A356 Aluminum Investment Castings
Milwaukee Precision Casting, Inc. is experienced in pouring a356 aluminum casts for various applications.
Why Use A356 For Investment Casting?
A356 aluminum alloy is made up of 92.05% aluminum, 7% silicon, 0.35% magnesium, 0.2% iron, 0.2% copper, 0.1% manganese, and 0.1% zinc. It is lightweight and extremely corrosion-resistant like stainless steel. A356 aluminum can be used as a substitute for aluminum alloy 6061.
Additional Characteristics of A356 Alloy Castings:
- Typically heat treated to improve strength
- Very good weldability
- Mechanical properties are excellent, particularly if heat treated
- Low levels of impurities causing high strength and ductility
T5 & T6 Heat Treatments
The two heat treatments for a356 alloy casting are T5 and T6. T5 treatment is a simpler option where the aluminum extruded from the extruder air cools naturally. T5 treatment results in a cast with Webster Hardness Scale hardness of 8-12.
On the other hand, T6 is more complex and requires the aluminum extruded from the extruder to be instantaneously water cooled. The benefits of the more complex T6 process are an increased hardness of 12-15 on the Webster Hardness Scale and other mechanical properties for the casting.
Common Industries and Applications of A356 Castings:
- Medical
- Firearms
- Automotive – transmission cases, oil pans, pump bodies
- Machine making
- Pump components
- High-velocity blowers
- Housings, covers and plates
Why Choose Milwaukee Precision Casting, Inc. For Aluminum A356 Investment Casting?
- Get quality and on-time delivery: Our full-service foundry combines robotic technology with hands-on attention from experts.
- Receive high volume EAU’s of 1,000,000+.
- Need a prototype? Receive 3D print patterns within just a few days.
- Gain the most precise castings with tolerance capabilities of ±0.005 inch/inch.
Whether you’re still in the beginning stages or if you’re ready for production, our team of professionals is equipped to give you their full attention for your investment casting project. To request a quote or ask a question, contact us today!
A356 Casting FAQ
We use sandblasting to achieve standard surface finish for A356 investment casting. We also provide additional services that improve surface finish including plating and electropolishing.
One major characteristic that sets A356 apart from other aluminum alloys is its high percentage of silicon, which helps it withstand high temperatures without cracking. A356 is 7% silicon, compared to 6061, which only has 0.60% silicon.
Questions?
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