Aluminium Casting Alloy LM25

This alloy conforms to BS 1490:1988 LM25.  Castings are standardised in the cast (M)
condition, the precipitation treated (TE) condition, the solution treated and stabilised (TB7)
condition and the fully heat treated (TF) condition.

Mechanical Properties

  LM25-M LM25-TE LM25-TB7 LM25-TF

  Sand Gravity Sand Gravity Sand Gravity Sand Gravity

0.2% Proof Stress (N/mm2) 80-100 80-100 120-150 130-200 80-110 90-110 200-250 220-260

Tensile Strength (N/mm2) 130-150 160-200 150-180 190-250 160 230 230-280 280-320

Elongation (%) 2 3 1 2 2.5 5 - 2

Impact resistance Izod (Nm) - - - - - - - -

Brinell Hardness 55-65 55-65 70-75 75-95 65-75 65-75 90-110 90-110

Modulus of Elasticity (x103 N/mm2) 71 71 71 71 71 71 71 71

2
Shear Strength (N/mm ) - - 140 - - - 180 250

Strength at elevated temperatures

The tensile properties of LM25 alloy at elevated temperatures are influenced by the condition
(heat treatment) of the castings and the duration at the elevated temperature.  On short term
testing e.g. 30 minutes at temperature, the properties fall only slowly and uniformly up to about
200 deg C, at which temperature the strength of LM25-TF is reduced by about 20%.  Very
prolonged heating, e.g. 10,000 hours, results in a sharp loss of strength at about 135 deg c.  At
200 deg C the strength of LM25-TF is less than half of that at room temperature.  There is
therefore no advantage to be gained by heat treatment, if the component is to be used at
temperatures above about 130 deg C, for extended periods of time.

Physical Properties

   
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (per °C @ 20- 0.000022
100°C)
Thermal conductivity (cal/cm2/cm/°C @ 25°C) 0.36
Electrical conductivity (% copper standard @ 39
20°C)
Density (g/cm3) 2.68
Freezing range (°C) approx. 615-550

Machinability of LM25
The heat-treated alloy has fairly good machining properties, but tools should preferably be of
high speed steel and must be kept sharp. A moderately high rate of tool wear may be expected.
Liberal cutting lubricant should be employed.
Corrosion Resistance
Resistance to corrosive attack by sea water and marine atmospheres is high with this alloy.

Anodising
A protective anodic film can be obtained by either the sulphuric or chromic acid process, but the
grey opaque character of coatings of normal thickness precludes their colouring in light shades
for decorative purposes.

Heat Treatment
There are three common heat treated conditions for LM25:TE (precipitation treated), TB7
(solution treated and stabilised, and TF (fully heat treated).

Applications and General notes

LM25 is mainly used where good mechanical properties are required in castings of shape or
dimensions requiring an alloy of excellent castability in order to achieve the desired standard of
soundness. The alloy is also used where resistance to corrosion is an important consideration,
particularly where high strength is also required. It has good weldability.  Consequently, LM25
finds application in the food, chemical, marine, electrical and many other industries and, above
all, in road transport vehicles where it is used for wheels, cylinder blocks and heads, and other
engine and body castings. Its potential uses are increased by its availability in four conditions of
heat treatment in both sand and gravity die castings. It is, in practice, the general purpose high
strength casting alloy, whose range of uses is increased by its availability in the as-cast and
partially heat-treated condition as well.  It is used in nuclear energy installations and for aircraft
pump parts.  LM25 may be superior for castings, particularly in gravity dies, which are difficult
to make to the required standard of soundness. It offers better machinability and mechanical
properties than LM6.
Aluminium Casting Alloy LM6
This alloy conforms to BS 1490:1988 LM6.

Mechanical Properties of aluminium (sand & diecasting) alloy LM6

  Sand Casting Pressure Gravity Die

Die Casting Casting

0.2% Proof Stress (N/mm2) 60-70 120 70-80

Tensile Strength (N/mm2) 160-190 280 190-230

Elongation (%) 5 2-5 7

Impact resistance Izod (Nm) 6.0 - 9.0

Brinell Hardness 50-55 55-60 55-60

Modulus of Elasticity (x103 N/mm2) 71 71 71

Shear Strength (N/mm2) 120 - -

Strength at elevated temperatures

Tensile strength and hardness of this aluminium casting alloy decreases fairly regularly with
increasing temperature and become relatively poor at 250C.

