ADC12 is a widely used cast aluminum alloy. It is a Japanese JIS standard alloy, equivalent to A383 in the United States and EN AC-46000 in Europe. Compared with other alloys, ADC12 has moderate mechanical strength but performs well in terms of dimensional stability, fluidity, and castability. ADC12 is mainly used for high-pressure die casting and is an ideal material for producing lightweight and complex–shaped aluminum castings required in the automotive, electronic, and industrial fields.
This article explores the composition, mechanical properties, advantages, applications, and comparison with similar alloys of ADC12.
We also discussed its applicability for high-pressure die casting and the ADC12 die casting cases produced by CEX Casting.
Please continue reading this article to better understand ADC12 and decide whether it can be an ideal material for your next project.
ADC12 Aluminum Composition
|
Elemental Composition |
Values |
|
Aluminum (Al) |
84 – 87% |
|
Silicon (Si) |
9.6 – 12% |
|
Magnesium (Mg) |
≤0.3% |
|
Iron (Fe) |
≤1.3% |
| Copper (Cu) |
1.5 – 3.5% |
| Zinc (Zn) |
≤1.0% |
| Manganese (Mn) |
≤0.5% |
| Nickel (Ni) |
≤0.5% |
| Tin (Sn) |
≤0.35% |
ADC12 Aluminum Mechanical Properties
The following table lists the mechanical properties of ADC12 aluminum in its raw, pre-casting state:
|
Mechanical Properties |
Values |
|
Tensile Strength |
150 – 200 MPa |
|
Yield Strength |
100 – 150 MPa |
| Elongation |
5 – 10% |
| Hardness |
40 – 60 HB |
ADC12 Aluminum Advantages
Due to its unique elemental composition and inherent properties, ADC12 aluminum is designed to meet the challenges of producing high-quality, precise, and complex-shaped components.
Let’s look at the advantages of ADC12 aluminum to understand why it is an ideal choice in various industries.
Superior Castability
ADC12 aluminum comes with excellent castability due to its perfect balance of aluminum, silicon, and copper composition.
The presence of silicon improves fluidity, while copper enhances the alloy’s ability to form complex shapes.
This combination ensures that ADC12 can be used to produce complex-shaped, high-precision parts with minimal defects.
High Corrosion Resistance
The high aluminum and silicon content of ADC12 provide excellent corrosion resistance, which can extend the product life and reduce the need for additional surface treatment.
This makes ADC12 aluminum ideal for producing castings exposed to moisture, chemicals, or extreme temperatures.
Exceptional Dimensional Stability
The reasonable silicon content in ADC 12 can minimize thermal expansion and reduce the possibility of deformation during and after casting.
This ensures that castings can maintain their dimensional stability even under complex geometric shapes or mechanical stresses.
Good Fluidity
The high silicon content of ADC12 promotes the fluidity of molten metal, allowing it to fill molds more evenly, even for molds with complex designs or thin walls.
Excellent fluidity can minimize defects such as pores, ensuring the production of high-quality casting with smooth surfaces and precise details.
Excellent Thermal Conductivity
Aluminum alloy itself is an efficient thermal conductor.
This feature ensures fast and uniform heat dissipation, efficiently managing thermal conditions and maintaining stability at different temperatures.
ADC12 Aluminum Applications
ADC12 aluminum combines excellent castability, corrosion resistance, and dimensional stability, making it particularly suitable for applications that require precision and durable components.
Automotive
ADC12 aluminum is widely used in the automotive industry for the production of important components such as cylinder heads, gearbox housings, oil pans, valve covers, and mounting brackets.
Industrial Equipment
ADC12 is often used in industrial applications to manufacture components exposed to corrosive environments, such as pump housings and valve bodies.
Its corrosion resistance ensures reliable performance and service life of components under harsh conditions.
Household Appliances
Household appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, and kitchen equipment often use ADC12 components.
This alloy can produce complex and durable parts at a lower cost, making it a practical choice for home appliance manufacturers.
Electronic Devices
ADC12 aluminum is ideal for electronic components such as heat sinks, casings, and structural frames.
Its excellent thermal conductivity ensures efficient heat dissipation, while its corrosion resistance enhances durability, making it suitable for devices exposed to harsh environments, such as outdoor LED lighting.
ADC12 Aluminum vs. A380 Aluminum
ADC12 and A380 are two aluminum alloys widely used in die casting, both offer unique advantages and applications.
ADC12 comes with excellent castability and corrosion resistance, making it an excellent choice for producing durable parts that work under harsh environments.
On the other hand, A380 aluminum has higher mechanical strength and machinability, making it ideal for structural applications and projects that require extensive post-processing.
In terms of applications, ADC12 is often the preferred choice for automotive parts and outdoor products due to its excellent moisture and corrosion resistance.
