As the owner of CEX Casting, I have encountered many challenges and opportunities throughout the entire process of company development.
An impressive memory involves an urgent request from a major automotive customer for high-performance components that can only be achieved through advanced casting technology.
This situation has led us to improve material selection to ensure first-class quality and performance, which is crucial for our reputation and customer satisfaction.
CEX Casting mainly produces squeeze casting products using A380, A356, A356.2, AlSi10Mg, AlSi9Cu3, A319, and A319S aluminum alloys. These materials have been selected for their superior mechanical properties and adaptability to squeeze casting technology, making them ideal for producing defect-free and durable components that meet strict industry standards.
Understanding the importance of material properties in casting can significantly impact the outcome and quality of the final product.
For those interested in squeeze casting technology or those who wish to collaborate with us, it is crucial to understand the materials we use and their advantages.
A380 Aluminum Alloy
Alloying Elements
A380 aluminum alloy is widely used in the squeeze casting industry, including various alloying elements that can enhance its performance in specific applications.
| Elements | Descriptions |
| Silicon (Si) | Usually about 7.5% to 9.5%, silicon is the main alloying element that can significantly improve the fluidity of the alloy and reduce shrinkage. |
| Iron (Fe) | The iron content is about 0.6% to 1.3%, which can improve strength and hardness, but must be controlled to avoid brittleness. |
| Copper (Cu) | Usually around 3.0%-4.0%, copper can enhance strength and hardness, helping to improve the durability of alloys. |
| Manganese (Mn) | The manganese content is relatively low, about 0.3%, which can improve strength but will not hurt ductility. |
| Magnesium (Mg) | Approximately 0.1% to 0.5% magnesium can increase strength and improve corrosion resistance. |
| Nickel (Ni) | Adding a small amount of nickel, usually less than 0.5%, to improve toughness. |
| Zinc (Zn) | Usually less than 3%, zinc can improve strength. |
| Tin (Sn) | Usually, the content is very small and has a subtle impact on the properties of the alloy. |
Mechanical Properties of A380 Squeeze Castings by CEX
The mechanical properties of A380 make it highly suitable for withstanding mechanical stress and significant loads, making it an excellent choice for structural components.
The following figure is the mechanical property inspection report of our A380 squeeze castings.
Advantages
A380 aluminum alloy comes with several obvious advantages:
Excellent Fluidity: crucial for achieving complex details and shapes in castings.
Good Machinability: makes post-processing easier, allowing for fine surface treatment and strict tolerances.
High Strength and Hardness: ensure the durability and lifespan of castings.
Good Corrosion Resistance: suitable for parts exposed to harsh environments.
Cost-Effectiveness: providing a good balance between performance and cost, which is beneficial for large-scale production.
Heat Treatment Compatibility
Although A380 can undergo heat treatment processes such as T5 (artificial aging) to improve its mechanical properties, this is usually unnecessary due to the inherent strength of the alloy.
If the application requires heat treatment, this processing can enhance specific features.
Cases by CEX Casting
At CEX Casting, we extensively use A380 aluminum alloy, especially in the production of parts that require high durability and precision.
Pump Parts: this product is porosity-free and has zero leakage under 100 PSI pressure, meeting high resistance and air-tightness requirements.
The entire surface is free from shrinkage, pits, dents, or scratches.
A356 Aluminum Alloy
Alloying Elements
A356 aluminum alloy is a popular choice in the squeeze casting industry, as its impressive alloying elements enhance its mechanical properties and usability.
| Elements | Descriptions |
| Silicon (Si) | Usually about 6.5-7.5%, silicon is the primary alloying element, enhancing the fluidity and reducing the shrinkage of the alloy. |
| Magnesium (Mg) | Approximately 0.25-0.45%, magnesium increases strength, improves ductility, and makes the alloy easier to process. |
| Titanium (Ti) | Usually very low content, about 0.2%, adding to refine grain size and improve mechanical properties. |
| Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), and Manganese (Mn) | The content of these elements is very low, usually less than 0.2% each, and can be further adjusted for strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance. |
Mechanical Properties of A356 Squeeze Castings by CEX
The mechanical properties of A356 aluminum alloy make it suitable for high-integrity applications.
The following figure is the mechanical property inspection report of our A356 squeeze castings.
