Aluminum die casting is a process that involves the manufacturing of accurately defined, smooth or textured metal, particularly aluminum and its alloys, in the desired shape. It is done by forcing molten metal into desired shape molds using high-pressure systems. This can be executed by,
- Hot chamber die casting processor
- The cold chamber die casting process
Though, the latter is preferred because of the high melting point of aluminum, which is 1150 degrees Fahrenheit. Let’s learn more about custom aluminium die casting.
How is it done?
This process involves melting the aluminum using high-pressure techniques. For custom aluminium die casting, the cast is made of steel in the desired shape consisting of at least two halves, permitting the removal of the casting with ease. These can produce tens and thousands of castings in succession. The two halves are clamped tightly using a die casting press, and molten aluminum is injected into the mold, solidifying it quickly. The molds are then separated and the casting removed. The casting dies may be simple or complex, consisting of movable parts and cores depending on the complexity of the casting.
Characteristics of aluminium die castings.
The following are the characteristics and advantages of using aluminum over other non-ferrous metals:
- Aluminum is lightweight and durable
- It has a good strength-to-weight ratio
- Resistant to corrosion
- It has excellent conductivity
- Aluminum is fully recyclable and reusable in production
- Durable and has an immaculate finishing
Advantages of using aluminium die castings.
Due to the upper given characteristics, aluminum is an excellent non-ferrous metal to use in castings. Because of the lightweight and good strength-to-weight ratio, the parts are extremely lightweight without strength and durability. It can also endure higher operating temperatures than other non-ferrous metals. It is also corrosion resistant and has good conductivity, and is stiff. Further, aluminum is a cost-effective metal thus will not be too heavy on the pocket.
How to choose the correct aluminium for the die casting process
The most common alloys of aluminum used are A380, 383, B390, A413, A360, and CC401. The type of alloys you choose depends on the needs and uses. For example,
- A360 is highly corrosion-resistant, has pressure tightness, and has a good fluidity when molten
- B390 has outstanding wear resistance and shows the lowest difficulty while casting
- A380 is a perfect jack-of-all-trades and is most commonly utilized for multiple uses
The type of aluminum alloy you should use depends on your needs and your budget; consulting with your handyman should clear most of your doubts, although doing your research is just as important so that you don’t get scammed. If you have read this article thoroughly, we are sure that you are quite knowledgeable about this topic and will make the right decision.
