Commonly used die casting aluminum alloys form the backbone of modern manufacturing, combining lightweight properties, buona castabilità, and versatile performance to meet diverse industrial needs. From automotive engine parts to electronic device shells, these alloys enable the mass production of complex, high-precision components via high-pressure die casting. This article breaks down the key types of commonly used die casting aluminum, their characteristics, process advantages, scenari applicativi, and selection criteria—helping you pick the right alloy for your specific manufacturing needs.
1. Key Types of Commonly Used Die Casting Aluminum Alloys
The most widely adopted die casting aluminum alloys fall into two main categories: aluminum-silicon-copper (Al-Si-Cu) serie (represented by ADC12) and industrial pure aluminum (represented by AL99.70 and AL99.70A). Below is a 总分结构 with detailed comparisons:
1.1 ADC12 (Al-Si-Cu Series): The Workhorse Alloy
ADC12 is the most commonly used die casting aluminum alloy, accounting for over 60% of global die casting applications. Its balanced properties make it ideal for high-volume production.
| Attribute | Dettagli | Significato industriale |
| Composizione | Base: Alluminio (≥85%); Key alloying elements: Silicio (9.5–12%), Rame (1.5–3,5%); Oligoelementi: Manganese (≤0,5%), Magnesio (≤0.3%) (some variants add these to boost strength). | Silicon improves fluidity (critical for filling thin-walled cavities); copper enhances tensile strength—striking a balance between castability and mechanical performance. |
| Caratteristiche principali | – High Fluidity: Easily fills complex mold cavities (even for parts with 0.5–1 mm thin walls).- Good Dimensional Accuracy: Achieves ISO 8062 CT6–CT7 tolerance (±0.1–0.2 mm for small parts).- Moderate Mechanical Properties: Resistenza alla trazione (220–280 MPA), durezza (80–100 hb); elongation is lower than pure aluminum (3–5% vs. 10–15%). | Meets the needs of most non-load-bearing and light-load components, where castability and cost-effectiveness matter more than ultra-high strength. |
| Applicazioni tipiche | Automobile: Supporti del motore, Cali di trasmissione, door handle brackets.Electronics: Smartphone charger shells, Alloggi per router, LED heat sink bases.Home Appliances: Air conditioner compressor covers, washing machine control panels. | Its versatility makes it the “go-to” alloy for manufacturers seeking a balance of performance and affordability. |
1.2 AL99.70 & AL99.70A (Industrial Pure Aluminum): High-Purity Options
These alloys are part of the 1XXX series (industrial pure aluminum) and are used for applications requiring high purity and specific physical properties. The table below contrasts their key differences:
| Caratteristica | AL99.70 | AL99.70A | Key Impact on Applications |
| Purezza & Composizione | Aluminum content ≥99.70%; Silicon content ≤0.10%; Other impurities (ferro, rame) ≤0,30%. | Aluminum content ≥99.70%; Silicon content ≤0.08% (stricter than AL99.70); Total impurities ≤0.25%. | AL99.70A’s lower silicon and impurity levels reduce surface defects, making it better for decorative parts or components sensitive to impurity-induced corrosion. |
| Identification Marking | Color code: A red vertical line on the ingot or packaging. | Color code: A red horizontal line on the ingot or packaging. | Simple visual distinction helps prevent mix-ups during material handling—critical for high-precision production lines. |
| Proprietà fondamentali | – Alta conducibilità elettrica (60–65% IACS).- Buona resistenza alla corrosione (natural oxide layer forms quickly).- Bassa resistenza (tensile strength 90–120 MPa) but high ductility (elongation 12–15%). | Same as AL99.70, with slightly better electrical conductivity (63–68% IACS) e resistenza alla corrosione (due to fewer impurities). | Suitable for parts where purity, conduttività, or corrosion resistance is prioritized over strength. |
| Applicazioni tipiche | AL99.70: Low-voltage electrical connectors, decorative trim for furniture.AL99.70A: High-precision electronic components (PER ESEMPIO., Alloggi per sensori), involucri di dispositivi medici (non impiantabile), architectural decorative panels. | AL99.70A is preferred for medical and electronic applications, where even trace impurities can affect performance or biocompatibility. |
2. Process Advantages of Commonly Used Die Casting Aluminum
The popularity of these die casting aluminum alloys is not just due to their material properties—their compatibility with high-pressure die casting processes amplifies their value. Below is a linear breakdown of key process advantages, supported by data:
2.1 High-Pressure High-Speed Forming: Enabling Complexity
- Parametri di processo: Uses 2,000–15,000 kPa pressure and 0.5–5 m/s filling speed to inject molten aluminum into molds.
