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RE: You're correct

Didn't realize a different series for wrought V casting.
Sounds like the 356 alloy is similar in composition to something from the 6000 series, which is also heat treatable. Uses for the 6061 variety includes stuff like Bicycle Frames which are than heat treated to the T6 spec. Roughly ends up with properties (but no fatigue strength) similar to a Mild Steel Tubing.

Heat Treating is an ART. But once you have it figured out, and the proper equipment, you can let a computer do it.

I first became interested in this stuff when working in semiconductor manufacture where the 'metalization' layer was Aluminum /1% Silicon. The Silicon was the highest amount which would NOT precipitate out yet had an electrical use at a later step called 'sinter' or perhaps 'anneal'.

I personally do not like Aluminum in some uses. You need more of it than simple ratio of weight to another metal would indicate because it has NO fatigue strength. Each stress cycle eats into the ultimate lifetime of the structure. This is unlike steel which has an essentially limitless lifetime IF you never stress above the fatigue limit. A few other properties spring to mind, but that's for another discussion.

One time when working on a vacuum system (hi vac, not the one for your house!) we had an ARC in a chamber with aluminum fixturing which ALSO contained Hydrogen Gas. BOOM! When trying to fix this mess, (let te new kid fix it) I tried a FILE on what was formerly an Aluminum piece. Ever heard of Hydrogen Embrittlement? Neither had I. But this stuff was now harder than my file and I had to use OTHER means to make the fix.


ADDED LINK to compare A356 to 6061 Aluminum Alloy, both hardened to T6 standard.
Too much is never enough



Edits: 03/06/17

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