Choosing The Right Material For Die Casting
- by Hanryk® Team
- February 2, 2022
Die casting is a popular manufacturing process used to produce a variety of metal parts and components. One of the most important factors to consider when designing a die casting project is the material used. The material you choose will have a significant impact on the final product’s strength, durability, and other properties.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most commonly used materials in die casting, and what factors to consider when choosing the right material for your project.
Materials Used in Die Casting
The most commonly used materials in die casting include: Aluminum, Zinc, Magnesium, and Copper.
Aluminum
Aluminum is the most popular material used in die casting due to its lightweight, durability, and excellent thermal conductivity. It also has a low melting point, which makes it easy to cast, and is highly resistant to corrosion. Aluminum alloys used in die casting include A380, A383, and A360.
Zinc
Zinc is another popular material used in die casting. It has a low melting point, which means it can be easily cast, and is also highly resistant to corrosion. Zinc alloys used in die casting include Zamak 3, Zamak 5, and Zamak 7.
Magnesium
Magnesium is the lightest of all the commonly used materials in die casting. It has excellent strength-to-weight ratio and is highly resistant to impact and corrosion. Magnesium alloys used in die casting include AZ91D, AM60B, and AM50A.
Copper
Copper is a less commonly used material in die casting due to its high cost and lower strength compared to other materials. However, it has excellent electrical conductivity, making it ideal for electrical applications. Copper alloys used in die casting include C87500, C99700, and C99710.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Material for Die Casting
When choosing a material for die casting, there are several factors to consider, including:
- Strength and durability requirements of the final product
- Cost-effectiveness of the material
- Production volume and timeline
- Required surface finish and appearance
- Chemical and thermal properties of the material
For example, if your project requires a high-strength part, aluminum or magnesium may be the best options. If cost is a primary concern, zinc may be a more cost-effective choice. If your project requires a high-quality surface finish, aluminum may be the best choice due to its excellent finishing capabilities.
Conclusion
Choosing the right material is essential to the success of any die casting project. By considering the strength and durability requirements of the final product, cost-effectiveness, production volume and timeline, required surface finish and appearance, and chemical and thermal properties of the material, you can choose the best material for your project. With the right material and a skilled manufacturing partner, you can create high-quality parts and components that meet your specific needs and requirements.