A360 aluminum alloy is a high-silicon aluminium alloy die casting material that is widely recognized for its excellent corrosion resistance, good fluidity, and excellent air tightness. It is suitable for producing die casting parts with thin walls, complex structures, high dimensional accuracy, and strong durability. With excellent mechanical properties and a smooth casting surface, A360 die casting aluminum is very suitable for demanding industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics.
This article will take a deep look at the chemical composition, mechanical properties, key advantages, limitations, and typical applications of A360. Read on to learn what makes this alloy a preferred material for the production of precision die casting components.
Chemical Composition of A360 Aluminum Alloy
|
Element |
Content (wt%) |
|
Silicon (Si) |
9.0 – 10.0% |
| Magnesium (Mg) |
0.4 – 0.6% |
|
Copper (Cu) |
≤0.6% |
| Iron (Fe) |
≤1.3% |
|
Zinc (Zn) |
≤0.5% |
| Manganese (Mn) |
≤0.35% |
|
Titanium (Ti) |
≤0.25% |
| Aluminum (Al) |
Balance |
Mechanical Properties of A360 Aluminum Alloy (As-Cast)
|
Property |
Typical Value (As-Cast) |
|
Tensile Strength |
~317 MPa |
|
Yield Strength |
~159 MPa |
| Elongation |
~1.5% |
| Hardness |
~70HB |
Physical Properties of A360 Aluminum Alloy
|
Property |
Typical Value |
|
Thermal Conductivity |
~96–110 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity |
~27–33% IACS |
|
Density |
~2.66 g/cm³ |
| Thermal Expansion |
~19–22 µm/m·°C |
|
Melting Range |
~570–595°C |
| Specific Heat Capacity |
~0.963 J/g·°C |
Key Benefits of A360 Alloy
Excellent Corrosion Resistance
The high content of silicon in A360 promotes the spontaneous formation of a dense oxide film, while the low copper content reduces the electrochemical reaction rate, thereby significantly improving its corrosion resistance.
Excellent Casting Performance
The silicon content of more than 9% improves the fluidity and filling capacity in the molten state, reduces die casting defects such as cold shut and shrinkage, and ensures that complex structures can also be formed in one go.
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio
Magnesium and silicon form a fine reinforcement phase to enhance the strength of the metal matrix, while the overall low-density characteristics give it an excellent lightweight structural advantage.
Excellent Air Tightness
Advanced melting control and high silicon and low impurity design make its internal structure dense, with extremely low porosity, and have a stable sealing ability to withstand long-term pressure without leakage.
Excellent Surface Finish
The uniform distribution of silicon particles during solidification improves the integrity of the as-cast surface, making the die casting products naturally smooth and convenient for subsequent spraying or assembly.
Good Thermal Stability
The silicon and magnesium phases in the alloy have good thermal stability, which can maintain structural integrity at high temperatures and avoid softening, creep, and dimensional changes.
Limitations and Precautions of A360 Alloy
High Processing Difficulty
The high silicon content causes severe tool wear and makes it more prone to brittle cracking during processing.
Carbide or diamond-coated tools are required, and cutting parameters are controlled.
High Material Cost
Compared with the commonly used A380 alloy, A360 is more expensive.
However, its excellent corrosion resistance and low defect rate can reduce the overall cost of use and are a strategic investment for high-performance, long-life applications.
Poor Welding Performance
A360 is not suitable for traditional welding and is prone to pores and cracks, especially in thin-walled parts.
It is recommended to achieve component bonding through mechanical connection or mold integration design.
Comparison of A360 with Other Die Casting Aluminum Alloys
|
Property / Alloy |
A360 | A380 | ADC12 | A356 |
|
Corrosion Resistance |
Excellent | Moderate | Moderate | Very good |
| Castability | Very high | High | High |
Average |
|
Machinability |
Challenging | Easy | Easy | Moderate |
| Cost | Higher | Economical | Economical |
Higher |
|
Surface Finish |
Excellent | Good | Good | Very good |
| Pressure Tightness | Superior | Standard | Standard |
Good |
|
Strength |
High | Medium to high | Medium | High |
| Thermal Conductivity | High | Moderate | Moderate |
High |
|
Application Suitability |
Automotive, electronics, and pressure systems | General-purpose and consumer electronics | General-purpose and appliances | Aerospace and structural parts |
Application Areas of A360 Aluminum Alloy
Automotive Parts
Widely used in engine covers, gearbox housings, sensor brackets, and mounting brackets.