Physical Properties of aluminium (sand & die casting) alloy LM6

   
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (per C @ 20-100C) 0.000020
Thermal conductivity (cal/cm2/cm/C @ 25C) 0.34
Electrical conductivity (% copper standard @ 20C) 37
Density (g/cm3) 2.65
Freezing range (C) approx. 575-565

   
Machinability
Aluminium alloys of this and similar compositions are rather difficult to machine, due to their
tendency to drag and to the rapid tool wear caused by their high Silicon content.  Carbide-tipped
tools with large rake angles and  low cutting speeds give comparatively good results when
cutting lubricant and coolant are employed.

Corrosion Resistance
Aluminium LM6 exhibits excellent resistance to corrosion under both ordinary atmospheric and
marine conditions.  For the severest conditions, this property can be further enhanced by anodic
treatment.
Anodising
LM6 can be anodised by any of the common processes, the resulting film ranging in colour from
grey to dark brown.

Application and General notes

Having high resistance to corrosion and excellent castability, aluminium LM6 is suitable for
most marine 'on deck' castings, water-cooled manifolds and jackets, motor car and road transport
fittings, thin section and intricate castings such as motor housings, meter cases and switch boxes,
for a very large aluminium casting, e.g. cast doors and panels where ease of casting is essential,
for chemical and dye industry castings, e.g. pump parts, and for paint industry and food and
domestic castings.  It is especially suitable for castings that are to be welded.  The ductility of
LM6 enables castings to be rectified easily or even modified in shape, e.g. simple components
may be cast straight and later bent to the required contour. 

LM6 is equally adaptable for sand casting and aluminium die casting (gravity die casting and
pressure die casting).  It has excellent resistance to corrosion in marine environments, possesses
excellent ductility, but is of medium strength and is not heat treated.  Its strength falls off rapidly
at high temperatures. Its elastic limit is low and there is difficulty with machining.
Aluminium Casting Alloy LM5
This aluminium alloy conforms to BS 1490:1988 LM5

Mechanical Properties of aluminium casting alloy LM5

Sand Gravity
Casting Die  Cast

0.2% Proof Stress (N/mm2) 90-110 90-120

Tensile Strength (N/mm2) 140-170 170-280

Elongation (%) 3 5

Impact resistance Izod (Nm) 7.9 12.6

Brinell Hardness 50-70 60-70

Modulus of Elasticity (x103 N/mm2) 71 71

Shear Strength (N/mm2) 140 -

Strength at elevated temperatures

Room temperature properties are largely maintained up to 200C, but fall rapidly above 300C.

Physical Properties of aluminium casting alloy LM5

   
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (per C @ 20-100C) 0.000023
Thermal conductivity (cal/cm2/cm/C @ 25C) 0.33
Electrical conductivity (% copper standard @ 20C) 31.0
Density (g/cm3) 2.65
Freezing range (C) approx. 12

Machinability
LM5 machines very well and takes an excellent polish.

Corrosion Resistance
LM5 is highly resistant to corrosion under most conditions and is superior to all other aluminium
alloys for marine use.

Anodising
LM5 may be anodised by any of the more common processes.  A transparent colourless-to-
whitish film is obtained according to the process used, and is suitable for decorative finishing.

Application and General notes

LM5 is used where very high resistance to corrosion from sea water or marine atmospheres is
required, for equipment used for the manufacture of foodstuffs, cooking utensils and chemical
plant, and for an aluminium casting which needs to exhibit and maintain a surface of high
polish.  Applications include, for example, door furniture, car fittings and trim, and similar
aluminium castings where a colourless anodic film is required.

LM5 is mainly used for sand casting and, to a lesser extent, for gravity die casting, but high
pressure aluminium die castings of relatively simple shapes has been made.  LM5 is not heat-
treated.