Advantages
A356 aluminum alloy comes with several advantages as follows:
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: it is ideal for applications where weight reduction without compromising strength is critical.
Excellent Castability: its composition allows for sharp, clear casting with minimal defects.
Superior Corrosion Resistance: it is suitable for outdoor applications and those exposed to moisture environments.
Good Machinability and Weldability: it facilitates easy machining and welding, which is important for complex assemblies.
Heat Treatment Compatibility
A356 is highly responsive to heat treatments like T6, which includes solution heat treatment followed by artificial aging.
This process significantly enhances its strength and mechanical properties, making it adaptable to stringent application requirements.
Cases by CEX Casting
At CEX Casting, we utilize A356 aluminum alloy for various critical applications, especially in situations where durability and accuracy are crucial.
Hydraulic Brake Parts: this product has no internal pores and is free from oil leakage, complying with high resistance and air-tightness requirements.
The entire surface comes with no shrinkage, pits, dents, or scratches.
Folding Parts: the mechanical properties of this product meet the customer’s high-strength requirements:
Yield Strength: 250 MPa
Tensile Strength: 300 MPa
Hardness: 92 Hb
A356.2 Aluminum Alloy
Alloying Elements
A356.2 aluminum alloy is a modified version of the A356 alloy, and it is optimized for certain casting requirements and applications.
It shares many elements with A356 but with slight adjustments to enhance specific properties.
| Elements | Descriptions |
| Silicon (Si) | Ranges from 6.5% to 7.5%, like A356, improving the fluidity and reducing the shrinkage during casting. |
| Magnesium (Mg) | Typically around 0.25% to 0.45%, magnesium enhances the strength and ductility of the alloy. |
| Titanium (Ti) | Added up to 0.2% to refine the grain size, which in turn enhances the mechanical properties of the alloy. |
| Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), and Manganese (Mn) | These elements are present in very small quantities, similar to A356, and contribute to the overall strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance. |
Mechanical Properties of A356.2 Squeeze Castings by CEX
The mechanical properties of A356.2 are similar to A356, but with slightly adjusted values which may vary a little depending on specific heat treatment processes.
The following figure is the mechanical property inspection report of our A356.2 squeeze castings.
Advantages
A356.2 comes with several advantages that make it desirable for high-performance applications:
Enhanced Mechanical Properties: slightly modified from A356 for better performance in specific applications.
Excellent Castability and Weldability: easy to cast into complex shapes and can be welded by standard techniques.
Superior Corrosion Resistance: particularly useful in environments prone to corrosion, such as marine or industrial applications.
Good Machinability: the composition allows for easy machining, which is crucial for finishing processes.
Heat Treatment Compatibility
Like A356, A356.2 is very responsive to heat treatments, particularly the T6 temper, including solution heat treatment and artificial aging.
The treatment can strengthen its mechanical properties, making it more suitable and efficient for strict requirements.
Cases by CEX Casting
At CEX Casting, we have successfully applied A356.2 aluminum alloy in several particular applications, where some slight modifications in the properties of A356 are helpful.
Flanges: these two products come with no pores inside and have zero leakage under 7 bar pressure, meeting the requirements of high resistance and air-tightness.
The entire surface is free from shrinkage, pits, dents, or scratches.
Folding Parts: this product was previously manufactured by hot forging, and now requires squeeze casting to reduce following machining costs but also meets mechanical properties similar to hot forging:
Yield Strength: 240 MPa
Tensile Strength: 280 MPa
Hardness: 90 Hb
Connecting Parts: these two products were previously manufactured by steel casting, now changed to aluminum squeeze casting, reducing weight by more than 50% while ensuring the strength meets customer needs.
AlSi10Mg
Alloying Elements
AlSi10Mg is a high-strength aluminum alloy, which can be cast and has good mechanical properties. It is commonly used in additive manufacturing and casting.
| Elements | Descriptions |
| Silicon (Si) | The content is about 9.0%-11.0%, which can improve fluidity and reduce shrinkage during solidification. It is necessary for achieving fine detail and complex shapes in castings. |
| Magnesium (Mg) | The content is about 0.2%-0.45%, which can enhance the strength and hardness of the alloy, and improve corrosion resistance. |
| Iron (Fe) | The content is generally controlled within 0.55% because higher Fe content will make the alloy brittle. |
| Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Titanium (Ti) | Trace elements, usually less than 0.5%, can fine-tune the mechanical properties of the alloy and refine the grain size. |
Mechanical Properties of AlSi10Mg Squeeze Castings by CEX
AlSi10Mg comes with good mechanical properties, which makes it suitable for a wide range of high-performance applications.
