In the high-speed development of automotive manufacturing, lighter, stronger, and more durable components are always pursued.
Imagine you are an engineer, and now you have to choose between aluminum die casting and aluminum squeeze casting for a critical auto part.
This decision will affect the performance and reliability of your product greatly, demanding a careful evaluation of both casting methods.
Squeeze casting effectively eliminates internal porosity and supports T6 heat treatment to enhance the mechanical properties, making it ideal for high-strength applications. In contrast, high-pressure die casting tends to result in internal defects like porosity and shrinkage, preventing it from undergoing heat treatment to improve its properties.
As we delve deeper, you’ll discover the unique attributes of each casting method and how they stack up against each other in various aspects, ensuring you have all the information needed to make an informed decision.
Basic Process Principles
Aluminum Die Casting
Aluminum die casting is a high-pressure process that presses molten aluminum into a mould cavity made of hardened tool steel.
This method is efficient for large-scale production and allows for the creation of complex and precise parts with consistent quality.
Key Steps:
Melting the Aluminum Alloy: the aluminum alloy is heated until it becomes molten.
Injecting the Molten Aluminum: the molten aluminum is injected into the mould cavity under high pressure, usually ranging from 1,500 to 25,000 psi.
Cooling and Solidifying: the metal cools and solidifies quickly within the mould.
Ejecting the Finished Part: the solidified part is ejected from the mould, ready for any necessary finishing processes.
Aluminum Squeeze Casting
Aluminum squeeze casting is also called liquid metal forging, which combines casting and forging techniques.
At CEX Casting, we utilize the indirect squeeze casting method.
This method is to pour molten aluminum into a pre-heated mould cavity and apply high pressure through a punch to force the aluminum to fill the mould cavity completely.
The high pressure can eliminate porosity and improve the mechanical properties of the final product.
Key Steps:
Heating the Aluminum Alloy: heat the aluminum alloy till it’s molten.
Pouring the Molten Aluminum: pour the molten aluminum into an open mould.
Applying High Pressure: apply high pressure using a punch to make the molten aluminum fill the mould cavity and solidify under pressure.
Cooling and Solidifying: the metal cools and solidifies within the mould while under pressure, ensuring a dense and defect-free structure.
Removing the Solidified Part: remove the part from the mould after it’s fully solidified and cooled.
Comparison Summary
Pressure Application: in die casting, the molten aluminum is injected into the mould cavity by high pressure directly.
In indirect squeeze casting, the molten aluminum is poured into the mould first, and then pressure is applied indirectly, which ensures complete filling and solidification under pressure.
Porosity Reduction: indirect squeeze casting can minimize the porosity and improve the mechanical properties due to the high pressure during solidification.
However, the die casting may cause higher porosity for the parts though it is a highly efficient process.
Complexity and Precision: die casting is suitable for the parts with complex structure and high precision.
The indirect squeeze casting is better for the parts with high strength, fewer defects, and superior mechanical properties.
By understanding these basic processes, manufacturers can understand the special characteristics and advantages of each casting method.
This foundational knowledge is essential to deciding to select the casting method for specific applications.
Materials Used
Aluminum Die Casting
ADC12: it is the most popular alloy in aluminum die casting, featuring excellent fluidity, pressure tightness, and resistance to hot cracking. ADC12 is especially suitable for complicated thin-walled parts with intricate details.
A360: it comes with excellent corrosion resistance and higher strength, but it is also more difficult to cast. A360 is used for parts that require higher performance, especially in terms of strength-to-weight ratio.
A413: known for its excellent fluidity, it is an ideal choice for casting thin-walled or complex-shaped parts. A413 also comes with excellent pressure sealing properties, making it suitable for hydraulic components.
Aluminum Squeeze Casting
A380: it is characterized by good mechanical properties, excellent fluidity, and easy casting, which is widely used in various industrial applications.
A383: this alloy is similar to A380, but has better corrosion resistance and performance when casting complex and fine parts. When higher dimensional stability and durability are required, it is the preferred choice.
