What is Aluminum casting？
Aluminum is a widely used casting metal with core advantages such as lightweight, low cost and recyclability. It is used in many casting parts and meets the needs of many industries.
After aluminum or aluminum alloy is melted into liquid, it is poured into a mold with a certain shape. After it cools and solidifies, a part or blank with the desired shape and performance is obtained. This metal forming process is called aluminum casting.
JC Casting is a top aluminum foundry and supplier for aluminum casting manufacturing.
Characteristics of aluminum castings
Aluminum used in casting usually refers to its alloys. Its properties are as follows:
| Classification | Features | Application |
Physical properties | Lightweight material. High thermal conductivity. Low melting point. Good fluidity in liquid state. Easy to form complex structures. | Lightweight automotive parts (such as wheels and housings). Radiators for electronic equipment. |
Chemical properties | A dense oxide film is naturally formed on the surface. It is resistant to corrosion from various media. The corrosion resistance can be optimized by adding elements such as Si and Mg. | Outdoor building decoration (doors, windows, curtain walls). Marine engineering accessories. |
Mechanical properties | Strength can be improved through heat treatment process; has a certain toughness. Impact resistance is better than cast iron; good wear resistance. | Mechanical structural parts (brackets, gears). Key engine components. |
Process advantages | Suitable for a variety of casting processes. Strong post-processing compatibility. Support cutting, surface oxidation or electroplating. | Customized parts manufacturing, high-precision mass-produced components, etc. |
Comprehensive characteristics | The material is highly recyclable and has high recycling value. The performance will decay in high temperature environment. | Environmentally friendly manufacturing scenarios. Avoid using in extremely high temperature conditions. |
Common cast aluminum alloys
Cast aluminum alloy is an aluminum-based alloy material. It is widely used in aviation, automobiles, machinery and other fields. The following are some common cast aluminum alloy types, characteristics and applications:
| Cast Aluminum Alloy Types | Features | Common Grades |
| Al-Si cast aluminum alloy | Good casting fluidity. Suitable for the production of complex shape castings. Has a low thermal expansion coefficient. Good heat resistance.Excellent corrosion resistance. | ZL102: Excellent casting properties. Lower strength.ZL104: High strength. Good air tightness and corrosion resistance. |
| Al-Cu cast aluminum alloy | It has good cutting performance.The casting performance and corrosion resistance are poor. The thermal expansion coefficient is large. | ZL201: Higher strength and heat resistance. ZL202: High strength. Low plasticity and toughness. |
| Al-Mg cast aluminum alloy | Low density. Good corrosion resistance.Poor casting performance. Easy to oxidize during smelting. | ZL301: High strength and good corrosion resistance.ZL303: Low density. Good corrosion resistance. Excellent castability. |
| Al-Zn cast aluminum alloy | The price is relatively low. It has good casting performance and mechanical properties.Poor corrosion resistance. Surface treatment is required. | ZL401: High strength and good casting properties.ZL402: High strength. Good cutting performance. |
Aluminum casting applications
Aluminum is a comprehensive metal. It has advantages such as light weight, corrosion resistance, and good casting performance. It is widely used in many fields.
Auto industry
- Chassis and suspension system: Steering knuckle, wheel hub and other parts. Aluminum alloy wheel hub is light in weight. It can also improve heat dissipation performance and extend tire life.
- Body structure: Door frame, hood, etc. It can achieve lightweight body and meet collision safety requirements.
Aerospace
- Aircraft structural parts: Wing brackets, fuselage frames, etc. For example, the engine nacelle parts of commercial aircraft are mostly made of aluminum castings. It can reduce the weight of the aircraft. Improve load capacity and fuel economy.
- Aerospace equipment: Satellite shells, rocket parts, etc. The material is required to be lightweight and resistant to high temperatures. Aluminum castings can meet such requirements after being strengthened by heat treatment.
Electronics and electrical industry
- Electronic product housing: Such as computer and mobile phone housings. Aluminum castings can achieve thin-walled, high-precision molding. They have both aesthetics and heat dissipation performance.
- Electrical components: Motor housings, radiators, etc. The thermal conductivity of aluminum helps to dissipate heat quickly. Ensure the stable operation of electrical components.
Machinery and Industrial Equipment
- Hydraulic and pneumatic parts: Valve body, pump housing, cylinder body, etc. The corrosion resistance and sealing of aluminum castings are suitable for fluid transmission systems. It can improve system reliability.
- Industrial machinery parts: Gearboxes, brackets, etc. Used in automation equipment, machine tools, etc. Meet high strength and wear resistance requirements.
Construction and decoration field
- Architectural hardware: Door handles, locks, etc. Aluminum castings can achieve a variety of appearances through surface treatment (such as spraying). At the same time, they are weather-resistant.
- Decorative components: Railings, curtain wall decorations, etc. The plasticity of aluminum is used to make complex shapes. It is not easy to rust. The maintenance cost is low.
Other fields
- Sporting goods: Bicycle frames, golf club heads, etc. The lightweight and strength of aluminum can improve the performance of sports equipment.
- Daily necessities: Cookware, furniture hardware, etc. Utilize the thermal conductivity and formability of aluminum. Meet daily use needs.