The following figure is the mechanical property inspection report of our AlSi10Mg squeeze castings.
Advantages
AlSi10Mg comes with several advantages that make it highly desirable for casting and additive manufacturing:
Excellent Castability: high silicon content improves fluidity, making it easy to cast complex and intricate shapes with high precision.
Good Mechanical Strength and Hardness: offers a balanced combination of strength and hardness, suitable for structural components.
Corrosion Resistance: magnesium improves the alloy’s resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for applications exposed to harsh environments.
Good Thermal Conductivity: ideal for heat exchangers and components requiring efficient heat dissipation.
Weldability: can be welded using conventional welding techniques, useful for assemblies that require joining multiple parts.
Heat Treatment Compatibility
AlSi10Mg can be subjected to various heat treatment processes to enhance its mechanical properties.
The most common heat treatment for this alloy is T6 (solution heat treatment followed by artificial aging), which significantly improves strength and hardness.
Cases by CEX Casting
At CEX Casting, we have successfully applied AlSi10Mg for various high-performance applications, taking advantage of its superior castability and mechanical properties.
Drones Parts: this product is used for drones, requiring lightweight construction, high strength, and good thermal conductivity.
AlSi10Mg perfectly meets the requirements, enhancing the performance and durability of drones.
AlSi9Cu3
Alloying Elements
AlSi9Cu3 is a popular aluminum alloy for casting due to its excellent mechanical properties and ease of casting.
| Elements | Descriptions |
| Silicon (Si) | Approximately 8.0% to 11.0%, silicon enhances fluidity and reduces shrinkage during solidification. |
| Copper (Cu) | Around 2.0% to 4.0%, copper significantly increases strength and hardness. |
| Iron (Fe) | Typically up to 1.3%, iron improves strength and wear resistance but must be controlled to avoid brittleness. |
| Magnesium (Mg) | Usually less than 0.55%, it contributes to strength and machinability. |
| Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Zinc (Zn), and Tin (Sn) | Present in smaller quantities (usually less than 0.5% each), these elements help fine-tune mechanical properties and enhance corrosion resistance. |
Mechanical Properties of AlSi9Cu3 Squeeze Castings by CEX
The robust mechanical properties of AlSi9Cu3 make it suitable for various demanding applications.
The following figure is the mechanical property inspection report of our AlSi9Cu3 squeeze castings.
Advantages
AlSi9Cu3 provides several advantages that make it highly desirable for casting applications:
Excellent Castability: high silicon content improves fluidity, making it easy to cast complex shapes with high precision.
High Mechanical Strength and Hardness: copper significantly enhances strength and hardness, suitable for structural components.
Good Wear Resistance: the presence of copper and iron improves wear resistance, ideal for parts subjected to friction and mechanical stress.
Good Machinability: the alloy can be easily machined, suitable for components that require tight tolerances and fine finishes.
Heat Treatment Compatibility
AlSi9Cu3 can be subjected to various heat treatment processes to enhance its mechanical properties.
Common treatments include solution heat treatment followed by aging, which can significantly improve strength and hardness.
Cases by CEX Casting
At CEX Casting, we have successfully applied AlSi9Cu3 for various high-performance applications, especially in the automotive and industrial sectors.
Transmission Housing: this product is used for auto transmission, requiring excellent strength, high thermal conductivity, and good chemical resistance.
Due to the high content of copper (Cu), AlSi9Cu3 can maintain its strength even when heated to high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for producing auto-engine components.
A319 Aluminum Alloy
Alloying Elements
A319 is a popular aluminum alloy for casting, particularly valued for its performance under heat and pressure.
| Elements | Descriptions |
| Silicon (Si) | Typically between 5.5% to 6.5%, silicon helps to improve the fluidity and feeding characteristics of the molten alloy, making it ideal for complex castings. |
| Copper (Cu) | Around 3% to 4%, copper significantly increases strength and hardness. |
| Magnesium (Mg) | Usually around 0.20% to 0.45%, magnesium enhances the mechanical properties, especially strength and ductility. |
| Iron (Fe) | Generally maintained at a low level, around 1.2%, to minimize its impact on castability and ductility. |
| Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni) | These elements are added in smaller amounts to fine-tune the alloy’s properties, with each contributing to strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance. |
Mechanical Properties of A319 Squeeze Castings by CEX
A319 is designed for high-performance applications, the following figure is the mechanical property inspection report of our A319 squeeze castings.
