When using a casting process to create a new part or product, it’s not just the method of casting that you need to consider. The material you choose to use is critical to the quality, cost, and practical application of your finished piece.
Why are aluminium alloys used for casting?
Generally, pure aluminium isn’t used for industrial purposes; it simply isn’t strong enough.
Aluminium alloys, however, are created by manufacturers to increase strength and stiffness, without compromising on the positive elements that you would find in pure aluminium – such as being comparatively light and corrosion resistant.
Aluminium alloys lend themselves particularly well to casting. They benefit from relatively high fluidity and a low melting point, as well as being chemically stable and standing up well to high heat (without cracking).
You can discover more about metal alloys and why we use them for casting here.
However, choosing aluminium over other commonly-used alloys such as zinc or copper is just the start.
Which aluminium alloy should you choose to suit your casting needs?
Each aluminium alloy will have its own set of characteristics, and it’s important to consider these individual properties in line with what you expect from your finished product.
For example, the malleability of the alloy might not be important to your manufacturing process, but it could be essential that the alloy is both light and strong in order for your final product to be a success when it hits the market.
Once you have a specification for your aluminium alloy in mind, you can start to compare and contrast the available materials.
To help you decide, we’ve created this guide.
How do you compare the global standards of aluminium casting alloys?
Many countries use their own system to designate aluminium alloys into various categories.
Comparing specifications from around the world can, therefore, be quite challenging – especially as there isn’t one single, internationally recognised system for doing so.
Fortunately, we’ve created our own aluminium alloy conversion chart to help you compare the most common global standards.
You can find it here.
If you’re still not sure which aluminium alloy to use for your casting, we can help.
MRT Castings have over 70 years’ experience in the manufacture of high-quality aluminium and zinc die castings across a wide range of applications and industries.
Simply get in touch today and we’ll be happy to assist.
