40% Ferro Aluminum

Lead-free40% Iron Content Compact Addition Weight Controlled Iron Additions Reduces Die Soldering

Aluminum-iron master alloy (60% Al, 40% Fe) for controlled iron additions to aluminum alloys. 16-17 Waffle form.

Solidus

1,211°F (655°C)

Liquidus

2,120°F (1,160°C)

Density

0.134 lbs/in³ (3.7 g/cm³)

Primary Elements

Al, Fe

Nominal Composition

40% Fe, 60% Al

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Product Overview

40% Ferro Aluminum is an aluminum-iron master alloy with a nominal composition of 60% Al and 40% Fe. Iron dissolves very slowly in molten aluminum when added as steel or pure iron, so it is added through a master alloy. In this form the iron is already combined with aluminum and dissolves into the melt with a predictable recovery.

Iron is a controlled element in many aluminum alloys. In die casting alloys such as 380 and 383, iron in the range of about 0.6–1.3% reduces soldering of the casting to the steel die. Iron is also added to some wrought alloys, including foil and conductor alloys, to raise strength and control grain structure. A higher-iron master alloy such as this one delivers more iron per pound, which keeps the addition weight small.

Supplied as 16-17 waffle. We also offer 10% and 30% Ferro Aluminum.

Available Forms

16-17 Waffle

Product Code

1604

Technical Info

Thermal Properties

Melting Point (Solidus)1,211°F (655°C)

Melting Point (Liquidus)2,120°F (1,160°C)

Physical Properties

Density (imperial)0.134 lbs/in³

Density (metric)3.7 g/cm³

Primary ElementsAl, Fe

Lead FreeYes

Key Features

40% Iron ContentCompact Addition WeightControlled Iron AdditionsReduces Die Soldering

Solubility Note

Add to molten aluminum at 1,400°F or above and stir well, allow time for complete dissolution before sampling.

Nominal Composition

60% Al
40% Fe

Molten aluminum tends to react with and stick to steel dies, a problem called soldering. Keeping iron at about 0.6–1.3% in die casting alloys such as 380 reduces this reaction and extends die life. Iron content must be controlled carefully, however, because excess iron forms coarse, brittle intermetallic particles that reduce ductility.

Divide the iron needed by 0.4. For example, to raise iron by 0.5% in a 1,000 lb melt you need 5 lbs of iron, which requires 5 ÷ 0.4 = 12.5 lbs of 40% Ferro Aluminum.

A higher iron content means a smaller addition weight for the same iron increase, which reduces the effect on melt temperature and the amount of material handled. Lower-iron master alloys such as 10% Ferro Aluminum dissolve more easily and are often preferred for small, precise trim additions.