3xx aluminum casting alloys, and methods for making the same

Abstract

New 3xx aluminum casting alloys are disclosed. The aluminum casting alloys generally include from 6.5 to 11.0 wt. % Si, from 0.20 to 0.80 wt. % Mg, from 0.05 to 0.50 wt. % Cu, from 0.10 to 0.80 wt. % Mn, from 0.005 to 0.05 wt. % Sr, up to 0.25 wt. % Ti, up to 0.30 wt. % Fe, and up to 0.20 wt. % Zn, the balance being aluminum and impurities.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method, comprising:
 (a) shape casting a 3 xx aluminum casting alloy into a shape cast product, wherein the 3 xx aluminum casting alloy comprises:
 6.5-11.0 wt. % Si; 
 0.20-0.80 wt. % Mg; 
 0.05-0.50 wt. % Cu; 
 0.10-0.80 wt. % Mn; 
 0.005-0.050 wt. % Sr; 
 up to 0.25 wt. % Ti; 
 up to 0.30 wt. % Fe; and 
 up to 0.20 wt. % Zn; 
 the balance being aluminum (Al) and impurities, wherein the 3 xx aluminum casting alloy includes not greater than 0.10 wt. % of any one impurity, and wherein the 3 xx aluminum casting alloy includes not greater than 0.35 wt. %, in total, of the impurities, 
 wherein the shape casting step is selected from the group consisting of: high pressure die casting, gravity permanent mold casting, semi-permanent mold casting, squeeze casting, sand mold casting, centrifugal casting, and ablation casting; 
   (b) optionally machining the shape cast product;   (c) tempering the shape cast product, wherein, due to the tempering, the shape cast product is in a T temper.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the T temper is selected from the group consisting of: T4, T5, T6, and T7 tempers. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the shape cast product is an automotive product.