Aluminium Casting Alloy LM9

This alloy conforms to BS:1490 1988 LM9.  Castings are standardised in the as cast (M) condition, in the
precipitation treated (TE) condition or in the fully heat treated (TF) condition.

Mechanical Properties of Aluminium (Sand & Die Casting) Alloy LM9

  M Gravity TF Sand Cast TF Gravity TE Sand TE Gravity

Die  Cast Die Cast Cast Die Cast

0.2% Proof Stress (N/mm2) 95-120 220-250 270-280 110-130 150-170

Tensile Strength (N/mm2) 190 240 295 170 230

Elongation (%) 3-5 0-1 0-1 1.5 2

Impact Resistance Izod (Nm) - 0.7 1.4 1.4 2

Brinell Hardness 75-85 95 110 70 85

Modulus of Elasticity (103 N/mm2) - 71 71 71 71

Shear Strength (N/mm2) - 200 230 120 160

Strength at elevated temperatures

Tensile properties are unaffected by temperatures up to 150C but prolonged heating at
temperatures significantly higher reduces the strength.  For example, the tensile strength of chill
cast LM9-TF at 200C (after heating for 500h) is approximately half that at room temperature,
and only 25% of the original value at 250C.

Physical Properties of Aluminium (Sand & Die Casting) Alloy LM9

   
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (per C @ 20-100C) 0.000022
Thermal conductivity (cal/cm2/cm/C @ 25C) 0.35

Electrical conductivity (% copper standard @ 20C) 38.0

Density (g/cm3) 2.68
Freezing range (C) approx. 575-550

Machinability
Very considerable tool wear occurs in machining this aluminium alloy, but there is not the same
tendency to drag that occurs with high Silicon alloys containing no other alloying elements, e.g.
LM6.  Carbide-tipped tools with large rake angles and relatively low cutting speeds give good
results.  A cutting lubricant and coolant should be employed.

Corrosion Resistance
LM9 exhibits excellent resistance to corrosion under both ordinary atmospheric and marine
conditions.

Anodising
LM9 Can be anodised by any of the common processes, the resulting protective film ranging in
colour from grey to dark brown, depending on the method employed.

Heat Treatment
Heat Treatment produces high strength and hardness
 
Applications and General Notes
LM9 alloy is used where the fluidity and corrosion resistance of LM6 are required with high
strength and hardness.  It is equally suitable for sand casting and gravity die casting and is
extensively used for low pressure castings, for cover plates and instrument cases.  It is useful for
electroplated components.  LM9 has poor weldability and brazeability.

Aluminium Casting Alloy LM16

This alloy conforms to BS 1490:1988 LM16.  Castings are standardised in the solution treated and
naturally aged (TB) condition and in the fully heat treated (TF) condition.

Mechanical Properties

  TB Sand TB Gravity TF Sand Cast TF Gravity Die

Cast Die Cast Cast

0.2% Proof Stress (N/mm2) 120-140 140-150 220-280 250-300

Tensile Strength (N/mm2) 170 230 230-290 280-320

Elongation (%) 2 3 0-1 0-2

Impact resistance Izod (Nm) 1.4 2.7 1.0 1.4

Brinell Hardness 80 85 100 110

Modulus of Elasticity (x103 N/mm2) 71 71 71 71

2
Shear Strength (N/mm ) - - 200 235

Strength at elevated temperatures

LM16 retains its strength well, up to 200C

Physical Properties
    
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (per C @ 20-100C) 0.000023
Thermal conductivity (cal/cm2/cm/C @ 25C) 0.34
Electrical conductivity (% copper standard @ 20C) 39
Density (g/cm3) 2.70
Freezing range (C) approx. 620-550

    
Machinability
The heat-treated alloy has fairly good machining properties, but tools, which should preferably
be of high speed steel, must be kept sharp.  A moderately high rate of tool wear may be
expected.  Liberal cutting lubricant should be employed.

Corrosion resistance
The alloy has fairly good resistance to corrosion under atmospheric conditions.

