6401 Aluminum alloy,Aluminum 6401 alloy,E FORU

### **Aluminum 6401 Alloy (EN AW-6401) - Product Introduction** **Aluminum 6401** is a heat-treatable aluminum-silicon-magnesium alloy specifically designed for excellent casting characteristics and good mechanical properties. This alloy belongs to the 6xxx series but is primarily used in foundry applications, offering a combination of good fluidity, low shrinkage, and medium strength suitable for various cast components. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** The chemical composition is optimized for casting performance and mechanical properties: | Element | Content (%) (Typical) | Standard Range (EN) | |---|---|---| | **Aluminum (Al)** | Balance | Balance | | **Silicon (Si)** | 6.0 - 8.0 | 6.0 - 8.0 | | **Magnesium (Mg)** | 0.30 - 0.6 | 0.30 - 0.6 | | **Iron (Fe)** | ≤ 0.50 | ≤ 0.50 | | **Copper (Cu)** | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.10 | | **Manganese (Mn)** | ≤ 0.30 | ≤ 0.30 | | **Chromium (Cr)** | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.10 | | **Zinc (Zn)** | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.10 | | **Titanium (Ti)** | ≤ 0.20 | ≤ 0.20 | | **Others (Each)** | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 | | **Others (Total)** | ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 0.15 | *The high silicon content (6-8%) provides excellent casting fluidity and reduced shrinkage during solidification.* --- #### **2. Physical Properties** Aluminum 6401 exhibits properties favorable for casting applications: | Property | Metric Value | Imperial Value | |---|---|---| | **Density** | 2.68 g/cm³ | 0.0968 lb/in³ | | **Melting Range** | 575 - 615 °C | 1067 - 1139 °F | | **Electrical Conductivity** | 35-40 % IACS | 35-40 % IACS | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 150-170 W/m·K | 1040-1180 BTU·in/(hr·ft²·°F) | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | 22.5 × 10⁻⁶/K | 12.5 × 10⁻⁶/°F | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | 71 GPa | 10,300 ksi | --- #### **3. Mechanical Properties** Typical mechanical properties for common temper conditions: | Temper | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (HB) | |---|---|---|---|---| | **F (As-cast)** | 130-170 | 70-100 | 2-4 | 50-60 | | **T5 (Artificially Aged)** | 170-210 | 130-160 | 3-5 | 65-75 | | **T6 (Solution + Aged)** | 200-240 | 160-190 | 4-7 | 75-85 | | **T7 (Overaged)** | 180-220 | 140-170 | 5-8 | 70-80 | --- #### **4. International Standards** Aluminum 6401 complies with the following international standards: * **European Standard (EN):** **EN AW-6401** (Material Number 3.2241) * **ISO:** **AlSi7Mg** under ISO 209 * **EN 1706:** Aluminum and aluminum alloys - Castings - Chemical composition and mechanical properties * **EN 1676:** Aluminum and aluminum alloys - Castings - Terms and definitions * **ASTM:** **ASTM B26/B26M** for Aluminum-Alloy Sand Castings * **DIN:** **DIN 1725-2** Aluminum alloy castings * **National Equivalents:** Various national foundry standards --- #### **5. Product Applications** Aluminum 6401 is widely used in various casting applications: * **Automotive Components:** Engine brackets, transmission cases, pump housings * **Aerospace Parts:** Non-critical aircraft components, instrument housings * **Marine Hardware:** Boat fittings, marine pump components * **Industrial Equipment:** Machine tool components, gearbox housings * **Electrical Enclosures:** Junction boxes, switchgear casings * **Architectural Hardware:** Decorative castings, building hardware * **Consumer Goods:** Appliance components, sporting goods * **General Engineering:** Various structural and non-structural cast components --- #### **6. Key Advantages & Characteristics** * **Excellent Castability:** Good fluidity and low shrinkage characteristics * **Pressure Tightness:** Suitable for pressure-containing applications * **Good Corrosion Resistance:** Comparable to other aluminum-silicon alloys * **Machinability:** Good machining characteristics in heat-treated conditions * **Weldability:** Can be repaired and welded using standard aluminum methods * **Heat Treatability:** Responds well to solution treatment and aging * **Surface Finish:** Good surface quality in both sand and permanent mold casting * **Dimensional Stability:** Minimal distortion during heat treatment **Foundry Characteristics:** - Suitable for sand casting, permanent mold casting, and investment casting - Good fluidity reduces misrun and cold shut defects - Moderate hot tearing resistance - Responds well to grain refinement and modification **Heat Treatment Response:** - Solution treatment temperature: 525-540°C (977-1004°F) - Artificial aging temperature: 150-170°C (302-338°F) - Good response to T5, T6, and T7 temper treatments - Stable mechanical properties after heat treatment --- **Conclusion:** Aluminum 6401 is a versatile casting alloy that offers an excellent balance of castability, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance. Its compliance with international foundry standards and suitability for various casting methods make it a reliable choice for manufacturers requiring quality cast components across multiple industries. The alloy's combination of silicon content and magnesium addition ensures good casting characteristics while maintaining adequate strength for many engineering applications.

Packing of Standard Packing: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 2078 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.