Advantages
A319 offers several major advantages that make it the preferred choice for a variety of industrial applications:
Excellent Castability: high fluidity allows the casting of complex shapes and details.
Good Thermal Properties: maintaining strength and stability at elevated temperatures, which is suitable for engine components and similar applications.
High Strength and Hardness: durable and wear-resistant, which is essential to withstand mechanical stresses.
Corrosion Resistance: providing good corrosion resistance to extend the lifespan of castings.
Heat Treatment Compatibility
A319 is very responsive to heat treatment, especially T6 tempering (solution heat treatment followed by artificial aging).
This treatment can improve its strength, hardness, and other mechanical properties so that it can be used for many demanding applications.
Cases by CEX Casting
CEX Casting utilizes the characteristics of A319 to produce parts that require high performance under thermal stress and mechanical loads.
Water Pump Connector: this product was previously produced by traditional die casting, now changed to squeeze casting to achieve zero internal porosity, meeting the requirements of high resistance and air-tightness.
The entire surface is free from shrinkage, pits, dents, or scratches.
Valve Parts: this product is porosity-free and meets the requirements of high resistance and air-tightness.
The entire surface comes with no shrinkage, pits, dents, or scratches.
A319S Aluminum Alloy
Alloying Elements
A319S is a variant of the A319 aluminum alloy designed to enhance performance in specific applications.
It includes similar alloying elements to the A319 but may have slight adjustments to target performance.
| Elements | Descriptions |
| Silicon (Si) | Typically around 5.5% to 6.5%, this element improves flow, reduces shrinkage during casting, and is critical for achieving fine detail in complex parts. |
| Copper (Cu) | Ranging from 3% to 4%, copper is key to increasing strength and hardness. |
| Magnesium (Mg) | Typically about 0.20%-0.45%, magnesium increases strength while improving ductility and heat resistance. |
| Iron (Fe) | Keep it low (about 1.2%) to avoid compromising the castability and machinability of the alloy. |
| Trace elements such as Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), and Nickel (Ni) | Added in small amounts to fine-tune the overall properties of the alloy and enhance toughness and corrosion resistance. |
Mechanical Properties of A319S Squeeze Castings by CEX
A319S has similar mechanical properties to the A319 but can be slightly improved for special applications.
The following figure is the mechanical property inspection report of our A319S squeeze castings.
Advantages
A319S provides several advantages that make it particularly useful in demanding applications:
Excellent Castability: the high flowability of A319S makes it ideal for high-precision casting of complex geometries.
Enhanced Thermal Properties: maintaining strength and stability at high temperatures, ideal for parts exposed to long-term thermal stress.
Robust Mechanical Strength and Hardness: ensuring durability and resistance to mechanical stress.
Good Corrosion Resistance: improving the service life and reliability of parts in corrosive environments.
Heat Treatment Compatibility
A319S can be heat treated, such as T6 tempering (solution heat treatment followed by artificial aging), just like A319.
This process further improves its mechanical properties, enabling it to meet strict requirements.
Cases by CEX Casting
At CEX Casting, A319S has been utilized effectively to produce high-performance parts, especially where enhanced thermal properties and mechanical strength are needed:
Folding Parts: the lifespan of this product has doubled via squeeze casting process compared to the previous die casting version.
Its mechanical properties comply with customer requirements:
Yield Strength: 240 MPa
Tensile Strength: 310 MPa
Hardness: 95 Hb
Conclusion
At CEX Casting, we choose casting materials based on our commitment to quality and the specific requirements of our customers.
We continually improve and strictly control quality to make sure that every product can not only meet but exceed the expectations of the industries.
Our chosen materials A380, A356, A356.2, AlSi10Mg, AlSi9Cu3, A319, and A319S aluminum alloys are fundamental to our mission of delivering superior casting solutions to enhance the mechanical properties and lifespan of the product, no matter whether for automotive, aerospace, or industrial applications.
Please feel free to contact us for more details about our squeeze casting process and cases.