ALUMINUM ALLOY A360
Aluminum A360 has excellent fluidity and pressure tightness, making it suitable for die casting. It is one of the toughest aluminum die casting alloys with some other excellent properties as well. Here we have highlighted its mechanical & physical properties, composition, advantages, and applications.
Advantages
- It offers excellent mechanical strength even at elevated temperatures
- It has high corrosion resistance compared to A380 Alloy
- It shows good ductility at low temperatures
- Elongation at break is higher and can regain shape after being bent, compressed, or stretched
- It has comparatively better machinability than other aluminum alloys
Applications
A360 is harder to cast compared to A380 alloy. So, die casters usually prefer A380 unless there is a specific need for the special properties of A360 Alloy. It is great for applications where parts are subjected to high temperatures.
The excellent pressure tightness makes it an ideal choice for manufacturing hydraulic cylinders. Moreover, it performs well in corrosive environments. These properties make it suitable for automotive and marine industries.
Mechanical Properties
| Parameters | Value |
| Brinell Hardness | 75 HB |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 317 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | 170 MPa |
| Shear Strength | 180 MPa |
| Fatigue Strength | 124 MPa |
| Elongation | 3.5 % in 50mm |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 71 GPa |
| Machinability | 50 % |
Physical Properties
| Parameters | Value |
| Electrical Conductivity | 29.0 % IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | 113 W/mK |
| Melting Point (average) | 577 °C |
| Specific Heat Capacity | J/Kg.K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 21 µm/m°K |
| Density | 2.63 g/cm³ |
Alloy Composition
| Contents | Value |
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance |
| Silicon (Si) | 9-10 % |
| Iron (Fe) | 1.3 % |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.35 % |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.5 % |
| Tin (Sn) | 0.15 % |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.6 % |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.35 % |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0.5 % |
| Other | 0.25 % |
Limitations of Aluminum A360 Alloy
A360 is a great alloy for most of the common die casting applications. Though it has some limitations as well.
- It is comparatively harder to cast than A380 Alloy
- Doesn’t give off any red glow before reaching the melting temperature
- The surface is easily scratched, so surface finishing is required
- For casting intricate parts, A383 Alloycould be a better choice
Here at Sunrise Metal, we offer aluminum die casting services with a wide range of material choices. If you have trouble choosing between the right aluminum alloy, feel free to give us a knock.
