This article covers the classification of aluminum die casting materials, their main alloying elements, common material brands, and their applications. Keep reading to make informed decisions when choosing the right material for your needs.
Classification by Alloying Elements
Aluminum-Silicon (Al-Si) Alloy
Al-Si alloys are the most widely used die casting alloys of aluminum due to their excellent fluidity and castability.
They offer good mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for automotive and industrial applications.
Aluminum-Copper (Al-Cu) Alloy
Al-Cu alloys provide higher strength but moderate corrosion resistance.
These alloys are commonly used for high-performance aluminum die casting parts that require superior mechanical properties, such as aerospace and heavy machinery parts.
Aluminum-Magnesium (Al-Mg) Alloy
Al-Mg alloys are known for their lightweight properties and exceptional corrosion resistance.
These qualities make them suitable for marine applications and structural components requiring long-term durability.
Aluminum-Zinc (Al-Zn) Alloy
Al-Zn alloys offer high strength but lower castability compared to other aluminum die casting materials.
They are mainly used for specialized industrial applications where strength is a priority over castability.
Classification by International Standards
ASTM/AA (North America)
A380: The most commonly used alloy, offering a good balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and castability.
A360: Higher corrosion resistance and improved ductility compared to A380 but requires more precise casting conditions.
ADC12: A widely used equivalent of A380, offering similar properties with good cost-effectiveness.
A319: Known for its excellent machinability and thermal resistance, making it ideal for engine components.
A390: High wear resistance and excellent strength, often used in high-performance engine components and automotive applications.
A383 & A384: Modified versions of A380 with better resistance to hot cracking and improved fluidity.
EN (Europe)
EN AC-46000: One of the most popular European die-casting alloys, similar to A380, with good castability and mechanical strength.
EN AC-47100: Provides high corrosion resistance and excellent thermal conductivity, often used in electronic and heat dissipation applications.
EN AC-43500: Offers a combination of strength and corrosion resistance, ideal for structural components.
EN AC-44300: High silicon and magnesium content enhances wear resistance and mechanical properties, making it suitable for high-performance applications.
EN AC-46500: Used for automotive and industrial parts requiring good thermal stability and wear resistance.
ISO (International Standard)
AlSi10Mg: Known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, widely used in aerospace and automotive applications.
AlSi12Cu: Offers improved fluidity and castability, making it suitable for thin-walled components.
AlSi9Cu3: A high-strength alloy commonly used in industrial machinery and automotive engine components.
AlSi7Mg: Provides good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, ideal for marine and structural applications.
AlSi9Mg: Combines good strength and corrosion resistance, often used in lightweight automotive and aerospace parts.
Key Properties and Influencing Elements
Key Properties and Influencing ElementsStrength and Hardness
Higher copper (Cu) and magnesium (Mg) content increases the alloy’s tensile strength. Zinc (Zn) further enhances strength but may reduce corrosion resistance.
Corrosion Resistance
Magnesium (Mg) improves corrosion resistance, making Al-Mg alloys an excellent choice for marine environments.
Manganese (Mn) helps prevent intergranular corrosion and enhances durability.
Castability and Flowability
A high silicon (Si) content improves fluidity, reduces shrinkage defects, and optimizes the die casting aluminum process.
However, excessive iron (Fe) can make the material brittle and reduce ductility.
Comparison of Common Aluminum Alloy Die Casting Materials
Comparison of Mechanical Properties (After Die Casting)
|
Aluminum Alloy |
Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (HB) |
|
A380 |
220 | 120 | 1.5 | 60 |
| A360 | 220 | 120 | 2.0 |
60 |
|
ADC12 |
200 | 100 | 2.0 | 60 |
| A319 | 180 | 90 | 2.0 |
55 |
|
A390 |
400 | 350 | 0.5 | 110 |
| A383 & A384 | 270 | 150 | 2.5 |
70 |
|
EN AC-46000 |
220 | 120 | 2.5 | 60 |
| EN AC-47100 | 200 | 100 | 3.0 |
60 |
|
EN AC-43500 |
230 | 120 | 3.5 | 70 |
| EN AC-44300 | 250 | 130 | 3.5 |
75 |
|
EN AC-46500 |
240 | 120 | 3.0 | 70 |
| AlSi10Mg | 210 | 120 | 3.5 |
65 |
|
AlSi12Cu |
190 | 90 | 3.5 | 60 |
| AlSi9Cu3 | 200 | 100 | 3.5 |
65 |
|
AlSi7Mg |
220 | 120 | 4.0 |
75 |
| AlSi9Mg | 210 | 110 | 3.5 |
70 |
Comparison of Physical Properties
|
Aluminum Alloy |
Density (g/cm³) | Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (10⁻⁶/K) | Specific Heat Capacity (J/kg·K) | Electrical Conductivity (%IACS) | Melting Range (°C) |
|
A380 |
2.71 | 96 | 21.4 | 900 | 23 | 566-632 |
| A360 | 2.68 | 105 | 22.0 | 940 | 26 |
570-630 |
|
ADC12 |
2.74 | 98 | 21.2 | 920 | 24 | 560-620 |
| A319 | 2.70 | 100 | 21.6 | 910 | 25 |
570-630 |
|
A390 |
2.67 | 110 | 20.5 | 890 | 28 | 570-640 |
| A383 & A384 | 2.72 | 95 | 21.7 | 910 | 22 |
575-630 |
| EN AC-46000 | 2.71 | 97 | 21.5 | 900 | 24 |
565-630 |
|
EN AC-47100 |
2.70 | 102 | 21.0 | 915 | 25 | 560-625 |
| EN AC-43500 | 2.72 | 96 | 21.4 | 905 | 23 |
562-628 |
|
EN AC-44300 |
2.70 | 98 | 21.6 | 915 | 25 | 563-630 |
| EN AC-46500 | 2.71 | 97 | 21.5 | 910 | 24 |
564-632 |
|
AlSi10Mg |
2.68 | 108 | 22.0 | 940 | 27 | 570-635 |
| AlSi12Cu | 2.73 | 99 | 21.3 | 920 | 26 |
565-620 |
|
AlSi9Cu3 |
2.72 | 101 | 21.5 | 930 | 25 | 568-625 |
| AlSi7Mg | 2.70 | 104 | 21.2 | 928 | 26 |
569-627 |
|
AlSi9Mg |
2.69 | 107 | 22.2 | 938 | 26 |
569-634 |
Chemical Composition Comparison
|
Aluminum Alloy |
Si (%) | Cu (%) | Mg (%) | Fe (%) | Mn (%) | Zn (%) | Ni (%) | Ti (%) | Pb (%) |
| A380 | 7.5-9.5 | 3.0-4.0 | 0.1-0.5 | ≤0.6 | ≤0.5 | ≤3.0 | ≤0.5 | ≤0.2 |
≤0.1 |
|
A360 |
9.0-10.5 | 0.0-0.6 | 0.4-0.6 | ≤0.5 | ≤0.5 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.15 | ≤0.05 |
| ADC12 | 9.5-12.0 | 1.5-3.5 | 0.1-0.5 | ≤1.3 | ≤0.5 | ≤1.0 | ≤0.5 | ≤0.2 |
≤0.1 |
|
A319 |
5.5-6.5 | 3.0-4.0 | 0.3-0.6 | ≤0.6 | ≤0.5 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.05 |
| A390 | 16.0-18.0 | 0.0-0.3 | 0.45-0.65 | ≤0.7 | ≤0.3 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.2 |
≤0.05 |
|
A383 & A384 |
9.5-10.5 | 2.0-3.0 | 0.3-0.5 | ≤0.8 | ≤0.6 | ≤3.0 | ≤0.5 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.1 |
| EN AC-46000 | 8.0-11.0 | 1.0-2.5 | 0.2-0.6 | ≤0.8 | ≤0.5 | ≤2.5 | ≤0.3 | ≤0.15 |
≤0.1 |
|
EN AC-47100 |
7.5-9.5 | 0.5-1.5 | 0.2-0.5 | ≤0.7 | ≤0.5 | ≤1.5 | ≤0.3 | ≤0.15 | ≤0.1 |
| EN AC-43500 | 6.5-8.5 | 2.0-3.5 | 0.2-0.6 | ≤0.6 | ≤0.4 | ≤2.0 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.1 |
≤0.05 |
|
EN AC-44300 |
8.5-10.5 | 1.5-3.0 | 0.2-0.5 | ≤0.7 | ≤0.5 | ≤1.8 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.05 |
