The aluminum alloy die castings covered by this specification have good resistance to corrosion, although alloys 360.0, A360.0, 383.0, 413.0, A413.0, C443.0 and 518.0 are, as a group, more resistant to corrosion than 380.0, A380.0, and 384.0.

Alloys 360.0, A360.0, 413.0, and A413.0, have excellent casting qualities, good mechanical qualities, and good resistance to corrosion. Alloy C443.0 has a high elongation but a comparatively low yield strength and is not as suitable for the production of intricate die castings as are alloys 360.0, A360.0, 413.0, and A413.0. Die castings of alloy 518.0 have good strength, ductility, resistance to corrosion, finishing qualities, and color. However, this alloy is extremely difficult to die cast.

Alloys 380.0, A380.0, and 384.0 are used for a wide variety of die castings generally not required to withstand severely corrosive conditions. When suitably protected, however, they will satisfactorily withstand rather severe exposure. They develop relatively high tensile properties and are of a composition which can be made largely from good grades of secondary materials. Alloys of this type would be in more abundant supply in an emergency period.

Alloy 383.0 is superior to alloy A380.0 with respect to hot cracking, pressure tightness, and diefilling capacity. Tensile properties are approximately the same.