06Aug

Aluminum Die Casting: Alloy Information

It is not uncommon to have questions about die casting, aluminum die casting in particular.  With so many alloys available, it makes it difficult to differentiate the products. The question of which alloy to select for a particular part comes up very often during a product design review.

We offer five main types of aluminum alloys, each having a special characteristic of their own.  Many decisions are based off of the product being made and the durability it will require post production.

Lets discuss each alloy we offer and decipher when you should and should not use them.

Products are listed in ascending order.

380 Aluminum

  • Considered the basic “workhorse” of the die cast
  • Most widely used aluminum

360 Aluminum

  • Fitting for products the require higher corrosion resistance
  • Also caters to products that need improved pressure tightness in final function
  • Notorious for maintaining strength in the extreme temperatures

413 Aluminum

  • This alloy has better corrosion resistance and pressure tightness than 360 alloy
  • Popular with the production of hydraulic cylinders and pressure vessels
  • 390 Aluminum
  • Higher surface hardness than 380 aluminum and improved surface wear resistance
  • Low ductility

ZA27 Combined Zinc and Aluminum Alloy

  • High tensile characteristics similar to a cast iron part
  • Used to replace iron castings that are machined extensively
  • The ZA27 die cast part can be used as near net shape thus reducing cost over the iron casting

By Leonard Cordaro, President of Premier Engineered Products

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *