15% |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.68 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 557–596 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 130 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~30% IACS |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (UTS) | ~320 MPa (F (die-cast)) |
| Yield Strength | ~165 MPa (F) |
| Elongation | 2.5–5% |
| Hardness | ~75 HB |
Key Characteristics
- Excellent fluidity and mold filling for high-speed die casting
- Superior pressure tightness for hydraulic and pneumatic components
- Controlled iron to resist die soldering
- Low-iron A360.0 variant (≤1.3%) for improved ductility
- Available with primary or secondary aluminum base
Compared to Similar Alloys
A360 (AlSi10Mg) vs AlSi7Mg (A356)
Both are low-copper Al-Si-Mg alloys, but they differ in process and silicon: A360 is the high-pressure die-casting (HPDC) version with ~10% Si and a higher tolerated iron level (≤1.30% A360 / ≤2.0% 360), delivered as-cast (F temper); AlSi7Mg (A356) has less silicon (6.5–7.5%), much lower iron (≤0.20%, or ≤0.12% in A356.2) and is heat-treatable (T5/T6/T61/T71) for gravity, permanent-mold, and sand casting. In short: A360 = high-volume as-cast die parts; A356 = ductile, heat-treatable, safety-critical structural castings.
| Dimension | A360 (AlSi10Mg) | AlSi7Mg (A356) |
|---|---|---|
| Key composition (Si / Mg / Cu / Fe) | Si 9.0–10.0% · Mg 0.40–0.60% · Cu ≤0.60% · Fe ≤1.30% (A360) / ≤2.0% (360) | Si 6.5–7.5% · Mg 0.25–0.45% · Cu ≤0.20% · Fe ≤0.20% (≤0.12% A356.2) |
| Casting process | High-pressure die casting (HPDC), high volume | Gravity, permanent-mold, and sand casting |
| Heat treatment & strength | As-cast (F): UTS ~320 MPa, yield ~165 MPa | Heat-treatable (F/T5/T6/T61/T71); T6: UTS ~310 MPa, yield ~230 MPa |
| Ductility (elongation) | 2.5–5% | 3–10% (A356.2 T6: 6–10%, ~20% tougher) |
| Fluidity / mold filling | Higher (more Si, near eutectic) — thin walls and pressure tightness | Excellent castability and low shrinkage, suited to complex molds |
| Thermal conductivity | 130 W/m·K (~30% IACS) | 149–155 W/m·K (33–40% IACS) |
| Typical application | Transmission housings, pressure-tight valve bodies/manifolds, heat-dissipating electronic enclosures | Aluminum wheels, suspension, and safety-critical structural/aerospace parts |
A360 (AlSi10Mg): Choose A360 when you produce high-volume thin-wall die-cast (HPDC) parts that need excellent fluidity, pressure tightness, and die-soldering resistance, and you can use them as-cast (F temper) with tolerance for higher iron.
AlSi7Mg (A356): Choose AlSi7Mg (A356) when you need safety-critical structural parts such as wheels or suspension, gravity/permanent-mold cast, with maximum ductility and fatigue life from low iron (A356.2 ≤0.12%) and T6 heat treatment.
Industries & Applications
Automotive
Transmission housings, pump bodies, structural brackets and housings
Hydraulics / Pneumatics
Valve bodies, manifolds, and pressure-tight components
Electronics / Telecom
Heat-dissipating enclosures, sealed housings
Special Notes
A360/360 is the die-casting alloy of the AlSi10Mg family. The A360.0 variant (iron ≤1.3%) offers better ductility than 360.0 (≤2.0%). It shares the Al-Si10-Mg chemistry with the low-iron AlSi10Mg (EN AC-43400) but is optimized for high-pressure die casting rather than gravity casting or additive manufacturing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A360 (AlSi10Mg) alloy and what is it used for?
A360 is the high-pressure die-casting (HPDC) version of the AlSi10Mg family, defined by AA standard 360.0/A360.0. It offers excellent fluidity and pressure tightness for high-volume thin-wall parts. Typical applications include transmission housings, pump bodies and structural brackets (automotive); valve bodies and pressure-tight manifolds (hydraulics/pneumatics); and heat-dissipating, sealed enclosures (electronics/telecom).
What is the chemical composition of A360 and what do its main elements contribute?
A360 is an Al-Si-Mg alloy with an aluminum balance, 9.0–10.0% silicon and 0.40–0.60% magnesium. Silicon provides the excellent fluidity and mold filling that characterize the family; magnesium contributes to strength. Iron is controlled to ≤1.30% in the A360.0 variant (up to ≤2.00% in 360.0), with limits of copper ≤0.60%, manganese ≤0.35%, zinc ≤0.50% and nickel ≤0.50%.
Which casting process is A360 optimized for?
A360 is specifically optimized for high-pressure die casting (HPDC), as opposed to gravity casting or additive manufacturing. Its excellent fluidity enables high-speed mold filling and thin-wall parts, while its controlled iron level resists die soldering. For low-iron applications such as gravity casting or additive manufacturing, the AlSi10Mg (EN AC-43400) is recommended instead.
What mechanical properties does A360 have in the as-cast (F) condition?
In the as-cast (F, die-cast) condition, A360 reaches a tensile strength (UTS) of ~320 MPa, a yield strength of ~165 MPa, an elongation of 2.5–5%, and a hardness of ~75 HB. Physically it has a density of 2.68 g/cm³, a melting range of 557–596 °C, and a thermal conductivity of 130 W/m·K, useful for heat-dissipating enclosures.
What is the difference between A360.0 and 360.0?
The key difference is the iron limit. The A360.0 variant restricts iron to ≤1.30% for improved ductility, while 360.0 allows up to ≤2.00%, making it more tolerant of secondary aluminum. Both share the same base Al-Si10-Mg chemistry; A360.0's lower iron gives better ductility, while 360.0 makes it easier to use higher proportions of recycled material.
Can TP manufacture A360 from primary or recycled aluminum?
Yes. TP manufactures A360 from a primary or secondary (recycled) aluminum base. The 360.0 variant, which allows iron up to ≤2.00%, is especially compatible with secondary aluminum, while A360.0 (≤1.30% Fe) requires tighter iron control to maximize ductility. The Al-Si10-Mg chemistry is tailored to your target application within the AA 360.0/A360.0 standard ranges.
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