Summary of the advantages of aluminum castings
- Lightweight: Density is about 1/3 of steel. Effectively reduce the weight of equipment.
- Corrosion resistance: Oxide film is easily formed on the surface. Suitable for corrosive environment.
- Good casting performance: Complex structures can be formed by die casting, sand casting and other processes. High dimensional accuracy.
- Cost-effective: Abundant raw materials. Suitable for mass production.
JC Casting’s Aluminum Casting Process
As a professional foundry. JC generally uses three casting methods: pressure casting, sand casting and metal mold casting.
Die Casting
Aluminum die casting is a high-speed technology. After the aluminum is melted, it is quickly pressed into a metal mold under high pressure and solidified. Once solidified, the mold can be opened to reveal the finished casting. This process is extremely efficient. The casting has good dimensional accuracy. It can form aluminum castings with thin walls and complex structures.
Typical applications: automotive industry (such as engine brackets). Electronics field (such as mobile phone housings). Aerospace (such as small structural parts), etc. Especially suitable for mass production.
Sand Casting
Sand castings are made by packing a fine sand mixture around a model of the desired product. The molding sand usually forms the outer contour of the casting. The core sand forms the internal structure. The process has low mold cost. It has strong adaptability to the shape and size of the casting. It is widely used to make small batches or large complex castings.
Typical applications: automotive parts (such as cylinder heads). Mechanical parts (such as boxes). Building components (such as aluminum decorative parts), etc.
Metal mold casting
Also called permanent mold casting. A mold is made of cast iron, steel or other metals. Aluminum is then poured into the mold to form a solid casting. This process is highly efficient. And metal molds can be reused. The casting cools evenly, resulting in a more consistent microstructure. This significantly improves mechanical properties.
Typical applications: commonly used in the manufacture of pistons, gears, pump bodies, etc. It is more common in the production of motorcycle and internal combustion engine accessories.
Different casting methods have their own characteristics and scope of application. In actual production. The JC Casting team will select the appropriate casting method based on the different product requirements and process characteristics of aluminum castings.
Optional surface treatments for cast aluminum parts
The finishing process can be used for aesthetic or functional purposes. The following are value-added services that JC Casting can provide.
| Surface treatment | Process characteristics | Typical applications |
| Anodizing | Electrolysis forms a porous oxide film. Can be dyed. Good corrosion and wear resistance. | Mobile phone housing. Aluminum alloy doors and windows. Car wheels, etc. |
| Powder coating | Electrostatically adsorbed powder and then cured at high temperature. Strong weather resistance (anti-ultraviolet and anti-aging). Rich colors. | Building curtain walls, outdoor furniture, home appliance housings, etc. |
| Sandblasting + chemical oxidation | Sandblasting removes surface oxide scale. Creates a rough base. Enhances the adhesion of subsequent coatings. Chemical oxidation generates a thin and dense protective film. | Auto parts, aviation parts, aluminum alloy sheet processing, etc. |
| Electroplating (Cr / Zn) | Improve corrosion resistance, wear resistance or decorative properties (such as chrome mirror effect). | Decorative handles, heat sinks, conductive connectors, etc. |
In addition. We also provide other surface treatment processes such as electropolishing and electrophoresis.
JC Casting – Your Reliable Aluminum Die Casting Supplier in China
At JC Casting, we have state-of-the-art production equipment and technology. We offer a wide range of manufacturing capabilities, including aluminum casting and other value-added services. We can provide you with customized solutions to meet all your fabrication and production needs.
As China’s leading aluminum die casting experts. Our team of experts ensures that your project is completed on time and within budget. Our quality control procedures ensure that every part of the production meets our high quality standards.
Are you looking for a reliable aluminum casting manufacturer? JC Casting is your best choice. Contact us today to learn about our services. Let us help you with your aluminum casting needs!
FAQ
1. Which casting process is the best?
Each process has its own advantages. Die casting has high production efficiency. High dimensional accuracy. Good surface quality. Suitable for mass production of parts with complex structures. Sand casting has strong flexibility. Low mold cost. Can produce large and complex castings. Each casting process has its own suitable application range. We will recommend the most suitable casting process based on customer product requirements, production batch and other factors.
2. Is the aluminum casting production process environmentally friendly?
JC Casting has taken a number of environmental protection measures during the production process. We are equipped with efficient dust removal equipment to reduce waste gas emissions. For solid wastes such as waste sand and waste slag generated during the production process. We will classify and recycle them and professionally treat them. For some usable waste sand, it will be recycled and reused after being recycled. At the same time, in terms of wastewater treatment. We have built a supporting sewage treatment system. The wastewater produced is treated by sedimentation, filtration, etc. It is discharged only after meeting the emission standards.
3. Can you accept customized services?
Of course. JC has a professional technical team. From casting process design to mold development, sample making, and mass production. We will provide one-stop service according to the drawings or needs provided by customers.
4. How do you ensure the quality of aluminum castings?
We have a complete quality control system. Before the finished product leaves the factory. The JC team will conduct multiple tests such as dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and mechanical properties. To ensure that the product meets industry standards and customer requirements.