Die casting with aluminum is widely considered to be one of the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods of producing metal parts. When working with aluminum, you will need to decide which aluminum casting alloys to use in the process. Here is some technical information on aluminum alloys to help you get a better sense of your alloy options and why we choose the alloys that we do.
A380 Aluminum Alloy is a high-performance aluminum alloy.
A380 is the most commonly used alloy for aluminum die casting. We use A380 because it has demonstrated to be the best combination of physical and mechanical properties for casting, including being lightweight, extremely strong at high temperatures, and corrosion resistant. A380 is also extremely good at maintaining dimensional stability, even when working with complex shapes and thin walls, and it has excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.
A383 Aluminum Alloy is a lightweight aluminum alloy.
Another option for die casters is the A383 aluminum alloy. This alloy is typically reserved for the fabrication of intricate components that require very specific die-filling characteristics. While it does not have all of the properties of A380, it does have greater strength at high temperatures and a lower chance of cracking when exposed to high temperatures.
A360 Aluminum Alloy A360 is more difficult to cast than A380, which is why many die casters avoid using it.
However, because it has higher strength at higher temperatures, better ductility, and greater corrosion resistance, you may want to consider using this alloy depending on your casting abilities and requirements
A360 vs. A380 vs. A383
To summarize the differences between the three types of casting alloys discussed above, A360 has the best pressure tightness, high-temperature strength, and corrosion resistance of the three alloys.
A380 is also highly corrosion-resistant, but it is more cost-effective and easier to work with than A360, making it the most commonly used alloy if you have budgetary constraints to consider and do not require the highest levels of corrosion resistance or pressure tightness.
A383 is a modified A380 alloy that should only be used if you require precise die filling that you are unable to obtain from your A380 alloy. It is not as durable as A380 and should only be used in extreme circumstances.
ZA Alloys is an acronym that stands for "Za Alloys."
Some applications may necessitate the use of ZA, or zinc aluminum alloys, in your die casting. Originally the primary type of alloy used in gravity casting, scientists have refined this type of alloy to be effective in die casting. The three alloys that fall into this category are designated as ZA-8, ZA-12, and ZA-27. Alloys containing zinc and aluminum have higher strength, lower density, better creep resistance, and better wear resistance than other zinc alloys.