| EN AC-46500 | 7.0-9.0 | 1.0-2.5 | 0.2-0.6 | ≤0.7 | ≤0.5 | ≤2.2 | ≤0.3 | ≤0.15 |
≤0.1 |
|
AlSi10Mg |
9.0-11.0 | ≤0.5 | 0.2-0.6 | ≤0.6 | ≤0.4 | ≤1.0 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.15 | ≤0.05 |
| AlSi12Cu | 10.5-13.0 | 1.0-2.5 | 0.2-0.6 | ≤0.7 | ≤0.5 | ≤1.5 | ≤0.3 | ≤0.1 |
≤0.05 |
|
AlSi9Cu3 |
8.0-10.0 | 2.0-4.0 | 0.2-0.5 | ≤0.7 | ≤0.5 | ≤2.5 | ≤0.3 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.05 |
| AlSi7Mg | 6.5-8.5 | ≤0.5 | 0.3-0.7 | ≤0.6 | ≤0.4 | ≤1.0 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.15 |
≤0.05 |
|
AlSi9Mg |
8.0-10.0 | ≤0.5 | 0.3-0.7 | ≤0.6 | ≤0.4 | ≤1.5 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.15 |
≤0.05 |
Comparison of Application Fields
|
Aluminum Alloy |
Typical Applications |
|
A380 |
engine blocks, transmission housings, enclosures, power tools, automotive brackets, compressor housings |
| A360 |
aerospace enclosures, heat sinks, marine components, laptop casings, medical devices, gearbox casings |
|
ADC12 |
electronic enclosures, automotive parts, structural components, motor housings, LED lamp housings |
| A319 |
engine components, cylinder heads, intake manifolds, valve bodies, fuel system components, oil pans |
|
A390 |
high-wear components, engine blocks, pump housings, braking system components, transmission gears |
| A383 & A384 |
machinery equipment, industrial valves, gearboxes, hydraulic components, heat exchangers, motor brackets |
|
EN AC-46000 |
automotive components, machinery parts, structural applications, industrial equipment |
| EN AC-47100 |
heat exchangers, engine blocks, aerospace casings, high-strength connectors |
|
EN AC-43500 |
aerospace components, marine structures, transportation equipment, heavy-duty machinery parts |
| EN AC-44300 |
marine applications, electrical housings, automotive parts, power tools, industrial casings |
|
EN AC-46500 |
pressure die casting, lightweight structures, electronic control housings, automotive chassis |
| AlSi10Mg |
aerospace components, automotive chassis, industrial tooling, lightweight machine parts |
|
AlSi12Cu |
electrical housings, lightweight components, marine applications, high-durability parts |
| AlSi9Cu3 |
high-performance engine parts, industrial machinery, automotive transmission cases, powertrain parts |
|
AlSi7Mg |
corrosion-resistant parts, marine equipment, aerospace applications, industrial pumps |
| AlSi9Mg |
automotive parts, industrial machine components, structural housings, electronic casings |
Conclusion
Understanding aluminum die casting materials classifications and their key properties is crucial for selecting the best material for specific applications.
As a leading aluminum die casting manufacturer, CEX Casting has 29 years of expertise in die casting aluminum and offers professional recommendations to ensure the best balance of quality and cost-effectiveness for your products.
Contact us today to learn more about our aluminum die casting services and find the perfect solution for your project!