This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: B85/B85M − 18´1

Standard Specification for

Aluminum-Alloy Die Castings1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B85/B85M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

ε1 NOTE—Footnote C of Table X2.2 was revised editorially in August 2018.

1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This specification covers aluminum-alloy die castings 2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on date
designated as shown in Table 1. of order acceptance form a part of this specification to the
1.2 This specification is for aluminum-alloy die castings extent referenced herein:
used in general purpose applications. It may not address the 2.2 ASTM Standards:2
mechanical properties, integrity testing, and verification re- B179 Specification for Aluminum Alloys in Ingot and Mol-
quired for highly loaded or safety critical applications. ten Forms for Castings from All Casting Processes
1.3 Alloy and temper designations are in accordance with B275 Practice for Codification of Certain Zinc, Tin and Lead
ANSI H35.1/H35.1(M). Die Castings
B557 Test Methods for Tension Testing Wrought and Cast
1.4 Unless the order specifies the “M” specification Aluminum- and Magnesium-Alloy Products
designation, the material shall be furnished to the inch-pound B557M Test Methods for Tension Testing Wrought and Cast
units. Aluminum- and Magnesium-Alloy Products (Metric)
1.5 For acceptance criteria for inclusion of new aluminum B660 Practices for Packaging/Packing of Aluminum and
and aluminum alloys and their properties in this specification, Magnesium Products
see Annex A1 and Annex A2. B666/B666M Practice for Identification Marking of Alumi-
1.6 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch- num and Magnesium Products
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The B881 Terminology Relating to Aluminum- and Magnesium-
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; Alloy Products
therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. B985 Practice for Sampling Aluminum Ingots, Billets, Cast-
Combining values from the two systems may result in non- ings and Finished or Semi-Finished Wrought Aluminum
conformance with the standard. Products for Compositional Analysis
D3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the E8/E8M Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Ma-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the terials
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- E23 Test Methods for Notched Bar Impact Testing of Me-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- tallic Materials
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor- Determine Conformance with Specifications
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- E34 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Aluminum and
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the Aluminum-Base Alloys (Withdrawn 2017)3
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- E505 Reference Radiographs for Inspection of Aluminum
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical and Magnesium Die Castings
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. E607 Test Method for Atomic Emission Spectrometric

