A356 Aluminum Alloy

2024-08-30 by Cherry

A356 aluminum alloy: a key material in modern manufacturing

Introduction

In modern manufacturing, the choice of materials directly

affects the performance, quality, and cost of products.

A356 aluminum alloy has become one of the indispensable

materials in industrial production due to its excellent

mechanical properties and casting properties.

Whether in the automotive industry, aerospace, or consumer

electronics, A356 aluminum alloy plays a vital role. 

In this article, we will take a deep look at the composition,

characteristics, application areas, and use of A356 aluminum

alloy in die-casting machines to help you understand

this material more comprehensively.

‌

1. Rheocasting technology‌: A356 aluminum alloy is suitable for

rheocasting technology. By optimizing process parameters,

such as boost pressure and mold temperature, the tensile

strength and elongation of the specimen can be significantly

improved‌1. ‌

2. Numerical simulation study‌: The rheocasting filling process

of semi-solid A356 aluminum alloy was numerically simulated,

and the effects of factors such as shot pressure, slurry

flow rate, and temperature on the filling process were studied‌. ‌

3. Mechanical properties study‌:‌ Through orthogonal experiments of

rheological die-casting process, the effects of different parameters

on the mechanical properties of A356 aluminum alloy die castings

were studied, and the optimal process parameters were determined‌

Composition and characteristics of A356 aluminum alloy

A356 aluminum alloy is an aluminum-silicon alloy, the main 

components include aluminum, silicon, and magnesium.

The unique formula of this alloy makes it excel in strength,

toughness, and casting performance. A356 aluminum alloy occupies

an important position in the die-casting process due to its

unique chemical composition and good performance.

Its main components include silicon, magnesium, and iron, 

copper, manganese, zinc, and titanium strictly controlled within

a lower threshold, ensuring high purity and performance 

consistency. 

A detailed analysis of the main components is as follows:

Main components:

1. Aluminum (Al): matrix material, giving the alloy lightweight

characteristics and excellent corrosion resistance.

2. Silicon (Si): The content is about 7%, which improves

the casting performance and fluidity of the alloy while

reducing the melting point.

3. Magnesium (Mg): The content is about 0.3%, which increases

the strength and hardness of the alloy.

Physical properties:

1. Density: 2.68 g/cm³, the lower density makes it ideal

for lightweight applications.

2. Melting point: 570-580°C, suitable for a variety of 

casting processes, including sand casting and die casting.

3. Thermal conductivity: The high thermal conductivity makes

it is widely used in radiators and electronic component housings.

Mechanical properties:

1. Tensile strength: 205-245 MPa, which can be significantly

improved after heat treatment.

2. Yield strength: 150 MPa, indicating its durability under load.

3. Ductility: It can maintain good ductility under a variety of 

casting processes.

Casting properties of A356 aluminum alloy

A356 aluminum alloy is known for its excellent casting properties, 

especially for the production of parts with complex shapes. 

Here are some of the key advantages it exhibits during the

casting process:

1. Good fluidity: Due to its high silicon content, A356

aluminum alloy has good fluidity in the molten state and

is suitable for filling molds with complex geometries.

A. ‌Rheocasting technology‌: ‌A356 aluminum alloy is suitable

for rheocasting technology, and by optimizing the process

parameters, such as boost pressure and mold temperature,

the tensile strength and elongation of the specimen

can be significantly improved‌1. ‌

B. ‌Numerical simulation study‌: ‌The rheocasting filling

process of semi-solid A356 aluminum alloy was numerically

simulated, and the effects of factors such as shot pressure,

slurry flow rate, and temperature in the filling process

were studied. ‌

C. ‌Mechanical properties study‌: ‌Through orthogonal experiments

of the rheocasting process, the effects of different parameters

on the mechanical properties of A356 aluminum alloy die castings

were studied, and the optimal process parameters were determined

2. Small solidification shrinkage: A356 aluminum alloy has a

low shrinkage rate during solidification, which reduces defects

in castings, such as shrinkage cavities and cracks.

3. Good air tightness: Under proper process control, A356 aluminum

alloy castings usually have excellent air tightness and are 

suitable for parts that require high sealing performance,

such as engine cylinders.

4. Strong heat treatment responsiveness: A356 aluminum alloy

can significantly improve its mechanical properties through

heat treatment, such as T6 treatment, making it more suitable

for applications with high strength requirements.

Application of A356 aluminum alloy in die casting machine

Die casting machine is a kind of equipment commonly used for 

mass production of precision aluminum alloy parts, and A356

aluminum alloy has been widely used in this field.

It's excellent casting performance and mechanical properties

make it an ideal material for die casting machine process.

1. Mold design and optimization: In the die-casting process,

the good fluidity of A356 aluminum alloy makes it suitable

for the design of complex molds. 

This alloy can accurately fill every detail of the mold,

thereby producing high-precision parts.

