The use of die casting for producing accurate metal parts with high quantities is very common. The manufacturing process can be used to create complex shapes with tight tolerances and relatively quick cycle times, from automotive components to electrical housings, industrial machinery parts, and more.
Before a finished part is extruded from a die-casting machine, another critical choice has been made: which aluminum alloy will be used?
The raw material for the process is aluminum ingot. It may influence the casting performance, mechanical properties, dimensional stability, ease of machining and the quality of the final product due to its chemical composition, purity and consistency.
Therefore, the selection of a suitable grade is not only a selection of a competitive price of an aluminum ingot for the manufacturer or foundry but also involves choosing the most suitable grade for a particular purpose. The material should be suitable for the application and production process requirements.
Balaj Metals provides industrial aluminium ingots such as ADC12, A380, LM6, 99.7% purity aluminium to manufacturers, foundries and industrial buyers around the globe.
What Are Aluminum Ingots Used for in Die Casting?
Aluminum ingot is a standard form of aluminum, which can be melted and processed into finished or semi-finished articles. Die casting is a method where the ingot is melted and then forced into a metal mould. After the molten aluminum has solidified, the mold is opened and the part is ejected.
It is especially helpful in manufacturing when the manufacturer is required to create a large number of components that have repeatable dimensions and geometry that is somewhat more complex.
The most common material used for die casting is actually aluminum, considered a combination of several desirable properties:
At low densities, the weight of the wood is relatively low.
- Good castability
- Corrosion resistance
- Useful mechanical strength
- Good thermal conductivity
Provide a range of products that are suitable for large-scale production.Supply products that are suitable for mass production.
But all aluminum alloys do not respond in the same manner when casting. Characteristics like fluidity, strength and corrosion resistance may be greatly altered by alloying elements like silicon, copper and magnesium.
This is the reason for the importance of the grade of aluminum ingot.
There are many types of aluminum that can be used for die casting.There are numerous grades of aluminum used for die casting.
Various properties are needed for different types of die-casting applications. The grades that are typically used by industrial buyers include ADC12 and A380, and other alloys can be used based on the manufacturing process and end-use application.
ADC12 Aluminum Ingots
ADC12 is a casting alloy of aluminum, silicon and copper that is commonly used for die casting processes and is highly utilized throughout manufacturing supply chains in the Asia region.
It has a relatively high silicon content which helps it to have good fluidity, meaning it can be poured into molds with intricate shapes. The alloy also offers a useful compromise between casting ability and mechanical characteristics.
When making parts that have relatively complicated shapes, thin sections, or detailed features, ADC12 is often a choice to consider.
It should be noted, however, that an alloy designation is not just a marketing term. Where a grade is indicated in an engineering drawing the material supplied must comply with the indicated grade and not be automatically changed to a different one that has a similar name.
A380 Aluminum Ingots
Another popular aluminum die-casting alloy that is widely used is A380, especially in North American specifications.
It is a member of the aluminum-silicon-copper family and provides a valuable mix of castability, mechanical strength and dimensional stability. It is frequently used for components such as housings, brackets, machinery components and other functional parts.
A380 is formulated for use in die-casting operations and as with ADC12 is not a duplicate specification. The ranges of the alloying elements vary and manufacturers are not permitted to use one alloy as a straight replacement for another.
If the material specification is critical to production, the specification given on the engineering drawing or purchasing specification should be used.
Other Aluminum Alloys
Aluminium alloys are not the only alloys manufactured for use in ADC12 and A380.
Where an application requires higher performance in terms of corrosion resistance, strength, machining, etc. or the requirement is for the casting to be performed in a different manner, other grades may be selected.
Balaj Metals also offers 99.7% purity aluminum and LM6 aluminum.
The key is that the selection of alloys should start with the desired requirements of the finished component and not just the most available ingot.
What are the differences between ADC12 and A380?
ADC12 and A380 are frequently mentioned simultaneously because they are the two most common aluminum-silicon-copper casting alloys. Both have similar performance in most industrial applications, however, different ranges of chemical composition and designation systems.
ADC12 with its higher silicon content may offer good fluidity when cast and A380 offers a proven balance of castability and mechanical properties.
Both designations should not be assumed as the “better.” The selection will depend on the type of component, the manufacturing process, applicable specification, and the performance required.
This is especially relevant for international purchases since various markets may use different standards and alloy designations.