Its corrosion resistance and airtightness meet automotive-grade standards and can withstand heat, vibration, and oil environments.
Aerospace Parts
Used for equipment housings, control unit housings, and sensor brackets, it has the advantage of being lightweight while maintaining durability, and is an ideal material for non-structural aviation parts.
Electronic Products
Suitable for manufacturing power supply housings, electromagnetic shielding housings, and heat dissipation modules.
Good thermal conductivity helps to reduce equipment temperature, and the delicate casting surface supports direct PCB installation and sealing.
Medical and Industrial Equipment
Used for pneumatic valves, fluid control bodies, and durable instrument housings. It has good hygiene, stability, and corrosion resistance, suitable for clean rooms and harsh industrial environments.
Consumer Products
Suitable for power tools, small appliances, and electronic product housings.
Designers can use A360 to cast thin, beautiful, and strong parts while maintaining structural strength and surface quality, while reducing material usage.
Post-Processing and Finishing of A360 Alloy
Surface Treatment
A360 is compatible with processes such as powder spraying, anodizing, and painting, which can enhance corrosion resistance and aesthetics.
Its smooth casting surface is conducive to uniform and firm coating adhesion.
CNC Machining
Although machining is difficult, high-precision machining can be achieved under reasonable settings.
Common post-processing includes sealing surfaces, mounting holes, and thread processing.
The use of lubricants and good chip removal systems can improve the machining effect.
Dimensional Accuracy
A360 castings provide near-net shape and good dimensional control capabilities.
Most features can directly meet the final tolerance requirements, reducing the need for subsequent machining, saving cost and time.
When to Choose A360 Aluminum
Highly Corrosive Environments
A360 performs well in environments exposed to salt spray, moisture, or chemicals for a long time.
Suitable for marine accessories, off-road vehicle housings, and chemical instruments.
Thin-Walled and Lightweight Structural Parts
When weight reduction is required, such as in electric vehicles, robots, or aviation brackets, A360 can achieve wall thickness design below 2mm while ensuring dimensional accuracy and consistency.
Parts Requiring Airtightness
Such as oil pumps, fuel system housings, air compressors, etc., A360’s dense organizational structure and low porosity ensure long-term sealing reliability, making it the preferred material for hydraulic systems and key seals.
Parts with Complex Structures
Suitable for parts with small heat sinks, internal threads, logo engraving, or internal reinforcement ribs, A360’s high fluidity can accurately replicate mold details, improve function and appearance, and reduce secondary processing.
CEX Casting’s Expertise in A360 Aluminum Alloy
Expert Casting Experience
CEX Casting has extensive experience in processing high-silicon aluminum alloys such as A360, especially for applications with complex structures and high precision requirements.
Relying on advanced mold flow analysis and independent mold design and manufacturing capabilities, it ensures good molten metal fluidity and minimal casting defects, perfectly meeting the thin-wall and high-detail casting needs of A360.
Quality & Performance Assurance
CEX has a complete quality inspection system, including spectral analysis, X-ray flaw detection, and mechanical performance testing, to ensure that A360 castings have stable composition and structure.
Combined with high-precision CNC machining and surface treatment processes such as powder spraying, the product can be used stably and long-term in scenarios with high air tightness and high corrosion resistance requirements.
Conclusion
A360 aluminum alloy stands out in the die casting process industry for its corrosion resistance, strength, and excellent casting performance.
It supports the manufacture of thin-walled, high-precision, and high-airtightness key die casting products, and is widely used in the automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries.
As a trusted die casting supplier, CEX Casting provides a one-stop A360 solution from mold to finished product and strictly controls every quality link.
Contact us today to start your next A360 aluminum die casting project.