2. Production efficiency: Due to the low melting point and

fast solidification speed of A356 aluminum alloy, die-casting

machines can produce parts at a higher speed.

This significantly improves production efficiency in mass

production

Product quality: The low shrinkage and high air tightness

of A356 aluminum alloy in the die-casting process make the

final product has higher dimensional stability and surface

quality, reducing the need for subsequent processing.

Application example: In the automotive industry, A356 aluminum

alloy is often used to manufacture engine parts, gearbox

housings and suspension system components, all of which

require high strength and low weight.

The heat treatment process of A356 aluminum alloy

To further improve the mechanical properties of A356

aluminum alloy, it is often necessary to heat treat it.

Here are some common heat treatment methods and their effects:

T6 treatment:

1. Process: It includes solution treatment, quenching, and aging

treatment. First, solution treatment is carried out at about

540°C, followed by rapid quenching, and finally aging treatment

is carried out at 155-165°C.

2. Effect: T6 treatment significantly improves the tensile strength 

and yield strength of A356 aluminum alloy, making it more suitable

for high-load applications.

T5 treatment:

1. Process: Artificial aging treatment is carried out directly

after die casting, usually at 175-185°C.

2. Effect: T5 treatment improves the hardness and wear resistance

of the alloy, and is suitable for parts that require high hardness

but do not require excessive ductility.

T7 treatment:

1. Process: Similar to T6, but the aging temperature is higher

and the time is longer to achieve higher dimensional stability.

2. Effect: T7 treatment reduces the internal stress of A356

aluminum alloy and enhances its fatigue resistance.

Application areas of A356 aluminum alloy

Due to its excellent performance, A356 aluminum alloy has been

widely used in many industries. Here are some typical 

application areas:

Automotive industry:

1. Engine parts: The high strength and lightweight characteristics

of A356 aluminum alloy make it an ideal material for engine

blocks, pistons, and cylinder heads.

2. Suspension system: The parts of the suspension system need

to have both high strength and fatigue resistance. A356 aluminum 

alloy fully meets these requirements after heat treatment.

Aerospace:

1. Structural parts: In the aerospace field, A356 aluminum

alloy is often used to manufacture fuselage structural

parts and brackets, which require a combination of light

weight and high strength.

2. Fuel system components: Due to its good air tightness

and corrosion resistance, A356 aluminum alloy is also

used to manufacture fuel tanks and other key components.

Electronic industry:

1. Radiators and housings: The high thermal conductivity 

of A356 aluminum alloy makes it the preferred material

for radiators and housings of electronic components,

effectively extending the service life of electronic equipment.

Consumer electronics:

1. Mobile phone and laptop housings: A356 aluminum alloy

is widely used in the housing design of high-end electronic

products due to their lightweight and beautiful appearance,

which can provide solid protection while maintaining a 

stylish appearance.

Comparison of A356 aluminum alloy with other aluminum alloys

When choosing aluminum alloy materials, understanding the difference

between A356 aluminum alloy and other commonly used aluminum

alloys can help make more informed decisions. 

The following is a comparative analysis of A356 aluminum 

alloy with some common aluminum alloys:

With A380 aluminum alloy:

1. Advantages: A356 aluminum alloy has higher strength and 

toughness, suitable for applications requiring high-strength

and durability.

2. Disadvantages: A380 aluminum alloy has better casting

performance and is suitable for the mass production of complex-shaped

parts.

With 6061 aluminum alloy:

1. Advantages: A356 aluminum alloy has better casting performance

then 6061, suitable for mold casting and die casting processes.

2. Disadvantages: 6061 aluminum alloy has better processing 

performance and is suitable for subsequent machining and welding

processes.

With 7075 aluminum alloy:

1. Advantages: A356 aluminum alloy has better fluidity and 

filling capacity during casting.

2. Disadvantages: The strength of 7075 aluminum alloy is

significantly higher than that of A356, and it is suitable

for applications with extremely high strength requirements, 

such as aerospace structural parts.

For more info, you can refer to: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@lk_diecastingmachine/video/7405113006880820522 

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JLX410QV_kw

To learn further info about Die Casting Machines,

pls contact LK Die Casting Machine Authorized Official Agent

LK OFFICIAL AGENT OFFICE DCM

LK Die Casting Machine Authorized Official Agent for Egypt(EGY)

Saudi Arabia(ksa)

United Arab Emirates(UAE)

The Islamic Republic of Iran(Iran)

Qatar(QAT)

The State of Kuwait(Kuwait)

The Middle East

Address: 1. Industry Zone, South of Port Said Kebly, Cairo, Egypt

      2. EX 14., EASTERN RING ROAD, AI RAYAN DISTRICT,

         RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

Arabic Website： https://ae.zazdiecasting.com/

English Website: https://www.zazdiecasting.com/

Phone/WhatsApp/Wechat: 0086 13598704163

Mobile: +20 101 304 3317      +20 150 181 8310

Email: jack@zazmae.com       ahmedmahmoud@zazmae.com