Why Choosing the Right Alloy Matters
In aluminum die casting, the alloy you choose isn’t just a technical detail—it affects everything from price and mechanical properties to the lifespan and performance of your final product. After over 20 years of experience manufacturing die-cast components, we’ve seen how selecting the wrong alloy can increase costs or lead to part failure. This article shares what alloys buyers are asking for, and how we help them match the right alloy to their product needs.
What Makes an Aluminum Alloy Suitable for Die Casting?
The best aluminum die-casting alloys share several common characteristics:
- Good flowability for filling complex molds
- High dimensional stability
- Decent mechanical strength
- Reasonable corrosion resistance
- Acceptable cost per unit
Some buyers may prioritize heat resistance for engine housings, while others need excellent surface finish for lighting parts. That’s why knowing alloy traits is crucial for purchase decisions.
Most Common Aluminum Alloys Used in Die Casting
Here’s a quick look at the most requested alloys from our international customers:
| Alloy | Common Application | Key Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADC12 | Automotive parts, electronics | Excellent castability, low shrinkage | Lower ductility |
| A380 | General machinery, appliance housings | Balanced strength and cost | Slightly lower corrosion resistance |
| A360 | Electrical housings, thin-wall parts | Better corrosion resistance, fluidity | More expensive than ADC12 |
| EN AC-46000 (AlSi9Cu3) | European standard parts | Good fluidity, good pressure tightness | Lower elongation |
Our factory most frequently works with ADC12 and A380 due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness.
Why ADC12 Is Still the Most Popular
We produce more ADC12 components than any other alloy. Here’s why buyers continue choosing it:
- Wide Availability: Easily sourced globally, which helps maintain price stability.
- Castability: It flows well into complex dies with thin walls.
- Dimensional Control: Shrinkage is minimal, so tolerances stay tight (±0.05 mm typical).
- Corrosion Resistance: Acceptable for most non-aggressive environments.
Most importantly, ADC12 is often the best compromise between cost and mechanical performance. Unless your part has extreme conditions, ADC12 remains a reliable choice.
When to Consider Other Aluminum Alloys
Not all parts should be cast in ADC12. Below are scenarios where we advise buyers to consider alternatives:
| Project Type | Recommended Alloy | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Thin-wall or complex electronics | A360 | Superior fluidity and surface finish |
| Outdoor equipment or marine parts | A360 / A413 | Better corrosion resistance |
| EU-compliant components | EN AC-46000 | Matches European quality and standards |
| Parts under repeated vibration | A380 | Good balance of strength and weight |
We usually start with a technical review of your part design before making an alloy recommendation.
Tips on Requesting the Right Alloy as a Buyer
- Tell us your application first – Functional requirements matter more than preferences.
- Ask about certifications – Especially for medical, aerospace, or automotive parts.
- Balance cost and performance – High-grade alloys aren’t always better if your part doesn’t need it.
- Request test reports – We can provide mechanical property data and spectrometer reports per batch.
Do Alloy Grades Differ Between Regions?
Yes. Some buyers in the U.S. prefer A380, while Japanese and Southeast Asian clients request ADC12 more often. In Europe, EN AC-46000 or EN AC-47100 is widely used. However, we can adjust to your region’s standards without increasing cost, as long as the alloy is commercially available.
How We Help You Choose the Best Alloy
As an aluminum die casting supplier with over two decades of experience, we help you select the right alloy by:
- Understanding your final application and functional needs
- Recommending the best balance between strength, cost, and castability
- Offering data-backed suggestions—not guesses
If you’re unsure what alloy to use, just send us your drawings and part specifications. We’ll do the rest.
