What Determines the Cost of Aluminum Alloy Die Casting per Kilogram?

The cost of aluminum alloy die casting per kilogram is not a fixed figure—it ranges from as low as ¥1.5/kg for simple standard parts to over ¥120/kg for highly complex precision components. This 80-fold difference stems from a mix of technical, production, and demand-related factors. For manufacturers and buyers alike, understanding what drives these costs is critical to budgeting, negotiating quotes, and avoiding hidden expenses. But what exactly makes up the per-kilogram cost? How do factors like equipment size or surface treatment affect the price? And how can you get an accurate estimate for your specific project? This article answers these questions with detailed data, industry benchmarks, and practical guidance.

1. Breakdown of Aluminum Alloy Die Casting Cost per Kilogram

To understand the final price, we first need to unpack its core components. The table below details each part of the per-kilogram cost, its typical proportion, and calculation logic:

2. Key Factors Influencing Cost per Kilogram: Quantitative Analysis

Several factors directly push the per-kilogram cost up or down. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most impactful ones, with data on how much they can shift prices:

A. Equipment Tonnage (Sets the Processing Cost Benchmark)

The size of the die-casting machine determines the base processing cost—larger machines have higher depreciation and energy expenses.

B. Part Structural Complexity (Multiplies Processing Costs)

Complex designs require more time, labor, and specialized tools—each adding to the per-kilogram cost.

C. Surface Treatment Requirements (Adds Value & Cost)

Surface treatments enhance aesthetics or performance but increase costs—some processes double the per-kilogram price.

D. Order Volume (Drives Economies of Scale)

Large batches spread fixed costs (like mold manufacturing) across more kilograms—lowering the per-unit cost significantly.

3. Typical Application Scenarios: Cost per Kilogram Examples

Real-world costs vary by industry and part function. The table below shows common use cases with detailed cost breakdowns:

4. How to Get an Accurate Quote & Reduce Costs

To avoid overpaying and ensure transparency, follow these practical steps:

A. Prepare Information for Quotes

Manufacturers need 4 key details to provide an accurate per-kilogram cost:

1. 3D Drawings: Mark tolerances (e.g., ±0.1mm), wall thicknesses, and critical features (holes, threads).
2. Material Specification: Specify alloy grade (e.g., ADC12, 6061) and any material certifications (e.g., RoHS, IATF 16949).
3. Annual Volume: Estimated yearly production (e.g., 50,000 pieces) to calculate mold amortization.
4. Surface Treatment Code: Reference standards (e.g., Anodize Type II, ISO 10074) to avoid ambiguity.

B. Cost Reduction Strategies

Cut costs without sacrificing quality using these 3 methods:

1. Simplify Design: Reduce the number of sliders/cores (e.g., merge two holes into one); increase wall thickness to ≥2mm (lowers processing difficulty).
2. Leverage Integration: Merge multiple small parts into one integrated die-cast component (reduces assembly and mold costs—e.g., replacing 3 brackets with 1 saves ¥5–¥10/kg).
3. Accept Minor Imperfections: For non-visible parts, skip expensive polishing; allow minor burrs (avoids ¥2–¥5/kg in manual sanding costs).

C. Avoid Low-Price Traps

Quotes below market averages (e.g., <¥1.5/kg for simple parts) often hide shortcuts that cost more later:

• Material Cutting: Using recycled aluminum with high impurity content (reduces part strength by 20–30%).
• Process Skipping: Omitting heat treatment (lowers tensile strength; risks part failure under load).
• Low-Quality Release Agents: Leaving residues that cause corrosion or adhesion issues.

5. Yigu Technology’s Perspective on Aluminum Alloy Die Casting per Kilogram

At Yigu Technology, we believe transparent cost breakdowns are key to building trust with clients. For automotive clients, our 300–800-ton machine fleet delivers auto parts at ¥8–¥15/kg—balancing quality (IATF 16949 certified) and cost. For consumer electronics clients, our modular mold designs cut mold amortization by 30%, lowering the per-kilogram cost of phone frames to ¥80–¥100 (vs. industry averages of ¥100–¥120).

We’re optimizing two areas to reduce costs further: 1) AI-driven process control (cuts scrap rates by 15%, lowering material waste costs); 2) Closed-loop recycling (reuses 95% of aluminum scrap, reducing raw material costs by ¥2–¥3/kg). Our goal is to help clients get high-quality aluminum die cast parts at competitive per-kilogram prices—no hidden fees, no compromises on performance.

FAQ

1. Why does the same part have different per-kilogram costs from different manufacturers?

Costs vary due to 3 factors: 1) Equipment efficiency (newer machines have lower energy use, reducing processing costs); 2) Material quality (premium alloys cost more but last longer); 3) Automation level (fully automated lines have lower labor costs than semi-automated ones). Always ask for a detailed cost breakdown to compare apples to apples.

2. Can I reduce mold amortization costs for small-batch orders (<10,000 pieces)?

Yes—use shared molds (split mold costs with other clients for similar parts) or short-life molds (simplified designs that cost ¥1,000–¥5,000 vs. ¥50,000+ for standard molds). For example, a shared mold for LED heat sinks can cut amortization from ¥5/kg to ¥1–¥2/kg for small batches.

3. How much does changing the alloy grade affect the per-kilogram cost?

Alloy choice impacts material costs significantly: ADC12 (¥22/kg) is 20–30% cheaper than 6061 (¥28/kg). For non-load-bearing parts (e.g., brackets), ADC12 is ideal. For high-strength parts (e.g., drone mounts), 6061 is worth the extra ¥6–¥8/kg—its tensile strength (310MPa vs. ADC12’s 230MPa) prevents part failure.