Aluminum LM24 · temper · default condition
Aluminum LM24-F
Properties of the F condition, compared with the other LM24 tempers.
Standard supply condition: pressure die castings used straight from the die with no heat treatment.
What is LM24-F?
LM24-F is LM24 in the F temper — standard supply condition: pressure die castings used straight from the die with no heat treatment. LM24-F has a yield strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 280 MPa (40.6 ksi) — weaker than 61% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 2% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi). LM24-F has a density of 2.79 g/cm³ (0.101 lb/in³), heavier than 77% of aluminum grades. It melts at 520°C (968 °F).
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 80/100, better than 92% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Low electrical conductivity — 24 % IACS, worse than 95% of aluminum grades
- Limited formability — 5/100, worse than 94% of aluminum grades
- Poor heat conductor — 100 W/m·K (57.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of aluminum grades
- Hard to polish — 40/100, worse than 90% of aluminum grades
- Limited ductility — 2%, worse than 87% of aluminum grades
LM24-F properties
Typical room-temperature values for LM24-F — 12 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every LM24 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the aluminum grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
LM24-F has a density of 2.79 g/cm³ (0.101 lb/in³), heavier than 77% of aluminum grades. It melts at 520°C (968 °F).
Mechanical14
LM24-F has a yield strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 280 MPa (40.6 ksi) — weaker than 61% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 2% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi).
Thermal6
LM24-F is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 100 W/m·K (57.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 21.5 µm/m·K (11.9 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
LM24-F conducts electricity at 24 % IACS, worse than 95% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (42/100), worse than 69% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of LM24-F takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 90%.
Manufacturability7
LM24-F's machinability is very good (80/100, better than 92% of aluminum grades); weldability poor (25/100); formability not recommended (5/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Working with LM24-F
Is LM24 easy to machine?
Machines freely with sharp carbide or PCD tools and high speeds; hard Si particles abrade HSS, and subsurface gas porosity can open up on machined faces so avoid pressure-tight sealing surfaces where possible.
Can LM24 be welded?
Not recommended for structural fusion welding — trapped die gas causes porosity and the Cu/Zn content promotes hot cracking; use mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding, or cosmetic TIG repair with 4047/4145 filler.
Can LM24 be formed, bent or molded?
Designed for high-pressure die casting: excellent fluidity for thin walls (1.5–3 mm), low hot-tearing, tolerant of high Fe to resist die soldering; avoid solution heat treatment as entrapped gas blisters.
What surface finishes work on LM24?
Chromate/phosphate conversion coat plus paint or powder coat is standard; decorative anodizing is poor (dark grey mottling) and plating needs careful pore sealing, though hard anodize can be used for local wear.
LM24 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sigives fluidity and die-filling | 7.5 – 9.5 | 8.5 |
| Custrength and elevated-temperature hardness | 3 – 4 | 3.5 |
| Fetolerated high to prevent die soldering | ≤ 1.3 | 0.9 |
| Mn | ≤ 0.5 | 0.3 |
| Mg | ≤ 0.3 | 0.1 |
| Ni | ≤ 0.5 | 0.1 |
| Znhigh tolerance suits secondary metal | ≤ 3 | 1 |
| Pb | ≤ 0.3 | 0.1 |
| Sn | ≤ 0.2 | 0.05 |
| Ti | ≤ 0.2 | 0.05 |
| Al | balance | — |
LM24-F — frequently asked
What is LM24-F used for?
LM24-F is typically used for general die castings, automotive components, gearbox and pump housings, engine and equipment brackets, power tool bodies and electronics and instrument enclosures. In short: pressure-die-cast workhorse; good machinability.
What is the yield strength of LM24-F?
LM24-F has a typical yield strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 280 MPa (40.6 ksi) — weaker than 61% of aluminum grades.
Is LM24-F easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (80/100, better than 92% of aluminum grades). Machines freely with sharp carbide or PCD tools and high speeds; hard Si particles abrade HSS, and subsurface gas porosity can open up on machined faces so avoid pressure-tight sealing surfaces where possible.
Can LM24-F be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (25/100). Not recommended for structural fusion welding — trapped die gas causes porosity and the Cu/Zn content promotes hot cracking; use mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding, or cosmetic TIG repair with 4047/4145 filler.
What surface finishes work on LM24-F?
Chromate/phosphate conversion coat plus paint or powder coat is standard; decorative anodizing is poor (dark grey mottling) and plating needs careful pore sealing, though hard anodize can be used for local wear.
Can LM24-F be formed, bent or molded?
Designed for high-pressure die casting: excellent fluidity for thin walls (1.5–3 mm), low hot-tearing, tolerant of high Fe to resist die soldering; avoid solution heat treatment as entrapped gas blisters.
What is the maximum service temperature of LM24-F?
LM24-F is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Can FabDigit make parts in LM24-F?
Yes — LM24-F is available for CNC machining with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- BS 1490 — Aluminium and aluminium alloy ingots and castings for general engineering purposes — BSI (1988)
- ASTM B85 / SAE J452 — Aluminum-alloy die castings (A380.0) — ASTM / SAE (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys (A380.0 die cast data) — ASM International (1990)
- EN 1706 — Aluminium alloy castings (EN AC-46500 AlSi8Cu3Fe) — CEN (2020)
- JIS H5302 — Aluminium alloy die castings (ADC10) — JISC (2006)
- Die-casting alloy datasheets (LM24 / A380 / ADC10) — Various foundries (2023)
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.