Applications for 356.0 are similar to those for 355.0. Alloy 356.0 has excellent casting characteristics and has largely replaced Alloy 295.0.
Permanent mold castings of this alloy are used for machine tool parts, aircraft wheels and handwheels, pump parts, tank car fittings, marine hardware, valve bodies, bridge railing parts, and for such parts as aileron control sectors, rudder control supports, fuselage fittings, and fuel tank elbows for airplanes and missiles. Automotive applications include miscellaneous castings for trucks and trailers, spring brackets, cylinder heads, engine blocks, passenger car wheels, and transmission cases.
Uses for sand castings of Alloy 356.0 include flywheel housings, automotive transmission cases, oil pans, rear axle housings, brackets, water-cooled cylinder blocks, various fittings and pwnp bodies. This alloy is used in various marine applications in the T6 condition where pressure tightness and/or corrosion resistance are major requirements.
Castability
Fluidity, resistance to hot cracking and resistance to solidification shrinkage are all excellent for Alloy 356.0.
Machinability
After heat treatment (notably in the T6 condition), Alloy 356.0 has good machinability. Because of the high silicon content, savings can be realized by using carbide-tipped cutting tools (or better). Rakes should be positive and high. Speeds should approach the maximum, and light cuts should be taken.
Weldability
Very good welding characteristics are shown by Alloy 356.0 for all standard welding methods. The alloy is not brazed.
Finishing
Alloy 356.0 has good polishing characteristics. It is excellent for electroplating and very good for chemical conversion coatings. Anodizing appearance is very good; the color is gray.
Corrosion Resistance
Excellent resistance to corrosion is shown by Alloy 356.0. Its corrosion resistance is higher than that of 355.0. Chemical conversion coatings give further protection.
