Characteristics and uses of commonly used domestic die-casting alloys
In modern industrial production, die-casting, as an efficient and precise molding process, is widely used in various fields. Die-casting alloys are the core materials of the die-casting process, and their properties directly affect the quality and application range of die-cast parts. Commonly used domestic die-casting alloys include aluminum alloys, zinc alloys, magnesium alloys, and copper alloys, each with unique characteristics and a wide range of applications.
Aluminum alloy is currently one of the most widely used die-casting alloys. It boasts low density, high strength, excellent casting properties, and strong corrosion resistance. Aluminum alloy die-casting products are widely used in the automotive industry, such as engine blocks, cylinder heads, and wheel hubs, leveraging their lightweight properties to effectively reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel economy. In the electronics field, aluminum alloy die-casting is commonly used in the casings of electronic products such as mobile phones and computers, ensuring both strength and aesthetics while providing excellent heat dissipation. Furthermore, aluminum alloy die-casting has numerous applications in industries such as aerospace and machinery manufacturing, leveraging its comprehensive performance advantages.
Zinc alloy die-casting offers excellent performance, easy filling and forming, and the ability to produce castings with smooth surfaces and high dimensional accuracy. Its narrow crystallization temperature range makes it less susceptible to porosity defects. Zinc alloy has a relatively low melting point of approximately 400-420°C, allowing for lower pouring temperatures, less sticking, and less corrosive properties, extending mold life. Zinc alloy die-castings are ubiquitous in industries such as hardware, toy manufacturing, and decorative accessories. For example, various locks, handles, and decorative items require excellent formability and surface quality, meeting the high demands for appearance and precision in these products.
Magnesium alloys, with their low density, high specific strength and stiffness, and excellent shock absorption properties, hold a prominent position in the die-casting industry. In the automotive industry, magnesium alloy die-castings are used to manufacture components such as instrument panel brackets and seat frames, effectively reducing vehicle weight and improving handling and fuel efficiency. In the consumer electronics sector, magnesium alloy’s high strength and excellent die-casting properties make it an ideal material for laptop cases, tablet computer frames, and other applications, ensuring durability while enabling lightweight designs. However, magnesium alloys are prone to shrinkage and thermal cracking during die-casting, and are highly susceptible to oxidation, requiring special protective and process measures during production.
Copper alloys possess superior mechanical properties, such as high strength and hardness, as well as good corrosion resistance and a low coefficient of friction. Some copper alloys also possess antimagnetic properties. However, they have a high melting point, approximately 1000°C, and are relatively expensive. Commonly used die-cast copper alloys include lead brass and silicon brass. Copper alloy die-castings play a vital role in applications requiring exceptional strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, such as in the manufacture of valves, pipe fittings, and bearings. Their excellent properties meet the demands of these specialized working conditions.
In summary, commonly used domestic die-casting alloys each have their own strengths and weaknesses, playing an irreplaceable role in diverse industries and fields. With the continuous advancement of technology and the increasing diversification of industrial needs, the performance of die-casting alloys is constantly being optimized and improved, providing strong support for the development and application expansion of die-casting processes, and driving the continuous development of related industries towards high performance, lightweighting, and precision.