Anodising
A protective film, usually greyish in colour, may be obtained by either the sulphuric or chromic
acid process.

Heat Treatment
Full heat treatment gives high strength and hardness
 
Applications and General Notes
LM16 alloy is used for water-cooled cylinder heads, valve bodies, water jackets, cylinder blocks,
fire hose couplings, air compressor pistons, fuel pump bodies, aircraft supercharger covers and
similar applications where leak-proof castings having the high strength produced by heat
treatment are required.  It is equally suitable for sand casting and for gravity die casting.  LM16
has good weldability.

Aluminium Die Casting Alloy LM24

This alloy conforms to BS 1490:1988 LM24.

Mechanical Properties of aluminium die casting alloy LM24

  Gravity Die High

Cast Pressure
Diecasting

0.2% Proof Stress (N/mm2) 100-120 150

2
Tensile Strength (N/mm ) 180 320

Elongation (%) 1.5 1-3

 Impact resistance Izod (Nm) - 3.4

Brinell Hardness 85 85

Modulus of Elasticity (x103 N/mm2) 71 71

Shear Strength (N/mm2) - 185

Strength at elevated temperatures

Room temperature tensile strength is largely retained up to temperatures in the order of 150C,
and approximately halved at 250C.  It should be noted that other factors may restrict the use of
diecasting at elevated temperatures.

Physical Properties of aluminium die casting alloy LM24

   
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (per C @ 20-100C) 0.000021
Thermal conductivity (cal/cm2/cm/C @ 25C) 0.23
Electrical conductivity (% copper standard @ 20C) 24
Density (g/cm3) 2.79
Freezing range (C) approx. 580-520

 
Machinability
Machining practice is similar to that for other Aluminium castings alloys containing Silicon. 
Whilst there is not the tendency to drag associated with high silicon alloys such as LM6, tool
wear is more rapid than in the case of alloys containing relatively small amounts of Silicon.  The
use of carbide-tipped tools is recommended but a good finish can be obtained with high speed
tools.  Lower alloy steel tools may be used, provided they are frequently reground to maintain a
sharp cutting edge.  A cutting lubricant and coolant should be employed.

Corrosion resistance
Resistance to attack under normal atmospheric conditions is similar to that of alloy LM4, i.e.
fairly good.  In marine atmospheres, or under other severe conditions, castings should be
protected by painting.

Anodising
Anodising treatment by either the chromic or sulphuric acid process produces an anodic film
grey in colour.  The surface of a pressure diecasting in this alloy would not generally be suitable
for decorative anodising.  Anodising would be necessary if this alloy is for use in a corrosive
environment.

Applications and General Notes

LM24 is essentially a pressure die casting aluminium alloy, for which it has excellent casting
characteristics and is generally a little simpler to die cast than the high Silicon containing
aluminium alloys.  A pressure die casting in LM24 is suitable for most engineering applications
and has an advantage over an alloy such as LM6 when maximum mechanical properties are
required.  In practice LM6 is preferred to LM24 only for die casting in which a high resistance to
corrosion is the primary requirement.  LM24 has poor weldability and brazeability.  For the vast
majority of die casting, the alloys LM2 and LM24 are equally suitable.  A casting in LM24 is not
usually heat treated.

Aluminium Casting Alloy LM31

This alloy conforms to BS 1490:1988 LM31.  Castings are standardised in the as cast (M) condition and in
the precipitation treated (TE) condition.

Mechanical Properties

  M Sand Cast TE Sand Cast

0.2% Proof Stress (N/mm2) 170 -

Tensile Strength (N/mm2) 215 215

Elongation (%) 4 4

Impact resistance Charpy (Nm) 2.7-4.0 -

Brinell Hardness 70 -

Modulus of Elasticity (x103 N/mm2) 71 -

2
Shear Strength (N/mm ) 180 -

Strength at elevated temperatures

In comparison with the other Aluminium casting alloys, the strength of LM31 at elevated
temperatures is good.