- Risultato: Produces parts with intricate features (PER ESEMPIO., canali interni, micro-bule) that are hard to achieve with sand casting or CNC machining. Per esempio, an ADC12 automotive sensor housing with 3 buchi interni (φ1 mm each) can be cast in one step—no post-drilling needed.
- Efficienza: A single die casting machine can complete 1,000–3,000 cycles per day for ADC12 parts, far outpacing traditional manufacturing (PER ESEMPIO., 100–200 parts/day for sand casting).
2.2 Precisione migliorata & Finitura superficiale
- Precisione dimensionale: Come accennato in precedenza, ADC12 achieves CT6–CT7 tolerance, while AL99.70/AL99.70A (with stricter process control) can reach CT5–CT6 (± 0,05-0,1 mm). This reduces post-machining by 70–80% compared to sand casting.
- Qualità della superficie: The high-pressure process delivers a surface finish of Ra 1.6–6.3 μm for ADC12, and Ra 0.8–3.2 μm for AL99.70A (with optimized mold polishing). For many applications (PER ESEMPIO., gusci di dispositivi elettronici), this eliminates the need for additional grinding or polishing.
2.3 Improved Material Performance Post-Processing
- Forza & Durezza: While as-cast ADC12 has moderate strength, Trattamento termico (PER ESEMPIO., T6) can boost its tensile strength by 15–20% (to 250–320 MPa). AL99.70/AL99.70A can be cold-worked (PER ESEMPIO., rotolando) to increase hardness by 30–40% (da 25 HB to 35–38 HB).
- Resistenza alla corrosione: Both ADC12 and AL99.70/AL99.70A benefit from surface treatments:
- Anodizzante: Creates a 10–20 μm oxide layer, Migliorare la resistenza alla corrosione (ADC12 withstands 48-hour salt spray testing; AL99.70A lasts 72+ ore).
- Rivestimento: Elettroplazione (nichel, cromo) or powder coating enhances aesthetics and durability for decorative parts.
3. Core Application Areas: Ripartizione settore per settore
Commonly used die casting aluminum alloys serve diverse sectors, each leveraging their unique strengths. The table below summarizes key applications and alloy choices:
| Industria | Componenti chiave | Preferred Alloy | Razionale |
| Automobile | Supporti del motore, Cali di trasmissione, parti strutturali del corpo, Staffe a batteria EV. | ADC12 (primary); AL99.70A (rivestimento decorativo). | ADC12’s castability and cost-effectiveness meet high-volume automotive needs; AL99.70A’s corrosion resistance suits exterior trim. |
| Elettrodomestici elettronici | Device frames (smartphone, compresse), dissipatori di calore, connettori, charger shells. | ADC12 (most components); AL99.70A (high-precision sensors). | ADC12’s thin-wall capability fits miniaturized electronics; AL99.70A’s purity avoids signal interference in sensors. |
| Macchinari & Ingegneria | Hydraulic valve bodies, Alloggiamenti della pompa, precision gearbox covers. | ADC12 (primary); AL99.70 (low-pressure valves). | ADC12’s dimensional accuracy ensures tight fits for hydraulic parts; AL99.70’s corrosion resistance suits fluid-handling applications. |
| Emerging Fields (Nevs) | Integrated battery housings, motor casings, charging port components. | ADC12 (parti strutturali); AL99.70A (high-conductivity connectors). | ADC12’s strength supports battery weight; AL99.70A’s conductivity enhances charging efficiency. |
4. How to Select the Right Commonly Used Die Casting Aluminum Alloy
Choosing between ADC12, AL99.70, and AL99.70A requires evaluating four key factors. Use this step-by-step guide:
4.1 Define Core Requirements
- Mechanical Needs: If the part is load-bearing (PER ESEMPIO., automotive engine bracket), ADC12’s higher strength is better. For non-load-bearing parts (PER ESEMPIO., rivestimento decorativo), AL99.70/AL99.70A suffices.
