In the world of aluminum alloys, A380 stands out as one of the most commonly used grades in the die casting industry. Known for its excellent castability, mechanical strength, and dimensional stability, aluminum grade A380 plays a vital role in a wide range of industrial applications. But what exactly is A380 aluminum, and why is it so widely favored by engineers and manufacturers?
This article provides a detailed overview of aluminum grade A380, covering its chemical composition, mechanical properties, advantages, limitations, typical applications, and how it compares with other die-cast aluminum alloys.
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What Is Aluminum A380?
A380 is a high-pressure die casting aluminum alloy composed primarily of aluminum with significant amounts of silicon, copper, and iron, among other elements. It is part of the Al-Si-Cu family and is engineered for excellent castability, strength, and corrosion resistance.
Unlike wrought alloys like 6061 or 7075, A380 is designed specifically for casting, especially for components that require tight tolerances and complex geometries.
Chemical Composition of A380 Aluminum
| Element | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance (80.0 – 85.0) |
| Silicon (Si) | 7.5 – 9.5 |
| Copper (Cu) | 3.0 – 4.0 |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.1 max |
| Zinc (Zn) | 3.0 max |
| Iron (Fe) | 1.3 max |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.50 max |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0.50 max |
| Tin (Sn) | 0.35 max |
Key Notes:
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High silicon content improves fluidity and castability
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Copper enhances strength and hardness
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Controlled iron helps avoid die soldering
Mechanical Properties of A380
| Property | Value (as-cast) |
|---|---|
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | ~317 MPa (46 ksi) |
| Yield Strength | ~159 MPa (23 ksi) |
| Elongation | ~3.5% |
| Hardness (Brinell) | ~80 |
| Density | 2.74 g/cm³ |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~96 W/m-K |
| Melting Range | 555–595°C |
A380 is not intended for high elongation or toughness but is optimized for dimensional stability and strength under pressure.
Key Advantages of A380 Aluminum
1. Excellent Castability
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Fills complex molds with thin walls and fine features
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Minimal porosity when cast properly
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Ideal for high-volume production using pressure die casting
2. Good Strength-to-Weight Ratio
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Suitable for load-bearing components
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Stronger than many other cast aluminum grades
3. Corrosion Resistance
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Suitable for many atmospheric and industrial environments
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Additional coatings can further improve resistance
4. Thermal and Electrical Conductivity
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Used in electrical housings and heat-dissipating parts
5. Dimensional Accuracy
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Excellent for tight-tolerance parts
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Reduces post-machining time and cost
sasaaluminum offers high-precision A380 aluminum cast components ready for integration in electronic, automotive, and structural assemblies.
Limitations of A380
Despite its many advantages, A380 does have some limitations:
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Lower ductility and toughness compared to wrought alloys
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Not suitable for welding due to porosity and internal structure
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Limited machinability if porosity or inclusions are present
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Not ideal for high-temperature service due to potential softening
For applications requiring high ductility or weldability, a wrought alloy such as 6061 may be more appropriate.
Common Applications of Aluminum A380
| Industry | Applications |
|---|---|
| Automotive | Transmission cases, brackets, housings |
| Electronics | Enclosures, heat sinks, EMI shielding |
| Aerospace | Non-critical brackets and structural parts |
| Consumer Products | Appliance parts, power tools, sporting goods |
| Telecommunications | Connectors, antenna housings, switch housings |
| Industrial Equipment | Gearboxes, pump housings, compressor bodies |
Because of its ease of casting and cost-effectiveness, A380 is often the first choice when durability and performance are needed without the high cost of machining or forging.
A380 vs Other Aluminum Casting Alloys
| Property | A380 | A319 | A356 | A413 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castability | Excellent | Good | Fair | Excellent |
| Strength | High | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Ductility | Low | Better | High | Low |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate | Good | Excellent | Moderate |
| Pressure Tightness | Good | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent |
A380 is often chosen when strength, lightweight properties, and castability must be balanced. For parts requiring pressure tightness or better corrosion resistance, A356 may be used.
Heat Treatment and Machinability
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As-Cast State: Most A380 components are used in the as-cast condition
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Heat Treatment: Limited effectiveness due to silicon content
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Machinability: Good, but depends on casting quality and tool selection
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Finishing Options: Can be anodized, powder-coated, or painted
sasaaluminum works with precision casting foundries to ensure low-porosity A380 castings that machine cleanly and deliver high performance.
Surface Finishing Capabilities
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Powder coating for impact and UV protection
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Anodizing may be used, though color uniformity is a challenge
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Painting or electroplating for decorative or functional coatings
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Shot blasting or polishing for surface preparation
A380′s cast surface provides a suitable base for most industrial coatings.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
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Recyclability: A380 is highly recyclable without property loss
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Energy Efficiency: Lower melting point than steel reduces energy use
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Cost-Effective Production: Ideal for high-volume die casting with minimal waste
sasaaluminum supports circular manufacturing and provides certified recycled-content A380 aluminum components for eco-conscious customers.
Certifications and Standards
A380 aluminum conforms to:
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ASTM B85: Standard specification for aluminum-alloy die castings
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ISO 8062: Dimensional tolerances for castings
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RoHS/REACH: Environmental compliance standards
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Custom standards per OEM drawings or industry specifications
All sasaaluminum A380 components are supplied with test reports and full traceability upon request.
Conclusion
Aluminum grade A380 is a high-performance die casting alloy known for its excellent strength, fluidity, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness. It is widely used across industries where lightweight, durable, and dimensionally stable components are essential.
While it may not match the ductility or weldability of wrought aluminum alloys, A380 remains a top choice for intricate cast parts produced in large volumes. From automotive housings to electronic enclosures, its versatility and efficiency are unmatched.
If your project requires high-quality A380 aluminum components or you need help choosing the right die casting alloy, sasaaluminum offers technical support, fast delivery, and custom solutions tailored to your needs.
Post time: Aug-01-2025