A360 (UNS A13600, also designated SG100A and standardized under ANSI/AA A360 / ASTM die-casting specifications) is a general-purpose Al–Si–Mg casting alloy developed primarily for high-pressure die casting. It is the higher-iron die-casting variant of the 360.0 family; the elevated iron tolerance reduces die soldering during high-pressure injection.
The alloy's character comes from three deliberate choices. High silicon (9–10%) gives excellent molten fluidity, so the metal fills thin walls and complex geometry cleanly and seals pressure-tight. Controlled magnesium (0.40–0.60%) forms Mg₂Si, which raises strength and hardness. And restricted copper (≤0.60%) is the defining feature—low copper is exactly what gives A360 its standout corrosion resistance and its better strength at elevated temperatures compared with copper-rich die-casting alloys like A380.
Engineers generally treat A360 as a corrosion-resistant alternative to A380: similar overall mechanical performance, but cleaner behavior in salt, moisture, and heat—at the cost of being somewhat more difficult to cast.
Nominal composition by weight (die-cast A360). Aluminum makes up the balance, roughly 85.8–90.6%.
| Element | Symbol | Content (% by weight) |
|---|---|---|
| Silicon | Si | 9.0 – 10.0 |
| Magnesium | Mg | 0.40 – 0.60 |
| Iron | Fe | 1.3 max |
| Copper | Cu | 0.60 max |
| Manganese | Mn | 0.35 max |
| Zinc | Zn | 0.50 max |
| Nickel | Ni | 0.50 max |
| Tin | Sn | 0.15 max |
| Aluminum | Al | Balance (~85.8 – 90.6) |
The low copper ceiling (0.60% max) is the headline number. Copper improves machinability and as-cast strength, but it also makes an alloy more prone to galvanic and intergranular corrosion. By capping copper, A360 sacrifices a little machinability to gain corrosion resistance—the opposite trade-off from A380, which carries 3–4% copper. For a broader side-by-side of casting and wrought grades, see our aluminum material comparison.
Values for as-die-cast A360 (F temper). Ranges reflect published data across section thicknesses and casting conditions; thinner, rapidly solidified die-cast sections sit toward the higher-strength end.
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 180 – 320 MPa | 26 – 46 ksi |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | 170 – 260 MPa | 24 – 38 ksi |
| Elongation at Break | 1.6 – 5.0% | 1.6 – 5.0% |
| Brinell Hardness (HB) | ~75 | ~75 |
| Elastic (Young's) Modulus | 72 GPa | 10.4 Msi |
| Fatigue Strength | 82 – 150 MPa | 12 – 22 ksi |
In practice, a typical die-cast A360-F part lands near 46 ksi (317 MPa) ultimate, 24 ksi (165 MPa) yield, and about 3.5% elongation—strong enough for structural housings while retaining usable ductility. Because A360 relies on silicon and magnesium rather than copper, it also holds its strength better as service temperature climbs.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.6 g/cm³ (0.094 lb/in³) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 110 W/m·K |
| Solidus (melting onset) | 590°C / 1100°F |
| Liquidus (fully molten) | 680°C / 1250°F |
The 590–680°C freezing range and high silicon content are what make A360 fill so well and seal against pressure—useful for housings and enclosures that must be leak-tight. Its 110 W/m·K thermal conductivity also makes it a reasonable choice for parts that need to shed heat, such as electronic and lighting enclosures.
A360 and A380 are the two workhorse aluminum die-casting alloys, and the choice almost always comes down to corrosion environment vs. cost and machinability.
| Factor | A360 | A380 |
|---|---|---|
| Copper content | 0.6% max (low) | 3.0 – 4.0% (high) |
| Corrosion resistance | Superior | Moderate |
| Elevated-temperature strength | Better | Good |
| Castability / fluidity | Good (slightly harder) | Excellent (easiest) |
| Machinability | Fair | Good |
| Relative cost | Higher | Lower |
| Most common use | Corrosion-critical parts | General-purpose, high volume |
Choose A360 when parts face moisture, salt spray, or heat—marine fittings, outdoor enclosures, pump and valve bodies. Choose A380 for general-purpose, cost-sensitive, high-volume parts where machinability and the easiest possible casting matter more than corrosion. If you are still comparing grades, our material comparison guide and aluminum die casting guide walk through the full selection logic.
A360 is engineered for high-pressure die casting, where its high silicon delivers the fluidity needed to fill thin walls and intricate cores at speed. The same chemistry gives excellent pressure tightness, which is why A360 is favored for housings and enclosures that must not leak.
One practical point that surprises many buyers: A360 die castings are normally supplied as-cast (F temper) and are not solution heat treated. High-pressure die casting traps a small amount of gas in the part; if that part is then heated for solution treatment (T6, for example), the trapped gas expands and causes surface blistering. For this reason, conventional T4/T5/T6 tempers are generally reserved for sand and permanent-mold castings, not standard high-pressure die castings. When higher integrity is required, vacuum-assisted or pore-free die casting can extend heat-treat options—something to discuss with your foundry up front.
Designing a part for A360? Avoiding porosity, cold shuts, and shrink starts at the drawing. See our casting defects guide for prevention, and our aluminum casting guide for process fundamentals.
A360 shows up wherever corrosion resistance, pressure tightness, or elevated-temperature performance justify its higher cost:
If your part lives indoors in a controlled environment and machinability drives cost, A380 is usually the better-value pick. When the environment is harsh, A360 earns its premium.
A360 is used for high-pressure die-cast parts that need corrosion resistance and pressure tightness—marine and outdoor hardware, pump and valve bodies, automotive brackets and covers, and electronic or lighting enclosures.
Their room-temperature strength is similar (A360 ultimate ~180–320 MPa). A360's advantage is better strength retention at elevated temperature and far better corrosion resistance, thanks to its low copper content. A380 is easier to cast and machine.
Standard high-pressure die-cast A360 is normally used as-cast (F temper) and is not solution heat treated, because trapped casting gas would blister during solution treatment. Heat-treatable tempers are typically used with sand or permanent-mold castings, or with special pore-free / vacuum die casting.
Copper accelerates galvanic and intergranular corrosion in aluminum. A360 caps copper at 0.60% (versus 3–4% in A380), so it corrodes much more slowly in salt and humid environments.
They share the same base Al–Si–Mg chemistry; A360 allows higher iron (up to ~1.3%) specifically for high-pressure die casting, which reduces die soldering. 360.0 is the lower-iron version used in other casting processes.
Matson Alucasting produces corrosion-resistant A360 and A380 die castings to spec, with material certs and pressure-tight quality. Send your drawing for a quotation tailored to your project.