{"id":329,"date":"2025-10-27T17:34:38","date_gmt":"2025-10-27T17:34:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/texametals.com\/blog\/?p=329"},"modified":"2025-10-27T17:34:39","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T17:34:39","slug":"the-definitive-guide-to-lm24-aluminum-alloy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/texametals.com\/blog\/the-definitive-guide-to-lm24-aluminum-alloy\/","title":{"rendered":"The Definitive Guide to LM24 Aluminum Alloy: Properties, Uses, and Die Casting Excellence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The LM24 aluminum alloy<\/a><\/strong> is a top material in the high-pressure die casting industry, highly favored for its exceptional balance of good castability<\/strong> and robust mechanical strength<\/strong>. It has been classified under the British Standard (BS 1490:1988), LM24 is a Copper-Silicon-Aluminum<\/strong> alloy that serves as the near-equivalent to the widely used US alloy A380<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It offers manufacturers a reliable, cost-effective solution for producing complex, pressure-tight components where moderate corrosion resistance is acceptable. Its fluidity allows it to fill the molds easily, making it a workhorse for demanding automotive and general engineering applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Identity of LM24<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

LM24 is defined by its specific elemental makeup, where Silicon provides fluidity and Copper contributes significantly to its strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A. Chemical Composition (BS 1490:1988 LM24)\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The controlled inclusion of Silicon, Copper, and Iron gives the alloy’s performance in the casting process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Element<\/strong><\/td>Weight Percentage (%)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Silicon (Si)<\/td>7.5 – 9.5<\/td><\/tr>
Copper (Cu)<\/td>3.0 – 4.0<\/td><\/tr>
Iron (Fe)<\/td>1.3 max<\/td><\/tr>
Zinc (Zn)<\/td>3.0 max<\/td><\/tr>
Magnesium (Mg)<\/td>0.3 max<\/td><\/tr>
Manganese (Mn)<\/td>0.5 max<\/td><\/tr>
Nickel (Ni)<\/td>0.5 max<\/td><\/tr>
Aluminium (Al)<\/td>Remainder<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

B. Physical Properties of LM24\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These properties are crucial for optimizing die design and casting parameters, particularly regarding heat transfer and solidification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Property<\/strong><\/td>Value<\/strong><\/td>Unit<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Density<\/td>2.79<\/strong><\/td>g\/cm3<\/td><\/tr>
Melting Range (approx.)<\/td>520 – 580<\/strong><\/td>\u2218C<\/td><\/tr>
Thermal Conductivity (@ 25C)<\/td>0.23<\/td>cal\/cm2\/cm\/\u2218C<\/td><\/tr>
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion<\/td>21\u00d710^6<\/td>per \u2218C<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

LM24’s Performance Profile<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The high strength is the key advantage of LM24 over high-silicon, corrosion-resistant alloys like LM6. Note the significant difference between properties achieved via high-pressure die casting versus gravity casting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mechanical Properties of LM24 (As-Cast)\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Property<\/strong><\/td>Pressure Die Cast<\/strong><\/td>Gravity Die Cast<\/strong><\/td>Unit<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Tensile Strength<\/strong><\/td>320<\/strong><\/td>180<\/td>N\/mm2<\/td><\/tr>
0.2% Proof Stress<\/strong><\/td>150<\/td>100 – 120<\/td>N\/mm2<\/td><\/tr>
Elongation<\/strong><\/td>1 – 3<\/td>1.5<\/td>%<\/td><\/tr>
Brinell Hardness<\/strong><\/td>85<\/td>85<\/td>HB<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Applications & Why LM24 Excels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The core strength of LM24 is its utility in Pressure Die Casting<\/strong>, producing components for structural and fluid-handling applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n