ADC12, or A383 as it’s known in North America, is a popular aluminum alloy used in die casting. It’s known for being easy to work with, strong, and resistant to corrosion, making it a go-to choice for many industries. From automotive parts to electronics, ADC12 is valued for its reliable performance and cost-effectiveness.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes A383 (ADC12) so widely used. We’ll cover its composition, key properties, and where it’s commonly applied, giving you a clear understanding of why this alloy is a favorite in die casting.
What is A383 (ADC12)?
ADC12, also known as A383 by North American standards, is an aluminum alloy that is commonly used for die casting. Its composition is engineered to balance mechanical properties, such as strength and ductility, with excellent castability. This makes ADC12 a versatile and reliable choice for manufacturing components that need to be both strong and lightweight.
Characteristics of A383 (ADC12)
ADC12 is favored for several key characteristics that make it stand out in die-casting applications:
- Excellent Castability: The alloy flows well in molten form, making it suitable for creating complex shapes and thin-walled parts. This property ensures high precision and minimal defects during the casting process.
- High Mechanical Strength: ADC12 provides good tensile and compressive strength, which means it can withstand mechanical stress and heavy use without deforming or breaking.
- Corrosion Resistance: One of the standout properties of ADC12 is its natural corrosion resistance, which is crucial for parts exposed to moisture and environmental elements.
- Good Thermal Conductivity: The alloy’s ability to conduct heat effectively makes it ideal for applications where heat dissipation is important, such as in automotive parts and electronics.
- Dimensional Stability: ADC12 maintains its dimensions well even when exposed to temperature fluctuations, ensuring that the parts don’t warp or distort over time.
- Ease of Machining: After casting, ADC12 can be machined efficiently, making it easy to create precision components with additional details or customizations.
Mechanical Properties of A383 (ADC12)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.74 g/cm³ |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 310 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 150 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 3.5% |
| Brinell Hardness | 75 HB |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 71 GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | 96 W/m·K |
| Melting Point | Approximately 549°C |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 21.1 µm/m·°C |
| Electrical Conductivity | 23% IACS |
Physical Properties of A383 (ADC12)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | ~2.74 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 580-600°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~96-100 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | ~0.96 J/g·°C |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~23% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard) |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | ~21-24 x 10⁻⁶ /°C |
Composition of A383 (ADC12) Aluminum Alloy
| Element | Typical Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance (~84-86%) |
| Silicon (Si) | 10.0-12.0 |
| Copper (Cu) | 2.0-3.0 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 1.3 |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 1.0 |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ≤ 0.3 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.5 |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.5 |
| Tin (Sn) | ≤ 0.1 |
| Others | ≤ 0.5 (total) |
This composition makes ADC12 ideal for die-casting applications, balancing ease of casting with reliable mechanical properties.
Explanation
- Aluminum (Al) is the primary element, giving the alloy its base properties of lightness and corrosion resistance.
- Silicon (Si) contributes significantly to the fluidity of the molten alloy and increases castability, which is critical for complex shapes.
- Copper (Cu) adds strength and hardness to the alloy.
- Iron (Fe) is present in controlled amounts to avoid brittleness.
- Other trace elements like Zinc (Zn), Magnesium (Mg), and Manganese (Mn) contribute to the overall structural integrity and other minor property adjustments.
ADC12 Equivalent Materials
ADC12 is a widely used aluminum alloy in die casting, known for its excellent castability and balanced mechanical properties. It has several equivalents across different international standards:
- USA (ASTM): A383
- Europe (EN): EN AC-46500
- China (GB/T): YL113
- International (ISO): Al-Si9Cu3
These equivalents share similar chemical compositions and properties, making them suitable substitutes in various applications.
Applications of A383 (ADC12)
A383 (ADC12) is valued across various industries for its unique properties, including strength, lightweight nature, and corrosion resistance. Key applications include:
- Consumer Goods: Used in handheld tools, bicycle parts, and furniture fittings for its strength and machinability.
- Automotive Industry: Used for engine housings, transmission cases, cylinder heads, and brackets due to its strength-to-weight ratio and thermal conductivity.
- Electronics and Electrical Equipment: Ideal for electronic housings, heat sinks, and connectors because of their thermal conductivity and dimensional stability.
- Appliance Manufacturing: Commonly used for motor housings, structural frames, and heat-resistant casings, benefiting high-volume production.
- Industrial Machinery: Suitable for gearboxes, pumps, valves, and tooling components for its durability and resistance to warping.
- Construction and Infrastructure: Applied in structural supports, railings, and fixtures due to its stability and environmental resistance.
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Comparison of ADC12 (A383), A380, and A360 Aluminum Alloys
| Property/Feature | ADC12 (A383) | A380 | A360 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Composition | Al-Si-Cu | Al-Si-Cu | Al-Si-Mg |
| Silicon (Si) Content | 10.0-12.0% | 7.5-9.5% | 9.0-10.0% |
| Copper (Cu) Content | 2.0-3.0% | 3.0-4.0% | ≤ 0.6% |
| Density | ~2.74 g/cm³ | ~2.71 g/cm³ | ~2.68 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | 260-310 MPa | 310 MPa | 320 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 150-170 MPa | 160 MPa | 170 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 1-3% | 3.5% | 3% |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~96-100 W/m·K | ~96 W/m·K | ~113 W/m·K |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Moderate | Excellent |
| Castability | Excellent | Good | Moderate |
| Machinability | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Applications | Automotive, electronics, machinery | Automotive, housing, gearboxes | Aerospace, precision parts |
Key Takeaways
- ADC12 (A383) stands out for its excellent castability and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for complex, thin-walled die-cast parts.
- A380 is known for its balanced castability, strength, and cost-effectiveness, making it the most commonly used die-casting alloy.
- A360 offers better corrosion resistance and higher thermal conductivity, but it has more specific casting requirements and is less common due to higher costs.
Final Thoughts
ADC12 (A383) is a trusted aluminum alloy known for its exceptional castability, strength, and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for diverse automotive, electronics, and more applications. For high-quality die-casting solutions that leverage the benefits of ADC12, trust Sanon Casting to deliver precision and reliability.
Contact Sanon Casting today to discuss how our expert services can enhance your next project with the advantages of ADC12 (A383).