Physical Properties

   
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (per C @ 20-100C) 0.000025
Thermal conductivity (cal/cm2/cm/C @ 25C) 0.35
Electrical conductivity (% copper standard @ 20C) 35
Density (g/cm3) 2.81
Freezing range (C) approx. 615-570

Machinability
LM31 has good machinability characteristics.

Corrosion Resistance
This alloy has very good corrosion resistance.
Anodising
This alloy is suitable for clear or colour (decorative) anodising.

Heat Treatment
Good Strength and toughness can be produced by natural or artificial ageing after casting.
Castings in the as cast (M) condition must be naturally aged for 3 weeks before testing to
determine the mechanical properties.  The TE heat treatment condition provides artificial
ageing.  Using this alloy avoids the risks of distortion and cracking on quenching after solution
heat treatment.
 
Applications and General Notes
LM31 has very good shock resistance and is suitable for shock resisting components.  It is used
for general engineering castings, particularly large sand casting.

Heat Treatment of Aluminium Alloys

Most aluminium castings are used in the 'as cast' condition, but there are certain applications that
require higher mechanical properties, or different properties from the as cast material.  The heat
treatment of aluminium castings is carried out to change the properties of the as cast alloys by
subjecting the casting to a thermal cycle or series of thermal cycles.  For sand castings and
gravity die castings all heat treatments are possible, though not all are standardised.  Pressure die
castings however, cannot generally be heat treated.

The following are the suffixes used in the UK to indicate the heat treatment condition of BS1490
Aluminium Alloys:
M As cast
TS Thermally stress relieved, annealed
TB Solution heat treated and naturally aged to a substantially stable condition
TB7 Solution heat treated and stabilised
TE Artificially aged
TF Solution heat treated and artificially aged
TF7 Solution heat treated, artificially aged and stabilised

The following alloys are not fully heat treated: LM0, LM2, LM5, LM6, LM20, & LM24.
 
The following alloys may be heat treated, but their properties are not standardised in the heat
treated condition shown: LM12, LM21, LM27-TF & LM30-TF.

The following alloys are standardised in the heat treated conditions indicated: LM4-TF, LM9-
TE, LM9-TF, LM13-TE, LM 13-TF, LM13- TF7, LM16-TB, LM16-TF, LM22-TB, LM25-TE,
LM25-TB7, LM25-TF, LM26-TE, LM28-TE, LM28-TF, LM29-TE, LM29-TF, LM30-TS.
 
LM31 is a naturally ageing material, which may also

Overview of Aluminium Casting Alloys

Comparison Table of Casting Characteristics of Major Aluminium Casting
Alloys
LM5 LM6 LM9 LM16 LM24 LM25 LM27 LM31

Tensile Strength (N/mm2) 140-170 160-190 95-120 170 180 130-150 140 215
Elongation (%) 3 5 03/05/03 2 1.5 2 1 4
Brinell Hardness 50-70 50-55 75-85 85 85 55-65 70-85 70
Density (g/cm3) 2.65 2.65 2.68 2.7 2.79 2.68 2.75 2.81
Freezing range (degC approx.) 642-580 575-565 575-550 620-550 580-520 615-550 605-525 615-570
Thermal Con (cal/cm2/cm/deg C @ 25degC) 0.33 0.34(142) 0.35 0.34 0.23 0.36 0.37 0.35
Electrical Con (% copper std. @ 20degC) 31 37 38 39 24 39 27 35
Machinability E P F G G G G G
Corrosion Resistance E E G G F E G E
Electro Plating Suitability F (2) F (1) F (1) F (1) F F G F
Non Spark No No No No No No No No
Casting Characteristics - Sand Casting  F E G G F* E G G
Casting Characteristics - Gravity Die Casting F E G G F E E F
Casting Characteristics - High Pressure Die Casting F G * * E G G F
36
Material Cost (pence/100 cc - July 1996) 37 31 31 35 25 31 29

E = Excellent
G = Good
F = Fair
P = Poor
U = Unsuitable
* = Not normally used in this form
1 = These alloys, containing Silicon, require a modification treatment for good adhesion
2 = Can be plated, but not recommended