1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B07 on Light For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B07.01 on contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Aluminum Alloy Ingots and Castings. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved May 1, 2018. Published May 2018. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 1931. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as B85/B85M – 14. DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/B0085_B0085M-18E01. www.astm.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 B85/B85M − 18´1
TABLE 1 Chemical RequirementsA,B,C,D
OthersE Al
Desig.J Si Fe Cu Mn Mg Cr Ni Zn Ti Ag Be Pb Sn Zr FNs
Each TotalF Min.
360.0G 9.0–10.0 2.0 0.6 0.35 0.40–0.6 . . . 0.50 0.50 ... . . . . . . . . . 0.15 . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.25 Rem.
A360.0K 9.0–10.0 1.3 0.6 0.35 0.40–0.6 . . . 0.50 0.50 ... . . . . . . . . . 0.15 . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.25 Rem.
380G 7.5–9.5 2.0 3.0–4.0 0.50 0.10 . . . 0.50 3.0 ... . . . . . . . . . 0.35 . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.50 Rem.
A380.0H,K 7.5–9.5 1.3 3.0–4.0 0.50 0.10 . . . 0.50 3.0 ... . . . . . . . . . 0.35 . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.50 Rem.
383.0H 9.5–11.5 1.3 2.0–3.0 0.50 0.10 . . . 0.30 3.0 ... . . . . . . . . . 0.15 . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.50 Rem.
384.0H 10.5–12.0 1.3 3.0–4.5 0.50 0.10 . . . 0.50 3.0 ... . . . . . . . . . 0.35 . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.50 Rem.
390.0 16.0–18.0 1.3 4.0–5.0 0.10 0.45–0.65I . . . ... 0.10 0.20 . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . 0.10 0.20 Rem.
B390.0 16.0–18.0 1.3 4.0–5.0 0.50 0.45–0.65I . . . 0.10 1.5 0.20 . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . 0.10 0.20 Rem.
392.0 18.0–20.0 1.5 0.40–0.8 0.20–0.6 0.8–1.2 . . . 0.50 0.50 0.20 . . . . . . . . . 0.30 . . . . . . . . . 0.15 0.50 Rem.
413.0G 11.0–13.0 2.0 1.0 0.35 0.10 . . . 0.50 0.50 ... . . . . . . . . . 0.15 . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.25 Rem.
A413.0K 11.0–13.0 1.3 1.0 0.35 0.10 . . . 0.50 0.50 ... . . . . . . . . . 0.15 . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.25 Rem.
C443.0G 4.5–6.0 2.0 0.6 0.35 0.10 . . . 0.50 0.50 ... . . . . . . . . . 0.15 . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.25 Rem.
518.0G 0.35 1.8 0.25 0.35 7.5–8.5 . . . 0.15 0.15 ... . . . . . . . . . 0.15 . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.25 Rem.
A
When single units are shown, they indicate the maximum amounts permitted.
B
Analysis shall be made for the elements for which limits are shown in this table.
C
The following applies to all specified limits in this table: For purposes of determining conformance to these limits, an observed value or a calculated value obtained from
analysis shall be rounded to the nearest unit in the last right-hand place of figures used in expressing the specified limit in accordance with the rounding-off method of
Practice E29.
D
In case of discrepancy between the values listed in Table 1 and those listed in the âDesignations and Composition Limits for Aluminum Alloys in the Form of Castings
and Ingot (known as the “Pink Sheets”), the composition limits registered with the Aluminum Association and published in the “Pink Sheets” shall be considered
the controlling composition.
E
“Others” includes listed elements for which no specific limit is shown as well as unlisted metallic elements. The producer may analyze samples for trace elements not
specified in the registration or specification. However, such analysis is not required and may not cover all metallic “Others” elements. Should any analysis by the producer
or the purchaser establish that an “Others” element exceeds the limit of “Each” or that the aggregate of several “Others” elements exceeds the limit of “Total”, the material
shall be considered nonconforming.
F
The sum of those “Others” metallic elements 0.010 % or more each, expressed to the second decimal before determining the sum
G
Alloys 360.0, 380.0, 413.0, C443.0 and 518.0 are suitable for the production of die casting by either the hot-chamber or the cold-chamber process. Die castings of alloys
A360.0, A380.0, 383.0, 384.0, and A413.0 may be made only in cold-chamber machines.
H
With respect to mechanical properties, alloys A380.0, 383.0 and 384.0 are substantially interchangeable.
I
The Aluminum Association ruling on the number of decimal places to which Mg percent is expressed is exempted for some long standing alloys. See A2.2.6.
J
For a cross reference of current and former alloy designations see the Aluminum Association’s “Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Aluminum Alloys in
the Form of Castings and Ingot (‘The Pink Sheets’)”.
K
A360.1, A380.1, and A413.1 ingot is used to produce 360.0 and A360.0; 380.0 and A380.0; 413.0 and A413.0 castings, respectively.

Analysis Aluminum Alloys by the Point to Plane Tech- S-4A-8-15 Cored Holes for Pipe Threads: Standard Toler-
nique Nitrogen Atmosphere (Withdrawn 2011)3 ances
E716 Practices for Sampling and Sample Preparation of P-4A-1-15 Linear Dimensions: Precision Tolerances
Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys for Determination of P-4A-2-15 Parting Line: Precision Tolerances
Chemical Composition by Spark Atomic Emission Spec- P-4A-3-15 Moving Die Components (MDC): Precision Tol-
trometry erances
E1251 Test Method for Analysis of Aluminum and Alumi- P-4A-4-15 Draft Requirements: Precision Tolerances
num Alloys by Spark Atomic Emission Spectrometry P-4A-5-15 Flatness Requirements: Precision Tolerances
IEEE/ASTM SI 10 Standard for Use of the International P-4A-6-15 Cored Holes for Cut Threads: Precision Toler-
System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System ances
2.3 ANSI Standard: P-4A-7-15 Cored Holes for Formed Threads: Precision Tol-
H35.1/H35.1(M)-2006 American National Standard Alloy erances
and Temper Designation Systems for Aluminum4 S/P-4-9-15 Machining Stock Allowances (Standard and Pre-
2.4 NADCA Product Specification Standards for Die Cast- cision) Engineering and Design: Additional Specification
ings:5 Guidelines
Engineering and Design: Coordinate Dimensioning G-6-1-15 Pressure Tightness in Die Cast Parts
S-4A-1-15 Linear Dimensions: Standard Tolerances G-6-2-15 Fillets, Ribs and Corners in Die cast Parts (1 of 2)
S-4A-2-15 Parting Line: Standard Tolerances G-6-3-15 Fillets, Ribs and Corners in Die cast Parts (2 of 2)
S-4A-3-15 Moving Die Components (MDC): Standard Tol- G-6-4-15 Ejector Pins, Pin Marks and Pin Flash
erances G-6-5-15 Casting Flash removal
S-4A-4-15 Draft Requirements: Standard Tolerances G-6-6-15 Surface Finish, As Cast
S-4A-5-15 Flatness Requirements: Standard Tolerances G-6-7-15 Die Cast Lettering and Ornamentation
S-4A-6-15 Cored Holes for Cut Threads: Standard Toler- 2.5 Federal Standard:6
ances Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies)

4
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
6
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org. Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4,
5
Available from North American Die Casting Association (NADCA), 241 Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, http://
Holbrook Dr Wheeling, Illinois 60090-5809, http://www.diecasting.org/ www.dodssp.daps.mil.

