Aluminum 535 · temper
Aluminum 535-F
Properties of the F condition, compared with the other 535 tempers.
The only commercially supplied condition: solid-solution strengthened as cast, use for maximum corrosion resistance, machinability and dimensional stability.
What is 535-F?
535-F is 535 in the F temper — the only commercially supplied condition: solid-solution strengthened as cast, use for maximum corrosion resistance, machinability and dimensional stability. 535-F has a yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) — weaker than 71% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 13% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi). 535-F has a density of 2.62 g/cm³ (0.0947 lb/in³), lighter than 96% of aluminum grades. It melts at 549°C (1,020 °F).
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 85/100, better than 95% of aluminum grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 80/100, better than 94% of aluminum grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 13%, better than 79% of aluminum grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 68/100, better than 75% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 96 W/m·K (55.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 95% of aluminum grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 24 % IACS, worse than 95% of aluminum grades
- Limited service temperature — 100°C (212 °F), worse than 91% of aluminum grades
535-F properties
Typical room-temperature values for 535-F — 11 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every 535 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the aluminum grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
535-F has a density of 2.62 g/cm³ (0.0947 lb/in³), lighter than 96% of aluminum grades. It melts at 549°C (1,020 °F).
Mechanical10
535-F has a yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) — weaker than 71% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 13% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi).
Thermal6
535-F is rated for continuous service to 100°C (212 °F). It conducts heat at 96 W/m·K (55.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 95% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 24.5 µm/m·K (13.6 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
535-F conducts electricity at 24 % IACS, worse than 95% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (68/100), better than 75% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 535-F takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 20%.
Manufacturability7
535-F's machinability is excellent (85/100, better than 95% of aluminum grades); weldability very good (70/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Working with 535-F
Is 535 easy to machine?
Outstanding chip formation and surface finish — the benchmark machining alloy among Al castings; use sharp polished-flute carbide, high speed, low feed, minimal lubricant.
Can 535 be welded?
Readily GTAW/GMAW welded with 5356 or 5556 filler; keep interpass temperature low and avoid Si-bearing (4xxx) filler to prevent brittle Mg2Si.
Can 535 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand and permanent-mold casting only; low fluidity and strong Mg oxidation demand flux/cover-gas melt protection, chilled risers and generous gating to avoid hot tears and dross.
What surface finishes work on 535?
Excellent clear and hard anodizing with bright uniform color; polishes well; chromate/chrome-free conversion coatings and marine paints adhere readily — no plating or brazing.
535 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Mgprincipal solid-solution strengthener | 6.2 – 7.5 | 6.9 |
| Mn | 0.1 – 0.25 | 0.18 |
| Tigrain refiner | 0.1 – 0.25 | 0.18 |
| Si | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Fe | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Cu | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Zn | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Others (each)total 0.15 max | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
535-F — frequently asked
What is 535-F used for?
535-F is typically used for marine castings, saltwater deck and rigging hardware, instrument and sensor housings, food processing fittings, chemical handling components and outboard motor parts. In short: cast Al-Mg, marine grade.
What is the yield strength of 535-F?
535-F has a typical yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) — weaker than 71% of aluminum grades.
Is 535-F easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (85/100, better than 95% of aluminum grades). Outstanding chip formation and surface finish — the benchmark machining alloy among Al castings; use sharp polished-flute carbide, high speed, low feed, minimal lubricant.
Can 535-F be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). Readily GTAW/GMAW welded with 5356 or 5556 filler; keep interpass temperature low and avoid Si-bearing (4xxx) filler to prevent brittle Mg2Si.
What surface finishes work on 535-F?
Excellent clear and hard anodizing with bright uniform color; polishes well; chromate/chrome-free conversion coatings and marine paints adhere readily — no plating or brazing.
Can 535-F be formed, bent or molded?
Sand and permanent-mold casting only; low fluidity and strong Mg oxidation demand flux/cover-gas melt protection, chilled risers and generous gating to avoid hot tears and dross.
What is the maximum service temperature of 535-F?
535-F is rated for continuous use to about 100°C (212 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Can FabDigit make parts in 535-F?
Yes — 535-F is available for CNC machining with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM B26/B26M — Aluminum-Alloy Sand Castings — ASTM International (2018)
- ASTM B108/B108M — Aluminum-Alloy Permanent Mold Castings — ASTM International (2019)
- Registration Record of Aluminum Association Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Aluminum Alloys in the Form of Castings and Ingot ('Pink Sheets') — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 15 — Casting — ASM International (2008)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys — ASM International (1993)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.