Aluminum, Magnesium, and Zinc are the most common alloys used in the die casting process. But how much do we really know about these alloys? Aluminum and Magnesium are “lightweight” metals, while Zinc alloys provide higher precision and longer tool life.
If you are at the point where you’re considering die casting for your project, the next step is determining which alloy is best suited for a specific application of your part. That’s typically based on the design specifications – the alloy provides the physical and mechanical properties required by the end product application. Therefore, you need to seek a die casting supplier that understands each type of alloy offered and its benefits so they can lead you in the right direction.
Aluminum Die Cast Alloy
Aluminum is easily the most frequently used metal in die casting. The most common Aluminum die casting alloy is A380 because it offers the best combination of material properties and castability. Aluminum alloy die castings are used in a wide variety of industries. It is common to see this alloy in electronics, communications equipment, automotive components, lawnmower housings, and many other products.
Aluminum alloys for die casting have superior machining characteristics, especially when compared to iron, steel, and titanium.
Magnesium Die Cast Alloy
Magnesium alloys are very light but still offer high levels of strength. Magnesium alloy AZ91D is the strongest and most castable of the commercial Magnesium die casting alloys available, and it is also the most widely used for that reason.
AZ91D Magnesium is a high purity die casting alloy which provides the following qualities:
Zinc alloys are commonly used for smaller or die castings requiring thinner sections. This is because zinc alloys have superb castability, generally allow more significant variation in section thickness, and maintain closer tolerances. Also, the impact strength of zinc die cast components is higher than that of other common metal alloys, and zinc provides the longest tool life of any die cast alloy. That makes zinc ideal for the automotive industry and numerous other small customized industrial parts.
The CWM Difference
At Chicago White Metal Casting, we custom produce Aluminum, Magnesium, Zinc, and Miniature Zinc die castings. Our experienced sales and engineering teams will work with your company from start to finish to deliver high-quality castings that meet even the highest standards.
Contact us if you think your project could be a good fit for Aluminum, Magnesium, or Zinc die casting. You can also request a quote on this page.