A356: a high-strength alloy with excellent ductility and good corrosion resistance, commonly used in automotive and aerospace applications where performance is critical.
A356.2: similar to A356 but with tighter control on impurities, offering improved mechanical properties and consistency.
AlSi10Mg: it is characterized by excellent casting characteristics, high strength, and good thermal properties, which are suitable for parts that require high mechanical performance and precision.
AlSi9Cu3: it offers a good balance of mechanical properties and castability, and is widely used in automotive applications for components that require high wear resistance and thermal conductivity.
A319: it is characterized by good casting characteristics, high strength, and pressure tightness, which is commonly used in engine components and other high-stress applications.
A319S: a variant of A319 with enhanced properties, suitable for applications that require improved mechanical performance and durability.
Learn more about aluminum alloys used in squeeze casting parts at CEX Casting.
Comparison Summary
Although both aluminum die casting and aluminum squeeze casting use high-quality aluminum alloys, the specific choices vary based on the desired properties of the final product.
Die Casting Alloys: ADC12 is favored for its ease of casting and ability to produce detailed and complex parts with high precision.
Squeeze Casting Alloys: alloys like A380, A356, and AlSi10Mg are chosen for their superior mechanical properties, reduced porosity, and enhanced mechanical performance, making them suitable for high-stress applications.
To meet the specific requirements of intended applications, manufacturers can optimize the quality and performance of their aluminum castings by selecting the appropriate alloy for each casting method.
Pros and Cons
Aluminum Die Casting
Pros
High Production Rate: aluminum die casting is ideal for high-volume production due to its rapid cycle times, making it a cost-effective method for producing large quantities of parts.
Complex Geometries: this process allows for the creation of intricate and complex shapes with tight tolerances and fine details, making it suitable for components that require precision.
Consistency: die casting provides uniformity and consistency in part quality, ensuring that each part meets the specified dimensions and properties.
Cons
Porosity: die casting parts are prone to porosity, which will affect the strength and integrity of the final product.
Limited Thickness: the process is less suitable for producing very thick sections due to cooling rate limitations, which can lead to internal shrinkage and cracks in the final product.
Initial Cost: high tooling and mould setup costs, which can be a significant investment for small production runs.
Aluminum Squeeze Casting
Pros
Reduced Porosity: the porosity in castings is significantly reduced, due to squeeze casting can minimize gas entrapment and shrinkage during solidification.
Mechanical Properties: squeeze casting produces parts with superior mechanical strength and ductility because it minimizes porosity and internal defects.
Surface Finish: parts produced by squeeze casting come with excellent surface finishes with fewer defects, reducing the need for additional finishing processes.
Versatility: this method is suitable for both thin and thick sections, making it adaptable to a wide range of part geometries and applications.
Cons
Production Rate: squeeze casting comes with a slower production rate compared to die casting due to longer cycle times, making it less suitable for very high-volume production.
Complexity: while squeeze casting produces high-quality parts, it is less effective for highly complex geometries compared to die casting.
The process may require additional steps to achieve intricate details.
Initial Cost: the tooling and equipment costs for squeeze casting are higher, which can be a barrier for small-scale production.
Learn more about the pros and cons of the aluminum squeeze casting process.
Comparison Summary
Mechanical Performance: squeeze casting offers better mechanical performance because of the high pressure applied during the solidification, which can result in parts with higher strength and ductility compared with die casting.
Surface Quality: both methods can obtain good surface finishes, but squeeze casting usually comes with fewer defects and better finish quality.
Part Complexity: die casting is good at making complex parts with fine details, while squeeze casting is better at producing parts with high strength and less porosity.
Production Efficiency: die casting is more efficient for mass production due to its high cycle times, while squeeze casting is slower but can produce parts with better mechanical properties.
Cost Considerations: die casting comes with high tooling costs at the beginning, but it is cost-effective for mass production.
Squeeze casting also has high tooling costs at the beginning, but it can provide better mechanical properties and quality, which is suitable for critical applications.
