A Comprehensive Guide To A380 Aluminum Alloy

A380 is the most commonly used aluminium die casting alloy, which primarily includes silicon and copper. It is strong, light, and very easy to cast, which is why it’s most commonly used for die casting. A380 provides a balance of cost and performance, making it suitable for many industries.

Химический состав

A380 is made up of aluminium as the base and the following key alloying elements:

Each of these elements affects the alloy in different ways. For example:

• Кремний helps the metal flow better. It also lowers shrinkage as it cools down.
• Медь is added to help boost strength and hardness. But it lowers the corrosion resistance.
• Утюг prevents the part from cracking when it is hot. But adding too much can make the metal brittle.

Mechanical & Physical Properties

The table below shows key mechanical properties of A380 aluminium alloy

Thanks to its moderate tensile and yield strength, A380 can handle heavy loads without bending or cracking. It combines strength, stiffness, and low weight, which makes it ideal for many parts.

Физические свойства

A380’s good thermal conductivity allows it to spread heat quickly. However, its electrical conductivity is not the best for appliances that need wiring.

Casting Behavior & Performance

A380 alloy has excellent, high fluidity, making it very suitable for die casting. This allows it to fill complex die molds quickly, reducing the chances of voids or weak spots in the final product. It also offers good pressure tightness, which is ideal for sealed components.

This alloy also has good resistance to hot cracking, which helps to maintain part integrity during solidification. This resistance comes from its balanced aluminum-silicon-copper composition. Its dimensional accuracy is also a major strength, and it helps extend mold life, which reduces wear on tooling.

Applications & Industry Use

A380 is used in many industries where the metal parts need to be light and strong.

Автомобильный

This alloy is common in: 

• Engine blocks
• Transmission housings
• Mounting brackets
• Brake system parts.

These parts usually face a lot of heat and force.

Электроника

Due to its ability to spread heat well, you’ll find A380 in components, such as: 

• LED housings
• Chassis for control boxes
• Heat sinks.

Tools & consumer hardware

It can also be used in tools, like:

• Drill bodies
• Saw Housings
• Handles
• Замки

Comparison with Other Alloys

А360

A360 has better corrosion resistance and also handles heat better than A380. However, it is much harder to cast and needs more control in the die process.

A383 (ADC12)

A383 has a much better flow, making it ideal for intricate shapes and die-filling. This helps reduce defects. But it has lower strength compared to A380 and may not work well in high-stress jobs.

B390 & A413

A413 is better than A380 when it comes to sealing and pressure holding. It has excellent fluid-tight properties, making it a top choice for valve bodies and pumps. However, it is not as strong as A380 under heavy loads or mechanical stress.

B390, on the other hand, is more suited when it comes to wear resistance. It is very hard and long-lasting. This is why it’s usually used in gear housings, but this hardness makes it brittle and hard to machine.

Machinability and Surface Finishing

Thanks to A380’s high machinability, it works very well with CNC machines and other standard cutting tools. Shops can drill, tap, and mill A380 with fast speeds. It forms clean shapes without much tool wear. Even with tight shapes, A380 holds tolerances well, which makes it great for high-precision parts.

It also allows powder coatings to stick well and cover rough areas. A380 can be anodized to give a harder surface as well. Plating with chrome or nickel gives a smooth, shiny coat. It adds extra protection and looks clean.

Strengths and Limitations of A380

Strengths

• A380 is one of the most cost-effective and well-balanced alloys for die-casting. It is easy to source and reuse.
• It is very ideal for large-volume runs, thanks to its superior fluidity.
• A380 also has good mechanical strength, moderate heat resistance, and handles surface finishes very well.

Ограничения

• Its rust resistance is only moderate when compared to other higher-grade alloys.
• Its thermal conductivity is lower than that of K-Alloy or A304. It transfers heat about 15% less. That makes it less ideal for high-heat zones unless cooled well.

Design Tips and Best Use Cases

Design Considerations

Designers should keep the wall thickness even when working with A380. Thin walls may cool too fast and cause defects. Use draft angles of at least 1° to help parts release from the mold. This prevents drags or cracks. A380 also handles complex shapes and fine details well.

When to Choose A380 Vs K-Alloy, A360, A383

You should use A380 for most die-casting jobs that need strength and balance. Choose K-alloy when you’re looking for better heat performance. A360 is better to choose when you need better corrosion resistance for parts. Lastly, use A383 for better fluidity when filling thin or complex molds.

Finishing Decisions

A380 supports many finishes that add protection and improve its looks. Be sure the part is cleaned well before coating. Post-processing can also help to fix minor surface flaws or improve fit and function.

Вывод

When consistency, low cost, and ease of manufacturing matter, you can count on A380 to deliver. Its ease of casting and strength are why many industries prefer it. If you’re looking for the best A380 die-cast parts, then свяжитесь с нами. Let’s help you get started today.