What Is GOST AK12M2 in Russian Aluminum Die Casting?

By Haijiang Lai

Owner at YongZhu Casting

As a supplier of aluminum casting for over 20 years, my purpose in discussing this topic is to talk with you about the growth of aluminum casting in this industry, and if you have a project you need to get off the ground.
Contact us today receive a solution, or Mail: yongzhucasting@gmail.com

Table of Contents

AK12M2 vs ADC12 in die casting: key specs, benefits & what buyers should know.

In more than 20 years of running our aluminum die casting operation, we’ve supplied countless alloys to customers across different regions. When we quote projects headed for Russia or other CIS countries, buyers almost always ask about GOST AK12M2. This is a well-known aluminum casting alloy under Russian standards, roughly comparable to what many of our global customers already use — but it does come with its own nuances worth understanding.

Why Russian Buyers Choose GOST AK12M2 for Aluminum Die Cast Parts

We often see Russian or Belarusian procurement teams specify AK12M2 in their RFQs. It’s the standard aluminum-silicon-copper alloy found in GOST 1583, Russia’s long-standing casting specification. Because it’s so common in local machinery, automotive, and general industrial drawings, it simplifies customs clearance and domestic quality documentation.

From our experience, AK12M2 balances castability, machining, and cost well — making it the safe choice for parts like small housings, motor covers, or pump bodies. In other words, for most general mechanical parts, it’s the default that engineers and purchasing managers turn to.

Typical Chemical Makeup and Mechanical Properties of AK12M2 Alloys

When buyers request AK12M2, they often want to see a side-by-side with international equivalents. Here’s what the chemistry typically looks like according to GOST standards, matched with the mechanical traits we see in production.

Common composition of AK12M2:

ElementContent (%)
Silicon (Si)10.5 – 13.5
Copper (Cu)1.5 – 3.5
Iron (Fe)≤1.3
Magnesium≤0.3
Manganese≤0.5
Nickel≤0.5
Zinc (Zn)≤1.2
AluminumBalance

Mechanical properties from standard castings:

  • Tensile strength: ~280 MPa
  • Yield strength: ~130 MPa
  • Elongation: ~1–2%

The relatively high silicon ensures good flow into thin sections, while copper lifts strength — though it’s worth noting this combo naturally limits elongation. For most buyers, these properties still fit typical needs like moderate load-bearing and stable dimensions after machining.

How GOST AK12M2 Compares to ADC12, A383, and Global Standards

One of the first questions international buyers ask is: How close is AK12M2 to what we already use? The short answer: it’s very similar to ADC12 (Japan) or A383 (North America) — both widely used in automotive brackets, housings, and light structural parts.

In practice, here’s how they line up:

AlloySi (%)Cu (%)Typical Use Cases
AK12M210.5–13.51.5–3.5Russian & CIS general machinery
ADC129.6–121.5–3.5Global automotive, consumer
A383~10.5–12~3.0–4.0US equivalents, pumps, housings

Because the silicon and copper levels are so close, we frequently run the exact same die designs for customers using ADC12 specs and provide dual certificates for GOST AK12M2 to help clear customs in Russia. For most global buyers, that means no need for costly retooling.

Common Industrial Applications for AK12M2 Aluminum Die Casting

Over the years, we’ve shipped thousands of cast parts made to meet AK12M2 chemistry, often under dual certification with ADC12. Buyers typically use these for:

  • Electric motor and generator housings
  • Small automotive gearbox casings
  • Pump and valve bodies where internal passages matter
  • Outdoor lighting frames and decorative industrial covers
  • General brackets and mounting plates

Because AK12M2 has good casting flow, it’s popular for parts with ribs or thin walls down to 2.5 mm, which helps cut material weight while still providing enough strength for fastening or rotational loads.

Benefits and Potential Drawbacks of Using GOST AK12M2 Die Cast Parts

Speaking plainly, AK12M2 is a reliable workhorse alloy for most moderate-strength aluminum castings. Here’s how we see it break down after decades producing similar parts:

Benefits:

  • Easy to fill complex molds, reducing internal voids or short shots.
  • Holds shape well during cooling, so fewer issues with warping.
  • Compatible with most common die casting lubricants and tool steels.

Potential drawbacks:

  • Like other high-silicon alloys (ADC12, A383), it has low elongation (1–2%), so it’s not a fit for parts needing substantial flex.
  • Not ideal if your end customers demand polished surfaces without secondary finishing, since slight micro-porosity can show under mirror anodizing.

