scope:

Note: Nothing in this standard supercedes applicable laws and regulations.

Note: In the event of conflict between the English and domestic language, the English language shall take precedence.

Purpose/Material Description.

This standard describes the chemical composition, melt handling, casting process, heat treatment, and casting quality requirements of aluminum alloys for cast parts for automotive and other allied industries. Aluminum casting alloys are specified by chemical composition and thermal treatment. This standard establishes a common nomenclature methodology for designating aluminum alloys adapted from the format in ISO 3522. Additional requirements for coding heat treatment process parameters and mechanical properties are also included.

Most metallic elements readily alloy with aluminum, but only a few are used in commercial aluminum based alloys. Primary alloying elements include Si, Cu and Mg. Additional elements such as B, Ce, Cr, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Sb, Sr, Ti, V, and Zr serve as supplementary alloying additions for improving material properties and casting characteristics. Other elements (e.g., Fe) appear as impurities, which can affect alloy cost and product properties.

Symbols.

Not applicable.

Applicability.

When this standard is specified in the SOR, math data, or on the part drawing the requirements apply to the foundry manufacturing the component regardless of their tier level to GM.

Remarks.

Some of the alloys may be the subject of patent or patent applications, and their listing herein is not to be construed in any way as the granting of a license under such patent rights. Table A1 in Appendix A provides a cross reference between alloys designated in this standard and alloys designated in other common industry standards which are chemically equivalent, meaning that the composition ranges in the industry standard either match or fall within the chemical composition ranges designated in this standard. Requirements in this standard differ from those in other standards and may not be interchangeable with alloys designated in this standard despite similarities. Only industry designations per the standards listed in Table A1 would meet the interchangeability definition per GMW17205 and thus be compliant with the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) requirements.