Arsam MetalARSAM METAL
Silicon Metal 5-5-3 (Si 5-5-3) — Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Si 5-5-3

Silicon Metal 5-5-3

Also known as: Metallurgical silicon 553 · Si 553

Silicon Metal 5-5-3 is a metallurgical-grade silicon designated by its maximum impurity decimals: Fe ≤ 0.5%, Al ≤ 0.5%, Ca ≤ 0.3%, with Si ≥ 98.5%, supplied in 10-100mm lump. In aluminum casting it raises the alloy's silicon content to improve fluidity and reduce shrinkage, since silicon shortens the freezing range and feeds thin sections cleanly. The controlled Fe and Ca ceilings keep brittle intermetallic phases and inclusion counts low in the final casting. Primary uses span aluminum alloy casting (Al-Si secondary and foundry alloys), refractory formulations, and general foundry charge make-up. Typical silicon additions to hit Al-Si targets run roughly 4-12 wt% of the melt depending on the alloy (e.g. A356, ADC12-class), dosed against the charge analysis. The 553 grade balances purity against cost where ultra-low Fe is not required; tighter-Fe grades exist when needed. Each lot ships with COA (EN 10204 3.1) and MTC, XRF-verified, under multi-regional sourcing: CIF Marmara or Gebze bonded stock, 20 MT FCL. Send your alloy target and tonnage for a graded RFQ.

Technical Specifications

Si≥ 98.5%
Fe≤ 0.5%
Al≤ 0.5%
Ca≤ 0.3%
Size10-100mm

Size options: 10-50 mm · 10-100 mmThe standard size is in the table; state other sizes in your request.

Arsam Standard

GradesSi 5-5-3 (Si ≥98.5%)
International ReferenceMetallurgical grade 553 basis
Packaging1 MT jumbo big bag · Palletized · FCL container
DocumentationCOA (EN 10204 3.1) · MTC · Radiation certificate · CoO · EUR.1 / A.TR (EU)
Quality ControlXRF · metallurgical grade verification
Minimum Order20 MT FCL / 5 MT LCL
IncotermsFOB / CIF / CFR / DAP
Lead TimeSea CIF 28-35 days · Gebze bonded stock 24-48h · alternative road/ferry 12-21 days

International standards are a reference basis; certificates provided on request with document verification.

Addition calculator

Required addition
267 kg5.34 kg / t

Calculation: addition (kg) = weight (kg) × (target - current) ÷ content ÷ recovery. Content and recovery are typical values; enter the lot COA value and your plant's actual recovery. The result is an estimate and does not replace your metallurgy team's decision.

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Alloy Addition Calculator →

Applications

Industrial applications
Aluminum alloy casting
Refractory materials
Foundry applications

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose between Si 5-5-3 and a lower-iron silicon metal grade?
The 5-5-3 designation caps Fe ≤ 0.5%, Al ≤ 0.5%, Ca ≤ 0.3% at Si ≥ 98.5%. Pick 5-5-3 for Al-Si foundry and secondary alloys where this Fe ceiling is acceptable and cost matters. Step up to 4-4-1 or 2-2-0.x grades only when your casting spec or downstream process demands lower Fe and Al. Send your finished-alloy chemistry limits and we match the grade to them.
What addition rate of silicon metal should I use?
Dose against your charge analysis and alloy target, not a fixed figure. To reach common Al-Si foundry levels, silicon additions typically fall in the 4-12 wt% range of the melt for alloys such as A356-class or ADC12-class, accounting for the silicon already present in returns and primary metal. Account for recovery and bath temperature. Provide your target Si and base-metal analysis and we can sketch a charge calculation.
What are the packaging, MOQ, and lead time?
Standard packaging is 1 MT jumbo big bags, palletized, loaded in FCL containers; 10-100mm lump is the default sizing. MOQ is 20 MT FCL or 5 MT LCL. Lead time runs sea CIF 28-35 days, Gebze bonded stock 24-48h where held, or alternative road/ferry 12-21 days. Incoterms available include FOB, CIF, CFR, and DAP. Confirm sizing and destination port for a firm schedule.
What quality documentation and testing come with each lot?
Every lot ships with a COA to EN 10204 3.1 and an MTC, with chemistry verified by XRF and metallurgical-grade verification against the 553 basis (Si ≥ 98.5%, Fe ≤ 0.5%, Al ≤ 0.5%, Ca ≤ 0.3%). Radiation certificate and CoO are available on request, plus EUR.1 / A.TR for EU movements. If your QA needs third-party or witnessed sampling, specify it on the RFQ and we arrange it before shipment.
Can Si 5-5-3 be substituted with ferrosilicon or another silicon source?
It depends on the process. For aluminum alloying where iron pickup must stay low, silicon metal is preferred because ferrosilicon adds Fe by design. In steel and iron melting, FeSi 75 is the normal silicon carrier and recovery differs. Silicon carbide can supply Si plus carbon in cupola/EAF charges but behaves differently. Tell us the furnace and target chemistry and we advise the right carrier and grade.
Do you deliver silicon metal 553 to Iraq (Umm Qasr) or by road?
Yes. For silicon metal 553 we quote CFR/CIF by sea to Umm Qasr or delivery to Iraq by road. For aluminium extrusion and secondary aluminium lines 553 is usually enough; if the part is safety-critical, compare it with 441. In your request, state the tonnage, lump size and packaging.

Related articles

Si Metal 441 or 553? Choosing the right grade for aluminum casting and silicone chemistryMehdi Malek

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Silicon Metal 5-5-3 (Si 5-5-3)

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