This is why we often add small radii in corners and advise clients on rib layouts to protect those low-ductility regions.

What Quality Standards and Tolerances We Guarantee on AK12M2 Castings

Buyers frequently ask us what they can truly count on when sourcing AK12M2 (or equivalents) from our factory. We take a practical approach — we’re cautious about over-promising but consistent on what we deliver.

FeatureOur Standard
Dimensional tolerance±0.05 mm typical on machined faces
Roundness / flatness≤0.03 mm on bores or sealing flanges
Leak testsUp to 6 bar air where specified
Surface finish~Ra 3.2-6.3 μm as-cast, finer with shot or tumble
ReportsFull chemical + mechanical batch certs

For many customers, this means fewer surprises at final assembly — especially critical if your parts are going into pumps or light transmissions that see real-world vibration.

Why Manufacturers and Importers Trust Us as Their Aluminum Die Casting Supplier

Over 20+ years, we’ve produced castings certified to GOST AK12M2 for buyers in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and even European integrators serving projects in these regions. Often, we’re chosen not only for price or delivery, but because we understand what these standards mean practically.

For example, we’ve helped importers avoid delays by providing parallel certificates — so they can prove to Russian customs their castings meet AK12M2 while still benefiting from our local ADC12 or A380 processes. We also back every order with clear dimension and mechanical data, cutting down disputes at your final inspection.

Ready to Source GOST AK12M2 Aluminum Die Cast Parts? Contact Us

Whether you’re buying directly for machinery projects in Russia or simply want to keep your options open with equivalent global alloys, we can help. We know that success for our buyers comes down to repeatable quality, stable timelines, and honest communication.

Looking for a dependable aluminum die casting partner for GOST AK12M2, ADC12, or A383? Contact us at yongzhucasting@gmail.com. We’ll review your drawings, give clear mold flow and DFM feedback, and provide a fast, straightforward quote.

Searching for High-Quality for Cast Aluminum Parts Supplier?

You’ve come to the right place! Yongzhu Casting is a certified die casting manufacturer with over 20 years of expertise in the industry.

We have successfully completed numerous die casting projects for Aluminum casting parts, particularly in your industry.

casting machine

Zhejiang Yongzhu Casting Technology Co., Ltd.

Location: Zhejiang, China

Company type: Manufacturers, Producers, Wholesalers

Year Founded: 2004

Main Products: Aluminium die castingMold MakingDie CastingSand CastingGravity Casting

Leading Chinese producer Yongzhu Casting is formerly known as Hangzhou Higer Metal Products Co., Ltd., was established in 2004.

With 20 years of experience in the industry, we are a specialized manufacturer in Aluminum casting and Machining.

Our products are widely used in various applications such as AutomotiveEnergyLightingMedicalHome FurnishingsMachinery & Equipment etc. Below are our advantages:

Design Review & DFM Support

Our professionals will evaluate your designs and provide suggestions for cost savings. Additionally, we offer Design for Manufacturing (DFM) assistance and conduct mold flow analyses to facilitate efficient production.

State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Equipment

Our facility is equipped with advanced hot-chamber and cold-chamber die casting machinery for aluminum and zinc production.

We also utilize high-precision CNC machines in a temperature-controlled workshop, featuring 3-Axis, 4-Axis and  5-Axis setups to manage any project you have.

Rigorous Quality Control Measures

Our dedicated quality control team ensures that all parts meet the highest standards of quality and consistency. We employ high-accuracy measurement instruments, including CMM, spectrometers, and X-ray detectors.

Comprehensive Surface Treatment Options

We provide a variety of surface finishing techniques for your precision die casting components. Our in-house services include cleaning, polishing, anodizing, shot blasting, and painting.

Flexible Project Acceptance

While larger manufacturers often shy away from low-volume projects, and smaller ones may struggle with quality, Yongzhu Casting stands apart. We prioritize customer satisfaction and willingly accept high-mix, low-volume projects like yours.

Yongzhu Casting Established in 2004, has become a leading name in the die-casting industry. We use die-castingsand-castingprecision casting and gravity casting, to cater various industries such as AutomotiveEnergyLighting, and Home Furnishings.

Contact us today to discuss your needs and explore tailored solutions. Mail: yongzhucasting@gmail.com

Hey, I’m LAI HAIJIANG the author of this article. 

Ready for professional aluminum castings for your project? Get in Touch with Yongzhu Casting today! Our casting experts will guide you through the entire process from mold to logistics, ensuring your aluminum castings arrive on time and exceed expectations.

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