Meanwhile, A380 aluminum is a suitable choice for industrial equipment and general castings, as its balanced strength and cost-effectiveness are excellent.
Table 1: Elemental Composition Comparison
|
Element |
ADC12 Aluminum (%) | A380 Aluminum (%) |
|
Aluminum (Al) |
84 – 87 | 83.3 – 88.3 |
|
Silicon (Si) |
9.6 – 12 | 7.5 – 9.5 |
|
Magnesium (Mg) |
≤0.3 | 0.1 – 0.35 |
|
Copper (Cu) |
1.5 – 3.5 | 3.0 – 4.0 |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤1.0 |
≤3.0 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤1.3 |
≤2.0 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤0.5 |
≤0.5 |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤0.5 |
≤0.5 |
| Tin (Sn) | ≤0.35 |
≤0.35 |
Table 2: Mechanical Properties Comparison
|
Property |
ADC12 Aluminum | A380 Aluminum |
|
Tensile Strength (MPa) |
150 – 200 | 210 – 250 |
|
Yield Strength (MPa) |
100 – 150 |
120 – 170 |
| Elongation (%) | 5 – 10 |
3 – 8 |
| Hardness (HB) | 40 – 60 |
60 – 80 |
Table 3: Physical and Chemical Properties Comparison
|
Property |
ADC12 Aluminum | A380 Aluminum |
|
Density (g/cm³) |
2.65 – 2.75 | 2.68 |
|
Melting Point (°C) |
580 – 650 | 566 – 632 |
|
Electrical Conductivity (% IACS) |
30 – 35 |
30 – 35 |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (10^-6 /°C) | 20 – 22 |
21.8 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | 130 – 150 |
96 |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good |
Good |
Table 4: Applications Comparison
|
Application Fields |
ADC12 Aluminum | A380 Aluminum |
|
Automotive |
transmission housings, oil pump housings, valve bodies | suspension arms, wheels, truck frames |
|
Industrial Equipment |
motor housings, gearbox housings, pump components |
robotic arms, machine frames, support brackets |
| Household Appliances | washing machine drums, motor end covers, fan blades |
refrigerator door frames, air conditioner condensers, heater elements |
| Electronic Devices | heat sinks, connectors, enclosures, LED light housings |
laptop cases, smartphone frames, heat sinks |
Can ADC12 Aluminum Be Heat-Treated?
No, ADC12 aluminum cannot undergo traditional heat treatment processes such as solid solution treatment or aging treatment because its composition and microstructure have been optimized for casting applications.
These processes have little impact on ADC12 and are therefore not suitable for strengthening through heat treatment.
However, minor heat treatments such as stress relief annealing can be performed to reduce internal stress or improve the dimensional stability of castings.
These treatments will not significantly improve the mechanical properties of the alloy but are very useful for specific applications such as electronic casings.
What Is ADC12 Aluminum Equivalent to?
|
ISO Standard (International) |
GB Standard (China) | UNS ASTM (The US) | ANSI (The US) | JIS Standard (Japan) | EN Standard (Europe) | BS Standard (UK) | DIN Standard (Germany) |
| AlSi9Cu3(Fe) | YL113 | A383 | A383 | ADC12 | EN AC-46000 | LM24 |
G-AlSi9Cu3 |
Why ADC12 Aluminum Is Suitable for High-Pressure Die Casting?
ADC12 aluminum offers excellent fluidity, making it ideal for high-pressure die casting.
Under high injection pressure, the alloy flows smoothly, accurately filling complex molds and producing thin-walled components with fine geometric details and minimal defects.
During high-pressure die casting, materials face intense mechanical and thermal stresses.
ADC12 is engineered to withstand these conditions without cracking, deforming, or losing structural integrity, ensuring consistent quality in batch production.
ADC12 also provides exceptional dimensional stability, maintaining uniformity during rapid solidification.
This ensures that castings meet strict tolerances and precise specifications, making ADC12 a reliable choice for demanding applications.
ADC12 Aluminum High-Pressure Die Casting by CEX Casting
Cases
At CEX Casting, we utilize high-pressure die casting technology to produce ADC12 aluminum components with excellent dimensional accuracy, high precision, and minimal defects.
We have successfully manufactured a wide range of ADC12 castings, including housings and heatsinks for disinfection lamps, components for rolling shutters, parts for elevators, and casings for power tools.
Our high-pressure die casting process ensures the reliability and precision required to meet the strict demands of various industries.
Conclusion
ADC12 aluminum remains the cornerstone of the die casting industry, achieving a balance between cost, precision, and reliability.
Whether you are in the automotive, electronics, or industrial fields, CEX Casting ensures the premium ADC12 aluminum die casting services tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to discuss your project and learn how we can take your next project from design to reality.