2
 B85/B85M − 18´1
2.6 Military Standard:6 4.2.8 Whether marking in accordance with Fed. Std. 123 or
MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage (Military ASTM D3951 (16.2) or MIL-STD-129 applies (16.2).
Agencies) 4.2.9 Whether Practices B660 applies and, if so, the levels
2.7 Aluminum Association Standard:7 of preservation, packaging and packing required (16.4),
Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Alumi-
num Alloys in the Form of Castings and Ingot (The Pink 5. Materials
Sheets) 5.1 Unless otherwise specified, only aluminum alloy con-
2.8 Other Standard:8 forming to the requirements of Specification B179 or produc-
EN 14242 Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys – Chemical er’s foundry scrap (identified as being made from alloy
Analysis – inductively Coupled plasms Optical Emission conforming to Specification B179) shall be used in the remelt-
Spectral Analysis ing furnace from which molten metal is taken for pouring
3. Terminology directly into castings. Additions of small amounts of modifiers
and grain refining elements or alloys are permitted.
3.1 Definitions—Refer to Terminology B881 for definitions 5.1.1 Pure materials, recycled materials, and master alloys
of product terms used in this specification. and material not conforming to Specification B179 may be
used to make alloys conforming to this specification, provided
4. Ordering Information
chemical analysis can be taken and adjusted to conform to
4.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include Table 1 prior to pouring any castings.
the following information:
4.1.1 This specification designation (which includes the 6. Manufacture
number, the year, and the revision letter, if applicable),
6.1 The responsibility of furnishing die castings that can be
NOTE 1—For inch-pound application, specify Specification B85 and for laid out and machined to the final dimensions within the
metric application specify Specification B85M. Do not mix units. permissible variations specified, as shown on the blueprints or
4.1.2 The quantity in either pieces or pounds [kilograms], drawings, shall rest with the producer, except when the die is
4.1.3 Part name and number, furnished by the purchaser.
4.1.4 Alloy (see Section 8 and Table 1), and
4.1.5 Drawing of die casting, when required, giving all 7. Quality Assurance
necessary dimensions and showing latest revisions and allow-
7.1 Responsibility for Inspection—When specified in the
ances for linear dimensions (10.2), parting lines (10.3), moving
contract or purchase order, the producer or supplier is respon-
die components (10.4), draft (10.5), flatness (10.6), cored hole
sible for the performance of all inspection and test require-
threads (10.7 – 10.9), and machining stock (10.10). Location of
ments specified herein. Except as otherwise specified in the
ejector pin marks or parting lines shall be at the option of the
contract or order, the producer or supplier may use his own or
producer; unless specifically designated on the drawing.
any other suitable facilities for the performance of the inspec-
4.2 Additional tests, options and special inspection require- tion and test requirements specified herein, unless disapproved
ments as provided below should be justified only on the basis by the purchaser. The purchaser shall have the right to perform
of need. These shall be specified in the contract or purchase any of the inspections and tests set forth in this specification.
order, as additional procedures and extended delivery time may Quality assurance standards shall be agreed upon between the
be involved. producer or supplier and purchaser at the time a contract or
4.2.1 Whether chemical analysis reports are required (8.3 order is placed.
and Table 1),
7.2 Lot Definition—An inspection lot shall be defined as
4.2.2 Whether additional quality assurance requirements are
follows:
required (7.1),
7.2.1 An inspection lot shall consist of the production from
4.2.3 Whether special proof tests or mechanical property
each die or compound die on each machine for each 24 h
tests are required (Section 9),
during the first week of normal operation and the production
4.2.4 Whether there are additional general quality require-
for each 48 h thereafter of normal operation. Any significant
ments for internal soundness (11.2), pressure tightness (11.3),
change in the machine, composition, die or continuity of
fillets, ribs and corners (11.4), ejector pins, pin marks, pin flash
operation shall be considered as the start of a new lot. Die
and flash removal (11.5), casting flash removal (11.6), surface
castings inspected by this method shall be so marked or
finish (11.7), die cast lettering and ornamentation (11.8) or
handled during the finishing operations as not to lose their
workmanship (11.10),
identity.
4.2.5 Whether source inspection is required (Section 12),
7.2.2 Each die casting of a randomly selected sample shall
4.2.6 Whether certification is required (Section 14),
be examined to determine conformance to the requirements
4.2.7 Marking for identification (Section 15), and
with respect to general quality, dimensions, and identification
marking. The producer or supplier may use a system of
7
Available from Aluminum Association, Inc., 1400 Crystal Drive Suite 430 statistical quality control for such examinations.
Arlington, VA 22202, http://www.aluminum.org.
8
Available from European Committee for Standardization (CEN), 36 rue de 7.3 All testing shall be performed in accordance to appli-
Stassart, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium, http://www.cen.eu. cable ASTM test methods.

