Aluminum
Key Properties
- Good strength and hardness
- Corrosion resistant
- Easily machinable
- Light weight
Common Alloys
The standard choice for aluminum permanent mold castings. Static pour molding, optionally in conjunction with sand cores, yields pressure tight, durable, and intricate castings with low porosity. A castable alternative to 6061 aluminum alloy.
Supports finely detailed die casting due to increased silicon content. More corrosion resistant than high-copper alloys, A413 is great for components that hold pressure and experience a range of environmental factors.
The standard choice for quality aluminum die casting. Contains silicon to enhance flow into finely detailed molds and copper for higher tensile strength and durability. An excellent choice for the widest array of castings.
Zinc
Key Properties
- Excellent corrosion resistance
Hefty, durable die castings
- Extended casting tool life
- Fine surface finish as-cast
Common Alloys
Also called Zamac (or Zamak) #3, Zinc 3 is the standard alloy for zinc casting with excellent workability, durability, machinability, and finishing options. The inclusion of traces of other metals, including 4% aluminum, enhances the properties of zinc to the point of claiming more than two thirds of all zinc casting in the U.S.