By understanding these pros and cons, manufacturers can select the most appropriate casting method based on the specific requirements of customers, ensuring the best balance between cost, quality, and performance.
Application Fields
Aluminum Die Casting
Aluminum die casting is widely used in industries requiring high-volume production of precise and complex parts.
Its ability to produce detailed and intricate components makes it suitable for a variety of applications.
Consumer Electronics
Housings and Enclosures: the housings of laptops, smartphones, and other electronic devices are made of die-cast aluminum, providing durability and heat dissipation.
Heat Sinks: heat sinks made of die-cast aluminum are indispensable for thermal performance management in electronic devices.
Household Appliances
Handles and Knobs: aluminum die casting is used to produce detailed and durable handles and knobs for various household appliances.
Components: parts like motor housings, gears, and structural elements in appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, and vacuum cleaners are usually made by die casting due to their precision and durability.
Lighting
Fixtures and Housings: die-cast aluminum is widely used for producing lighting fixtures and housings, offering strong and heat-resistant components for indoor and outdoor lighting solutions.
Industrial Machinery
Motors and Gearboxes: aluminum die casting is widely applied to manufacture parts for electric motors and gearboxes, ensuring durability and efficient heat dissipation.
Aluminum Squeeze Casting
Aluminum squeeze casting is a preferred choice for applications requiring high mechanical properties, excellent surface finish, and minimum porosity.
This process is particularly suitable for parts that need to withstand heavy loads and provide superior performance.
Automotive Industry
Structural Components: aluminum squeeze casting is widely applied to produce high-strength structural components, such as control arms, knuckles, and cross members.
Wheels: aluminum wheels produced by squeeze casting are well known for their strength and durability, providing better performance and safety.
Chassis Parts: components like subframes and suspension parts can benefit from the improved mechanical properties of squeeze-cast aluminum.
Aerospace Industry
Landing Gear Components: high-strength squeeze casting parts are widely used in landing gear assemblies due to their excellent performance in withstanding high stress and impact.
Engine Components: squeeze casting is widely applied to produce turbine blades and other critical engine parts that need high strength and precision.
Fluid Control
Pumps and Valves: squeeze casting is ideal for manufacturing high-strength and leak-proof components for pumps and valves used in fluid control systems.
Hydraulic Components: parts like hydraulic cylinders and pistons can benefit from the superior mechanical properties and reliability of squeeze-cast aluminum.
Energy Sector
Wind Turbine Components: squeeze casting is widely applied to manufacture components for wind turbines, such as hubs and blades, where strength and durability are critical.
Solar Panel Frames: high-strength aluminum frames for solar panels are produced by squeeze casting to ensure long-term durability and resistance to environmental stressors.
Power Generation Equipment: components for generators and other power generation equipment can benefit from the improved mechanical properties and minimum porosity of squeeze-cast aluminum.
Click here to learn more detailed info about the application fields of aluminum squeeze casting.
Comparison Summary
Both aluminum die casting and aluminum squeeze casting have their advantages, which make them suitable for different applications in various industries.
Die casting is favored for its ability to produce complex and intricate parts in high volumes, which makes it ideal for consumer electronics, household appliances, lighting, and industrial machinery applications.
Squeeze casting, on the other hand, is chosen for its superior mechanical properties and minimum porosity, which makes it suitable for high-performance applications in the automotive, aerospace, fluid control, and energy sectors.
Cases by CEX Casting
We have extensive experience in both aluminum die casting and aluminum squeeze casting.
With state-of-the-art equipment and patented technologies, we can deliver top-quality castings tailored to your requirements.
The following images are some typical products we have developed:
Conclusion
Choosing between aluminum die casting and aluminum squeeze casting depends on your specific needs and application requirements.
Die casting is ideal for the high-volume production of complex parts, while squeeze casting excels in producing high-strength components with superior surface finish.
At CEX Casting, we are equipped to provide you with expert guidance and high-quality parts regardless of the method you choose.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your manufacturing goals.