3
 B85/B85M − 18´1
8. Chemical Composition Standard S-4A-1-15, Standard Tolerances, or by agreement
8.1 The product shall conform to the requirements as to between the producer and the supplier, P-4A-1-15, Precision
chemical composition prescribed in Table 1. Conformance Tolerances.
shall be determined by the producer by analyzing samples 10.3 Parting Lines—Unless otherwise specified on the
taken at the time castings are poured in accordance with drawing or in the contract or purchase order, parting line
Practice E716 and analyzed in accordance with Test Methods dimension tolerances shall conform to NADCA Product Speci-
E34, E607, or E1251, or EN 14242. If the producer has fication Standard S-4A-2-15, Standard Tolerances, or by agree-
determined the chemical composition of the metal during the ment between the producer and the supplier, P-4A-2-15,
course of manufacture, he shall not be required to sample and Precision Tolerances.
analyze the finished product. 10.4 Moving Die Components—Unless otherwise specified
8.1.1 A sample for determination of chemical composition on the drawing or in the contract or purchase order, moving die
shall be taken to represent one of the following: component dimension tolerances shall conform to NADCA
8.1.2 For production runs of less than 8 h, one sample from Product Specification Standard S-4A-3-15, Standard
each die or compound die on each machine. Tolerances, or by agreement between the producer and the
8.1.3 For production runs of more than 8 hours, one sample supplier, P-4A-3-15, Precision Tolerances.
from each die or compound die on each machine every 8 h.
10.5 Draft—Unless otherwise specified on the drawing or in
8.2 If it becomes necessary to analyze castings for confor- the contract or purchase order, draft tolerance dimensions shall
mance to chemical composition limits, the method used to conform to NADCA Product Specification Standard S-4A-4-
sample castings for the determination of chemical composition 15, Standard Tolerances, or by agreement between the pro-
shall be in accordance with Practice B985. Analysis shall be ducer and the supplier, P-4A-4-15, Precision Tolerances.
performed in accordance with Practice E716, Test Methods
E34, E607, or E1251, or EN 14242 (ICP method). 10.6 Flatness—Unless otherwise specified on the drawing
or in the contract or purchase order, flatness dimensional
8.3 When a chemical analysis is required with a shipment, it tolerances shall conform to NADCA Product Specification
shall be called for in the contract or purchase order. Standard S-4A-5-15, Standard Tolerances, or by agreement
8.4 If the producer’s or supplier’s method of composition between the producer and the supplier, P-4A-5-15, Precision
control is acceptable, sampling for chemical analysis may be Tolerances.
waived at the discretion of the purchaser. 10.7 Cored Holes for Cut Threads—Unless otherwise speci-
8.5 By agreement, an appropriate spectrographic sample fied on the drawing or in the contract or purchase order, the
may be prepared at time of manufacture. dimensional tolerances for cored holes for cut threads shall
conform to NADCA Product Specification Standard S-4A-6-
9. Mechanical Properties 15, Standard Tolerances, or by agreement between the pro-
9.1 Unless specified in the contract or purchase order or ducer and the supplier, P-4A-6-15, Precision Tolerances.
specifically guaranteed by the manufacturer, acceptance of die 10.8 Cored Holes for Pipe Threads—Unless otherwise
castings under these specifications shall not depend on me- specified on the drawing or in the contract or purchase order,
chanical properties determined by tension or impact tests. the dimensional tolerances for cored holes for cut threads shall
Table X2.1 [Table X2.2] shows typical mechanical properties conform to NADCA Product Specification Standard S-4A-8-
that may be expected of test specimens when cast in a separate 15.
tensile test bar die and that conform to the chemical composi- 10.9 Cored Holes for Formed Threads—Unless otherwise
tion specified. When tension or impact tests are made, the specified on the drawing or in the contract or purchase order,
tension test specimen shown in Fig. 18 of Test Methods the dimensional tolerances for cored holes for cut threads shall
E8/E8M or Fig. 13 of Test Methods B557 or B557M, and the conform to NADCA Product Specification Standard P-4A-7-
Type ‘A’ Charpy Impact Test Specimen with the V notch cast 15.
into the specimen shown in Fig. 1 of Test Methods E23 shall be
used. 10.10 Machining Stock—Unless otherwise specified on the
drawing or in the contract or purchase order, allowances for
9.2 When specified in the contract or purchase order, die machining stock shall conform to the standard tolerances
castings shall withstand proof tests without failure as defined detailed in NADCA Product Specification Standard S/P-4-9-
by agreement between the purchaser and the producer or 15, or by agreement between the producer and the supplier, the
supplier. precision tolerances shown in S/P-4-9-15.
10. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations 10.11 Dimensional tolerance deviations waived by the pur-
chaser shall be confirmed in writing to the producer or supplier.
10.1 Permissible variations in dimensions shall be within
the limits specified on the drawings or in the contract or 11. General Quality
purchase order. 11.1 Imperfections inherent in die castings shall not be
10.2 Linear Dimensions—Unless otherwise specified on the cause for rejection provided it is demonstrated that the die
drawing or in the contract or purchase order, linear dimension castings are in accordance with the requirements and standards
tolerances shall conform to NADCA Product Specification agreed upon.

