ADC12 Overview
ADC12 is an alloy used in creating die-casting components. Also known as A383, this aluminum material is cost-efficient and facilitates manufacturing processes. Designated under the JIS standard (H 5302), it is the most widely used choice of metal for many die-castings produced internationally.
ADC12 Equivalent Materials
ADC12 carries multiple designations depending on the standards body. Engineers working across regions can reference this equivalency table when specifying the alloy. The JIS and North American designations are functionally interchangeable for most die-casting applications, and Chinese GB/T specifications commonly reference the same composition under the ADC12 name.
| Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
| JIS (Japan) | ADC12 |
| ANSI/AA (USA) | A383.0 |
| EN (Europe) | EN AC-46100 |
| ISO | AlSi11Cu2(Fe) |
| UNS | A03830 |
Characteristics of ADC12
ADC12 provides resistance to cracking under heat and is well suited for components that enhance die-filling characteristics. The aluminum properties are of excellent quality. It is easy to cast and holds dimensional stability, which offers an ideal balance of value and performance.
In addition to affordability, there are other advantages of ADC12, including good corrosion resistance, outstanding mechanical properties, and good machinability due to higher silicon levels and lower levels of copper.
ADC12 is a modified ADC10 alloy used when needing additional die-filling precision. This alloy does not offer as much strength as ADC10, but it performs well when completing complicated aluminum die-casting projects. ADC12 is also much easier to work with when compared to A360.
Uses of ADC12
ADC12 can be used for any die casting shape and offers limitless possibilities. It is an excellent choice when building complex parts at large volumes in a cost-efficient manner.
- Electronic equipment
- Motor vehicle components
- Appliances
- Furniture
- Power tools
- LED lighting
- Bicycles
- Machinery
- Communications equipment
- Electric vehicles
- Valves
- Engine brackets
ADC12 Physical Properties
| Physical Properties | Metric | US/Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.823 g/cc | 0.1020 lb/in3 |
ADC12 Mechanical Properties
| Mechanical Properties | Metric | US/Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness, Brinell | 85 | 85 |
| Hardness, Knoop | 109 | 109 |
| Hardness, Rockwell B | 53 | 53 |
| Hardness, Vickers | 96 | 96 |
| Tensile Strength, Ultimate | 331 MPa | - |
| Tensile Strength, Yield | 165 MPa | - |
| Elongation at Break | 2.5 % | 2.5 % |
| Fatigue Strength | 140 MPa | - |
| Machinability | 50 % | 50 % |
| Shear Strength | 199 MPa | - |
ADC12 Electrical Properties
| Electrical Properties | Metric | US/Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.00000750 ohm-cm | 0.00000750 ohm-cm |
ADC12 Thermal Properties
| Thermal Properties | Metric | US/Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Heat of Fusion | 389 J/g | 167 BTU/lb |
| CTE, linear (20.0 - 100 C) | 20.8 um/m-C | 11.6 uin/in-F |
| CTE, linear (20.0 - 300 C) | 22.1 um/m-C | 12.3 uin/in-F |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 0.963 J/g-C | 0.230 BTU/lb-F |
| Thermal Conductivity | 92.0 W/m-K | 638 BTU-in/hr-ft2-F |
| Melting Point | 516 - 582 C | 961 - 1080 F |
| Solidus | 516 C | 961 F |
| Liquidus | 582 C | 1080 F |
ADC12 Processing Properties
| Processing Properties | Metric | US/Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Annealing Temperature | 177 - 260 C | 350 - 500 F |
| Annealing Temperature | 260 - 371 C | 500 - 700 F |
| Casting Temperature | 616 - 699 C | 1140 - 1290 F |
ADC12 Chemical Composition
| Element | Metric | US/Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum, Al | 77.3 - 86.5 % | 77.3 - 86.5 % |
| Copper, Cu | 3.0 - 4.5 % | 3.0 - 4.5 % |
| Iron, Fe | <= 1.3 % | <= 1.3 % |
| Magnesium, Mg | <= 0.10 % | <= 0.10 % |
| Manganese, Mn | <= 0.50 % | <= 0.50 % |
| Nickel, Ni | <= 0.50 % | <= 0.50 % |
| Other, total | <= 0.50 % | <= 0.50 % |
| Silicon, Si | 10.5 - 12 % | 10.5 - 12 % |
| Tin, Sn | <= 0.35 % | <= 0.35 % |
| Zinc, Zn | <= 3.0 % | <= 3.0 % |
When to Choose ADC12 Over A380 and Other Alloys
A380 remains the default casting alloy in North America, but ADC12 outperforms it when filling complex geometry is the primary design challenge. ADC12's higher silicon content gives it superior fluidity and hot cracking resistance, which reduces misruns and cold shuts in complex die casting designs.
Choose ADC12 when your design includes thin walls, sharp details, or a high length-to-thickness ratio. A380 works better when geometry is uniform, walls are thicker, and cost-effectiveness is the priority.
For parts exposed to harsh or marine environments, A360 offers enhanced corrosion resistance due to its low copper content. A413 is preferred for pressure-tight housings such as valve bodies and hydraulic components. B390, with approximately 17% silicon, handles extreme wear resistance requirements for pistons and compressor parts.
Surface Finish Options for ADC12
ADC12 accepts powder coating and painting well after proper multi-stage pretreatment, including cleaning and chromate or non-chrome conversion coating. The alloy is also compatible with functional hardcoat anodize (Type III) for wear resistance.
Decorative anodize (Type II) is not recommended. The high silicon content causes the coating layer to develop a dark gray or mottled appearance, so always run sample parts before committing to production on this alloy.
On precision holes, coating thickness changes bore diameter. When masking is not specified, the default is to coat everything, including features that should not be coated, so account for Type III build-up in hole sizing at design. For powder coat, get pre-production color samples approved before the run, because a RAL or Pantone code does not always match exactly.
Frequently Asked Questions About ADC12 Aluminum
What is ADC12 aluminum equivalent to? ADC12 is equivalent to A383.0 under the ANSI/AA system, EN AC-46100 under the European Norm, and AlSi11Cu2(Fe) under ISO. These designations share nearly identical composition and mechanical behavior, with minor differences in impurity limits.
What is the difference between A380 and ADC12? ADC12 contains higher silicon than A380, giving it superior fluidity and hot cracking resistance, while A380 offers slightly higher tensile strength. Choose ADC12 for thin-walled, intricate parts where castability matters most, and A380 for general-purpose casting with thicker walls and uniform geometry.
Can ADC12 aluminum be heat treated? ADC12 castings achieve their mechanical properties in the as-cast condition and are generally not heat treated. Stress-relieving or anneal cycles are possible, but standard T6 aging does not apply, and high-pressure die-cast parts risk blistering during solution treatment.
What is the difference between ADC12 and 6063 aluminum? ADC12 is optimized for mold fluidity and intricate die-cast parts, while 6063 is an extrusion alloy valued for surface finish quality and long, uniform cross-sections. ADC12 offers higher strength but lower ductility. Parts requiring intricate die-cast geometry use ADC12 or similar Zamak alloys depending on the application.
