ADC12 vs A380 vs A360 Aluminum Alloys

ADC12 is a widely used Al-Si-Cu alloy for general die casting. It offers a practical balance of castability, strength, machining behavior and cost, which is why it appears in many housings, covers and industrial components.

A380 is a common North American specification with good fluidity and pressure tightness. A360 is an Al-Si-Mg alloy often selected where corrosion behavior and pressure tightness are important.

• ADC12: general-purpose aluminum die casting
• A380: good fluidity and pressure tightness
• A360: corrosion-conscious option
• Confirm against the controlled specification

All three alloys fill thin sections well when the tool and process window are designed for the part. Differences appear in fluidity, hot cracking sensitivity and how easily the alloy reproduces fine detail and texture.

For small features and fine texture, the gate and venting design can matter as much as the alloy choice. Alloy selection should be reviewed together with the tooling concept.

• All three support thin-wall filling
• Detail reproduction also depends on tooling
• Review gate and venting with the alloy
• Prototype before locking the alloy

A360 is often considered where moisture exposure or improved corrosion behavior matters. ADC12 and A380 are common choices where the environment is controlled and the finishing system provides the required protection.

Powder coating, painting, e-coating and other finishes can all be applied to aluminum die castings, but each has its own preparation and masking requirements that should be defined early.

• A360 is the corrosion-conscious choice
• Finishing can add protection to ADC12 and A380
• Define preparation and masking early
• Confirm with the end-use environment

Start from the function: pressure tightness, corrosion exposure, strength, machining, finishing and cost. The best alloy is the one that satisfies the function with the simplest reliable process.

The alloy page should never replace the customer specification. If the drawing or end market defines a material standard, that controlled requirement takes priority.

• Start from the functional requirement
• Compare total manufacturing cost
• Respect the customer specification
• Lock the alloy on the controlled drawing