Why Chemical Composition Matters
Aluminum ingots are often considered as blocks of metal which will be melted down at some point in the future. Their chemical composition actually can make a big difference in the casting process and the final component.
Silicon
Many casting alloys contain silicon, especially as it is associated with the fluidity and to the ability of the molten metal to fill the mould.
This may be useful in the creation of components with thin walls or complex geometries.
Copper
Copper can also be used to improve the strength and hardness of aluminum alloys, but it can also lead to changes in corrosion resistance with increased copper concentrations.
The balance needed will vary, depending on the application.
Selecting the best Aluminum Ingot For Die Casting.
1. Requirements of the finished product
By determining the properties of the alloy, the required alloy can be identified.
First, decide what alloy to use, either one of these four or another that is used, recognized, or specified in your engineering specification, or a specific chemical composition.
If a drawing or customer specification already specifies the grade, use that specification as a starting point.
2. Think about the Casting Process
Depending on the casting method used, the alloy to be used may vary.
Castings may be required to perform under differently high loads and can be produced by various casting processes such as high-pressure die casting or gravity casting. A grade that is successful in one process may not be the best for another.
3. Evaluate Mechanical Requirements
Think about how the completed item will be used and what it will have to endure.
Relevant factors can be:
- Tensile strength
- Yield strength
- Hardness
- Impact resistance
- Dimensional stability
- Wear resistance
An industrial piece of equipment might have other specifications than an electrical enclosure or an automotive part.
4. Take into account the Operating Environment
In which area(s) will the finished item be applied?
Exposure to moisture, chemicals, heat, salt or other environmental conditions can affect material selection. Thus, corrosion resistance could be a critical factor for certain uses.
It is important to verify the chemical composition and documentation.
A good supplier will be able to supply details about the materials being supplied.
Depending on the order and specification, buyers may need documentation pertaining to:
- Alloy grade
- Chemical composition
- Material quality
- Quantity
- Packaging
- Shipment details
Balaj Metaux emphasizes on material consistency, checking the composition of non-ferrous materials, reliability of production and technical documentation support as part of its approach towards supply.
Why Ingot Quality and Consistency Matter
Suppose that a manufacturer is making thousands of the same parts. The production process has already been optimized for a certain alloy and its anticipated properties.
The melting and casting behaviour of the material can also vary depending on the chemical composition, if it differs considerably between batches.
That can add extra difficulties for manufacturers, specifically in high volume production.
Predictable manufacturing operations may therefore be an important aspect of consistent sourcing.
Therefore, industrial buyers must not only pay attention to the price per ton of metic but also evaluate the material specifications, the quality confirmation process, the supply capacity, the documentation and delivery quality.
What Questions to Ask Your Aluminum Ingot Supplier?
It is helpful to give as much information as possible to the supplier before ordering a bulk quantity.
At least give the following details:
- The required alloy or Grade for the specific application
- Chemical composition/purity required
- Required quantity
- Intended application
- Casting process
- Packaging requirements
- Delivery destination
- Required documentation
- Expected delivery schedule
- Whether an order is a one-off or repeat order
Giving these details will enable the supplier to select material that will meet the production requirements rather than offering what aluminium is available.
Selecting an Aluminium Ingot Supplier
Aluminum sourcing is as much a matter of buying metal as it is for manufacturers and foundries.
A reliable supplier should be able to interpret the specification, organise sourcing, deliver the necessary paperwork and assistance and make reliable deliveries.
Balaj Metaux offers Primary Aluminium Ingot, Secondary Aluminium Ingot, Industrial Aluminium Cast Alloys, Buyer with various procurement requirements can order bulk orders and can also receive technical documentation and international delivery.
The key is to clearly communicate the materials requirements before requesting a quote, whether it’s ADC12 for die casting, A380 for a specific manufacturing application, high purity aluminum, or any other specified grade.
Final Thoughts
Aluminum ingots are the raw material for many die cast parts, however, the appropriate material can’t be chosen due to price or availability.
The alloy grade, chemical composition, casting process, mechanical properties and operating environment must be taken into account. Both ADC12 and A380 can be used but cannot be considered as interchangeable.
Buyers of aluminum ingots who understand the need to buy based on specification, and work with a supplier who does, may be able to make the sourcing process more predictable.
For the purchase of aluminum ingots for die casting or industrial production, please give us your necessary grade, quantity, delivery address. Balaj Metaux can provide you the sources for Aluminum materials as per your production requirements.