4
 B85/B85M − 18´1
11.2 Internal Soundness—When specified, the soundness of 13. Rejection and Retest
die castings shall conform to standards or requirements agreed 13.1 When one or more samples, depending on the ap-
upon between the producer or supplier and the purchaser. The proved sampling plan, fail to meet the requirements of this
number and extent of imperfections shall not exceed those specification, the represented lot is subject to rejection except
specified by the purchaser. The standards or requirements may as otherwise provided in 13.2.
consist of radiographs in accordance with Reference Radio-
graphs E505, photographs or sectioned die castings. 13.2 Lots rejected for failure to meet the requirements of
this specification may be resubmitted for test, provided:
11.3 Pressure Tightness—When specified in the contract or 13.2.1 The producer has removed the nonconforming mate-
purchase order, the pressure tightness of die castings shall rial or the producer has reworked the rejected lot as necessary
conform to standards agreed upon between the purchaser and to correct the deficiencies.
the producer or supplier, or as prescribed in NADCA Product 13.3 Individual castings that show injurious imperfections
Specification Standards for Die Castings G-6-1-15. during subsequent manufacturing operations may be rejected.
11.4 Fillets, Ribs and Corners—Unless otherwise specified The producer or supplier shall be responsible only for replace-
in the contract or purchase order fillets, ribs and corners shall ment of the rejected castings to the purchaser. As much of the
conform to NADCA Product Specification Standards for Die rejected original material as possible shall be returned to the
Castings G-6-2-15 and G-6-3-15. producer or supplier.

11.5 Ejector Pins, Pin Marks, Pin Flash, and Flash 14. Certification
Removal—Unless otherwise specified in the contract or pur-
14.1 The producer or supplier shall, when called for in the
chase order ejector pins, pin marks, pin flash, and flash removal contract or purchase order, furnish to the purchaser a certificate
shall conform to NADCA Product Specification Standards for of inspection stating that each lot has been sampled, tested, and
Die Castings G-6-4-15 and G-6-5-15. inspected in accordance with this specification, and has been
11.6 Casting Flash Removal—Unless otherwise specified in found to meet the requirements specified.
the contract or purchase order casting flash removal shall
conform to NADCA Product Specification Standards for Die 15. Product Marking
Castings G-6-5-15. 15.1 Unless otherwise specified, each casting shall be
11.7 Surface Finish—When specified in the contract or marked with the applicable drawing or part number. The
marking shall consist of raised Arabic numerals, and when
purchase order the as-cast surface finish required shall conform
applicable capital letters, cast integral. The location of the
to standards agreed upon between the purchaser and the
identification marking shall be as specified on the applicable
producer or supplier, or as prescribed in NADCA Product
drawing. When the location is not specified on the drawing, the
Specification Standards for Die Castings G-6-6-15.
drawing/part number shall be placed in a location mutually
11.8 Die Cast Lettering and Ornamentation—Unless other- agreeable to the purchaser and producer. Government applica-
wise specified in the contract or purchase order, die cast tions shall be marked in accordance with Practice B666/
lettering and ornamentation shall conform to NADCA Product B666M.
Specification Standards for Die Castings G-6-7-15.
16. Packaging and Package Marking
11.9 Machining Stock Allowances—Unless otherwise speci-
fied in the contract or purchase order, die cast machining stock 16.1 The material shall be packaged in such a manner as to
allowances shall conform to NADCA Product Specification prevent damage during normal handling and transportation.
Standards for Die Castings standard allowances shown in Each package shall contain only one part number unless
S/P-4-9-15. otherwise agreed upon. The type of packaging and gross
weight of individual containers shall, unless otherwise agreed
11.10 Workmanship—Die castings shall be of uniform upon, be at the producer’s discretion. Packaging methods and
quality, free of injurious discontinuities that will adversely containers shall be so selected as to permit maximum utility of
affect their serviceability. mechanical equipment in unloading and subsequent handling.
16.2 Each shipping container shall be legibly marked with
12. Source Inspection the purchase order number, part number, quantity, specification
12.1 If the purchaser elects to make an inspection of the number, alloy, gross and net weights, and the supplier’s name
casting at the producer’s works, it shall be so stated in the or trademark.
contract or order. 16.3 Packages or containers shall be such as to ensure
12.2 If the purchaser elects to have inspection made at the acceptance by common or other carriers for safe transportation
producer’s works, the producer shall afford the inspector all at the lowest rate to the point of delivery.
reasonable facilities to satisfy him that the material is being 16.4 When specified in the contract or purchase order,
furnished in accordance with this specification. All tests and material shall be preserved, packaged, and packed in accor-
inspection shall be so conducted as not to interfere unneces- dance with the requirements of Practices B660. The applicable
sarily with the operation of the works. levels shall be as specified in the contract or order. Marking for