- Purezza & Resistenza alla corrosione: For medical devices or coastal applications, AL99.70A’s low impurities and superior corrosion resistance are critical. For indoor electronics, ADC12 (con anodizzazione) è conveniente.
- Conducibilità elettrica/termica: Per dissipatori di calore o connettori elettrici, Maggiore conduttività di AL99.70/AL99.70A (60–68% IACS) supera l'ADC12 (40–45% SIGC).
4.2 Consider Process Compatibility
- In parte complessità: L’elevata fluidità di ADC12 è ideale per i complessi, parti a pareti sottili. AL99.70/AL99.70A hanno una fluidità inferiore: evitare di utilizzarli per parti con <1 pareti da mm o cavità complesse.
- Volume di produzione: Per corse ad alto volume (>10,000 parts), Il costo inferiore di ADC12 e la maggiore velocità di fusione riducono le spese per unità. Per piccoli lotti (<1,000 parti), Il costo del materiale più elevato di AL99.70/AL99.70A ha un impatto minore.
4.3 Evaluate Total Cost
- Costo materiale: ADC12 costa il 15-20% in meno rispetto a AL99.70, e AL99.70A è del 5–10% più costoso di AL99.70 (grazie ad una depurazione più rigorosa).
- Costo post-elaborazione: AL99.70A richiede meno trattamento superficiale (PER ESEMPIO., nessuna lucidatura extra per le parti decorative), che può compensare il suo costo materiale più elevato. ADC12 potrebbe richiedere lavorazioni aggiuntive per caratteristiche di alta precisione.
La prospettiva della tecnologia Yigu
Alla tecnologia Yigu, consideriamo le leghe di alluminio per pressofusione comunemente utilizzate come il fondamento di una produzione efficiente. Per client automobilistici, consigliamo ADC12 per i componenti del motore, ottimizzandone i parametri di fusione (8,000 pressione kPa, 2 velocità di riempimento m/s) ridurre i difetti di 30%. For electronic clients needing high-purity parts, we use AL99.70A with custom anodizing (15 strato μm) to meet 72-hour salt spray standards. We also help clients balance cost and performance: Per esempio, using ADC12 for smartphone middle frames (economico) and AL99.70A for internal connectors (alta conducibilità). Alla fine, the right alloy isn’t just about properties—it’s about aligning with your product’s function, volume, e budget.
Domande frequenti
- Can ADC12 be used for load-bearing automotive parts?
SÌ, ma con limiti. ADC12 works for light-load parts (PER ESEMPIO., supporti del motore, transmission covers) with tensile strength requirements <280 MPA. Per parti a carico pesante (PER ESEMPIO., parentesi di sospensione), we recommend upgrading to A380 (a stronger Al-Si-Cu alloy) or combining ADC12 with reinforcing ribs in the mold design.
- What’s the main reason to choose AL99.70A over AL99.70?
AL99.70A’s stricter impurity controls (lower silicon, total impurities ≤0.25%) make it better for applications where corrosion resistance or surface quality is critical. Per esempio, medical device casings or architectural trim—AL99.70A’s cleaner composition reduces the risk of surface pitting or impurity-induced failure.
- Do commonly used die casting aluminum alloys require post-treatment?
Most do, but the type depends on the alloy and application. ADC12 often needs anodizing (per resistenza alla corrosione) or CNC trimming (per precisione). AL99.70/AL99.70A may only need light polishing (per parti decorative) or no treatment at all (for internal electrical components, where conductivity is prioritized over aesthetics).