Die Casting Aluminum Alloys

‌I. Physical Properties‌

Die-casting aluminum alloys are characterized by ‌lightweight, high fluidity, and excellent mechanical performance‌:

Lightweight‌

· Density: ‌2.6–2.8 g/cm³‌ (about 1/3 of steel), ideal for weight-sensitive applications.

Strength and Ductility‌

· Tensile strength: ‌200–350 MPa‌ (some grades can exceed 400 MPa after heat treatment).

· Elongation: ‌3–10%‌ (varies with alloy composition and casting process).

Superior Fluidity‌

· Excellent flow in molten state, suitable for complex thin-walled parts (minimum wall thickness: ‌0.5 mm‌).

Corrosion Resistance‌

· Forms a dense oxide layer (Al₂O₃) for atmospheric corrosion resistance; some grades support anodizing.

Thermal/Electrical Conductivity‌

· Thermal conductivity: ‌80–200 W/(m·K)‌, ideal for heat dissipation components (e.g., electronics housings).

· Electrical conductivity: ‌30–60% IACS‌ (International Annealed Copper Standard).

Machinability‌

· Easy to machine, with options for plating, coating, or laser engraving.

‌II. Main Die-Casting Aluminum Grades‌

Key grades by regional and international standards:

‌1. Common Grades in Asia (GB/JIS Standards)‌

· ‌ADC12‌ (Al-Si-Cu series)

· ‌Features‌: High fluidity, low cost; widely used in automotive parts (e.g., engine brackets).

· Composition: Si 9.6–12.0%, Cu 1.5–3.5%.

· ‌ADC10‌ (Al-Si-Mg series)

· ‌Features‌: High toughness; ideal for thin-walled components (e.g., consumer electronics).

· Composition: Si 7.5–9.5%, Mg 0.3–0.6%.

‌2. International Grades (AA/EN Standards)‌

· ‌A380‌ (AA Standard)

· ‌Features‌: High strength, heat resistance; used in automotive and industrial components.

· Tensile strength: ≥320 MPa, elongation ≥3%.

· ‌A383‌ (AA Standard)

· ‌Features‌: Low shrinkage; suitable for high-precision parts (e.g., medical devices).

· ‌EN AC 46000‌ (EN Standard)

· ‌Features‌: High silicon content (Si 8–11%), excellent wear resistance; used in gearbox housings.

‌3. Specialty Grades‌

· ‌AlSi9Cu3(Fe)‌

· ‌Features‌: High thermal conductivity; designed for heat sinks (e.g., 5G base stations).

· ‌AlMg3‌

· ‌Features‌: Superior corrosion resistance; ideal for marine or outdoor environments.

‌III. Selection Guidelines‌

· ‌Automotive‌: Prioritize ‌ADC12/A380‌ (balance of strength and cost).

· ‌Consumer Electronics‌: Use ‌ADC10/A383‌ (thin-wall precision casting).

· ‌Thermal Management‌: Choose ‌AlSi9Cu3(Fe)‌ or custom high-conductivity alloys.

· ‌Corrosive Environments‌: Opt for Mg-containing grades (e.g., AlMg3) or surface-treated alloys.

‌Properties and Main Grades of Die-Casting Aluminum Alloys