5
 B85/B85M − 18´1
shipment shall be in accordance with Fed. Std. No. 123 or die-casting alloy for a specific application. The characteristics
Practice D3951 for civil agencies and MIL-STD-129 for are rated from (1) to (5), (1) being the best and (5) being the
Military agencies. least desirable for that attribute. In considering these ratings, it
16.5 Material intended for prolonged storage in unheated should be noted that all the alloys have sufficiently good
locations shall be adequately packed and protected to avoid characteristics to be accepted by users and producers of die
deterioration and damage. castings. Hence the rating for each characteristic is a relative
measure of that attribute compared to the same attribute in
another alloy.
17. Characteristics of Die Casting Alloys
17.1 Table X1.1 shows certain casting and other outstanding 18. Keywords
characteristics which are usually considered in selecting a 18.1 aluminum; die casting

ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. BASIS FOR INCLUSION OF PROPERTY LIMITS

A1.1 Limits are established at a level at which a statistical more than ten data from a given lot. All tests are performed in
evaluation of the data indicates that 99 % of the population accordance with the appropriate ASTM test methods. For
obtained from all standard material meets the limit with 95 % informational purposes, refer to “Statistical Aspects of Me-
confidence. For the products described, mechanical property chanical Property Assurance” in the Related Material section of
limits for the respective size ranges are based on the analyses the Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 02.02.
of at least 100 data from standard production material with no

A2. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR INCLUSION OF NEW ALUMINUM AND ALUMINUM ALLOYS IN THIS SPECIFICA-
TION

A2.1 Prior to acceptance for inclusion in this specification, A2.2.5 For codification purposes, an alloying element is any
the composition of cast aluminum or aluminum alloy shall be element intentionally added for any purpose other than grain
registered in accordance with ANSI H35.1/H35.1(M). The refinement and for which minimum and maximum limits are
Aluminum Association holds the Secretariat of ANSI H35 specified. Unalloyed aluminum contains a minimum of
Committee and administers the criteria and procedures for 99.00 % aluminum.
registration. A2.2.6 Standard limits for alloying elements and impurities
A2.2 If it is documented that the Aluminum Association are expressed to the following decimal places:
could not or would not register a given composition, an Less than 0.001 % 0.000X
0.001 to but less than 0.01 % 0.00X
alternative procedure and the criteria for acceptance shall be as 0.01 to but less than 0.10 %
follows: Unalloyed aluminum made by a refining process 0.0XX
Alloys and unalloyed aluminum not made by a refining
A2.2.1 The designation submitted for inclusion does not process 0.0X
utilize the same designation system as described in ANSI 0.10 through 0.55 % 0.XX
H35.1/H35.1(M). A designation not in conflict with other (It is customary to express limits of 0.30 through 0.55 % as
0.X0 or 0.X5)
designation systems or a trade name is acceptable. Over 0.55 % 0.X, X.X, etc.
(Except that combined Si + Fe limits for 99.00 % minimum
A2.2.2 The aluminum or aluminum alloy has been offered aluminum must be expressed as 0.XX or 1.XX)
for sale in commercial quantities within the prior twelve
months to at least three identifiable users. A2.2.7 Standard limits for alloying elements and impurities
are expressed in the following sequence: Silicon; Iron; Copper;
A2.2.3 The complete chemical composition limits are sub- Manganese; Magnesium; Chromium; Nickel; Zinc; Titanium;
mitted. (Note A2.1); Other Elements, Each; Other Elements, Total;
A2.2.4 The composition is, in the judgment of the respon- Aluminum (Note A2.2).
sible subcommittee, significantly different from that of any NOTE A2.1—Additional specified elements having limits are inserted in
other aluminum or aluminum alloy already in this specifica- alphabetical order of their chemical symbols between Titanium and other
tion. Elements, Each, or are specified in footnotes.

