ALLOY GUIDE
ADC12
Complex die cast shapes; discuss machined sealing zones and finish appearance.
Confirm the applicable JIS specification and approved composition.
Read the ADC12 guide →MATERIALS / ALUMINUM CASTINGS
Choose the alloy with the process.
The material name is one part of the specification. Casting route, heat treatment, machining and surface finishing determine which questions the sample must answer.
Discuss material selection ↗THREE ALLOYS, DIFFERENT REVIEW POINTS
A starting comparison for your component.
Use this guide to frame a discussion, then specify the actual grade and governing standard. It is not an alloy-equivalency table.
| Alloy | Material family | Where to focus the review | Specification point |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADC12 ↗ | JIS-designated Al-Si-Cu die casting alloy | Complex die cast shapes; discuss machined sealing zones and finish appearance. | Confirm the applicable JIS specification and approved composition. |
| A380 ↗ | Aluminum die casting alloy | Repeat die cast components with individually controlled functional interfaces. | Typical published properties do not replace agreed part acceptance. |
| A356 ↗ | Al-Si-Mg casting alloy | Review a suitable casting route and, where required, heat-treatment condition. | Specify temper and representative property validation; revisit the tooling route. |
ALLOY GUIDE
A380
Repeat die cast components with individually controlled functional interfaces.
Typical published properties do not replace agreed part acceptance.
Read the A380 guide →ALLOY GUIDE
A356
Review a suitable casting route and, where required, heat-treatment condition.
Specify temper and representative property validation; revisit the tooling route.
Read the A356 guide →WHAT THE DESIGN NEEDS
Bring the operating conditions into the comparison.
A housing that only protects an assembly and a bracket that carries repeated loads need different evidence. Describe the loads, working temperature, exposure, sealing requirement and mating materials that matter to the part.
If the grade is open, send the application and available geometry. If the grade is fixed, include its governing specification and any condition or substitution restrictions.
Keep four requirements separate
- Chemistry: composition and batch identification for the specified grade.
- Properties: mechanical or other required values in a defined material and specimen condition.
- Internal quality: local acceptance for a loaded section, machined interface or pressure wall.
- Final surface: coating, appearance, masking and the dimensional effect of finishing.
A similar alloy name is not approval to substitute.
Regional designations may have overlapping applications while their composition limits and product specifications differ. Compare the actual requirements and document an approved alternative before changing the order.
Continue the process review
Not sure which grade to use?
Send a drawing, sketch or photograph and describe the application. The alloy and validation scope can be developed during the review.