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 B85/B85M − 18´1
NOTE A2.2—Aluminum is specified as minimum for unalloyed alumi- num and as a remainder for aluminum alloys.

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. CHARACTERISTICS

X1.1 Table X1.1 shows certain casting and other outstand-

ing characteristics, which are usually considered in selecting a
die casting alloy for a specific application.

TABLE X1.1 Die Casting and Other Characteristics – (Inch-Pound Units) – (SI Units) – [Metric]
NOTE 1—Rating System—The various alloys are rated 1 to 5 according to the positive to negative qualities in the listed categories. A rating of 1 gives
the best performance, 5 the poorest performance. No one alloy is best in all categories. A rating of 5 in any one or more categories does not rule an alloy
out of commercial usefulness if its other attributes are especially favorable. However, ratings of 5 may present manufacturing difficulties.
Die Casting Characteristics Other CharacteristicsB
Strength
Approxi- Chemical at Ele-
Resis- Resist-
mate Melt- Die Fill- Anti-Sol- Anodizing Oxide vated
Designa- tance Pressure ance to Machin- Polish- Electro-
ing Temper- ing Ca- dering to (Appear- Coating Tempera-
tionA to Hot Tightness Corro- ingH ingI platingJ
ature D pacityE the DieF ance) K
(Protec- turesC
Cracking sionG
Range,° F [°C] tion)L
360.0 1035–1105 [557-596] 1 2 3 2 2 3 3 2 3 3 1
A360.0 1035–1105 [557–596] 1 2 3 2 2 3 3 2 3 3 1
380.0 1000–1100 [538-593] 2 2 2 1 4 3 3 1 3 4 3
A380.0 1000–1100 [538-593] 2 2 2 1 4 3 3 1 3 4 3
383.0 960–1080 [516-582] 1 2 1 2 3 2 3 1 3 4 2
384.0 960–1080 [516-582] 2 2 1 2 5 3 3 2 4 5 2
390.0 945–1200 [507-649] 4 4 1 2 3 5 5 3 5 5 3
B390.0 950–1200 [510-649] 4 4 1 2 3 5 5 3 5 5 3
392.0 1025–1245 [552-674] 4 3 1 2 2 5 5 3 5 5 3
413.0 1065–1080 [574-582] 1 1 1 1 2 4 5 3 5 3 3
A413.0 1065–1080 [574-582] 1 1 1 1 2 4 5 3 5 3 3
C443.0 1065–1170 [574-632] 3 3 4 4 2 5 4 2 2 2 5
518.0 995–1150 [535-621] 5 5 5 5 1 1 1 5 1 1 4
A
ASTM designations were established in accordance with Practice B275.
B
Die castings are not usually solution heat treated. Low temperature aging treatments may be used for stress relief or dimensional stability. Die castings are not generally
gas or arc welded or brazed.
C
Rating based on tensile and yield strengths at temperature up to 500°F (260°C), after prolonged heating at testing temperature.
D
Ability of alloy to withstand stresses from contraction while cooling through hot-short or brittle temperature range.
E
Ability of molten alloy to flow readily in die and fill thin sections.
F
Ability of molten alloy to flow without sticking to the die surfaces. Ratings given for antisoldering are based on nominal iron compositions of approximately 1.
G
Based on resistance of alloy in standard type salt spray test.
H
Composite rating based on ease of cutting, chip characteristics, quality of finish and tool life.
I
Composite rating based on ease and speed of polishing and quality of finish provided by typical polishing procedure.
J
Ability of the alloy to take and hold an electroplate applied by present standard methods.
K
Rated on lightness of color, brightness and uniformity of clear anodized coating applied in sulphuric acid electrolyte. Generally aluminum die castings are unsuitable for
light color anodizing where pleasing appearance is required.
L
Rated on combined resistance of coating and base alloy to corrosion.

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 B85/B85M − 18´1

X2. MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

X2.1 The data in Table X2.1 [Table X2.2] do not constitute that test bars made in a different machine in a different die have
a part of this specification because the data only indicates no correlation with the die casting other than a common
mechanical properties that may be expected of test specimens chemical composition. It should be thoroughly understood that
when cast in a separate tensile test bar die and that conform to the data in Table X2.1 [Table X2.2] represent die-cast test
the chemical composition specified. Different machines and specimens and not specimens cut from commercial die-cast
dies continue to be necessary for die castings and test bars. parts. For this reason, it is considered that the only practical
Comparison between static breakdown or proof tests and the method for mechanical property control is proof testing the
mechanical properties of separately die cast test bars will show whole die casting.

TABLE X2.1 Typical Mechanical Properties Test Specimens (Inch-Pound Units)B

Yield Fatigue Strength
Strength Shear (R. R. Moore
Tensile Elongation in
DesignationA (0.2 % Strength, Specimen),
Strength, ksi 2 in., %
Offset), ksi 500,000,000
ksi cycles, ksi
360.0 44 25 2.5 28 20
A360.0 46 24 3.5 26 18
380.0 46 23 2.5 28 20
A380.0 47 23 3.5 27 20
383.0 45 22 3.5 ... ...
384.0 48 24 2.5 29 20
390.0 40.5 35.0 <1 ... ...
B390.0 40.5 35.0 <1 ... ...
392.0 42.0 39.0 <1 ... ...
413.0 43 21 2.5 25 19
A413.0 42 19 3.5 25 19
C443.0 33 14 9.0 19 17
518.0 45 28 5.0 29 20
A
ASTM designations were established in accordance with Practice B275. ANSI designations were established in accordance with ANSI H35.1/H35.1(M).
B
Each value for tensile strength and yield strength shall be rounded to the nearest 0.1 ksi and each value for elongation shall be rounded to the nearest 0.5 %, both in
accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.

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 B85/B85M − 18´1
TABLE X2.2 Typical Mechanical Properties Test SpecimensC (SI Units) – [Metric]
Yield Fatigue Strength
Tensile Strength Elongation in Shear (R. R. Moore
DesignationA Strength, (0.2 % ln 5D Strength, Specimen),
MPaB Offset), mm, % MPaB 500,000,000
MPaB cycles MPaB
360.0 305 170 2.5 190 140
A360.0 315 165 3.5 180 125
380.0 315 160 2.5 190 140
A380.0 325 160 3.5 185 140
383.0 310 150 3.5 ... ...
384.0 330 165 2.5 200 140
390.0 280 240 <1 ... ...
B390.0 280 240 <1 ... ...
392.0 290 270 <1 ... ...
413.0 295 145 2.5 170 130
A413.0 290 130 3.5 170 130
C443.0 230 95 8.0 130 130
518.0 310 190 4.0 200 140
A
ASTM designations were established in accordance with Practice B275. ANSI designations were established in accordance with ANSI H35.1/H35.1(M).
B
Guidelines for metric conversion from the “Tempers for Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys, Metric Edition” (Tan Sheets) Appendix A, were used to convert the tensile and
yield values to SI units.
C
Each value for tensile strength and yield strength shall be rounded to the nearest 1 MPa and each value for elongation shall be rounded to the nearest 0.5 %, both in
accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.

X3. METRIC EQUIVALENTS

X3.1 The SI unit for strength properties (MPa) is in accor- for pressure or stress is the newton per square metre (N/m2),
dance with the International System of Units (SI). (IEEE/ which has been named the pascal (Pa) by the General Confer-
ASTM SI 10). The derived SI unit for force is the newton (N), ence on Weights and Measures. Since 1 ksi = 6 894 757 Pa the
which is defined as that force which when applied to a body metric equivalents are expressed as megapascal (MPa), which
having a mass of one kilogram gives it an acceleration of one is the same as MN/m2 and N/mm2.
metre per second squared (N = kg·m/s2). The derived SI unit

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee B07 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(B85/B85M – 14) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved May 1, 2018.)

(1) Revised Tables 1, X1.1, X2.1, and X2.2. (5) Replaced references to AMS STD-184 with Practice B666/
(2) Revised 1.2 and 1.3. B666M throughout.
(3) Removed Practice E527 and AMS STD-184 from list of (6) Added reference to Aluminum Association’s “Pink Sheets”
referenced documents in Section 2. to Section 2.
(4) Added PracticeB666/B666M to list of referenced docu- (7) Revised Section 16.
ments in Section 2.

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