General Application of Aluminum Die Casting

Die Casting is a time-honored manufacturing process with roots dating back thousands of years, but the modern form of casting traces its roots to the mid-19th century. The development of faster moving vehicles and die casting were in lockstep with the use of aluminum as a primary alloy coming later. Aluminum die castings have since become the dominant die castings produced.

While zinc and other alloy castings are also used depending on the properties required by a particular machine where it is to be installed. There are clear reasons why aluminum die castings are preferred for most applications. They are lightweight, dimensionally stable, highly conductive of heat and electricity, and extremely resistant to corrosion. Finding all these qualities in one is why the application of aluminum die castings is so vast.

Application of Aluminum Die Casting

There are number of gadgets in your home, office, transportation and surrounding that uses, to some extent, aluminum die casting parts. But depending on their market share and dominance in certain sectors, here are few applications of aluminum die casting;

Vehicles
One of the largest industries that uses aluminum die castings in abundance is the automotive industry. From the earliest days, the need for vehicles to be light and efficient has been clear. Fuel economy, vehicle longevity, repairability and, more recently, emissions all relate in some way to weight. While carbon fiber is becoming more mainstream in manufacturing, aluminum die casting is still the preferred method for producing parts for engines, axles and other connecting elements. Considering the number of vehicles produced each year, it is easy to see why the automotive industry is one of the largest consumers of aluminum die castings.
Construction
The world of construction is vast, and with the integration of modern technologies, the home itself is becoming smarter. Previously, aluminum die casting was used to produce window frames, building frames and some lighting fixtures. But more and more the application of aluminum die casting parts in construction has increased. The electrical conductivity and heat flow is a primary reason why aluminum is a go-to favorite material in construction environment.
Electronics
Before Steve Jobs took the stage in 2008 to announce the first iPhone, the design, look and feel of a cell phone was similar. They weighed little and were made of cheap plastic, and while some manufacturers experimented with other materials, including Apple’s iPod, the general consensus was the same: plastic phones. But with the turn of the decade came a course correction, as phones became modern computers with needs for extreme processing and calculations, they started to get hot. The solution was simple: aluminum cases and aluminum parts that acted as heat sinks. They were light and durable to go along with the heat sinks, so it was an obvious solution. But that is not to say that phones are the only electronics to use aluminum die cast parts, from fluorescent lights to washing machines, you can find aluminum parts everywhere.
Energy and Mining
Wind energy is becoming an ever present and increasingly necessary aspect of power generation in recent times. There are a growing number of companies currently manufacturing wind turbines, equipment for storing and transporting the energy generated by such plants, and aluminum die castings are playing their part in creating lightweight, electrically conductive parts. Even in old school mining operations, the need for lightweight equipment cannot be overstated. From drills to custom drilling and mining machinery, it would be hard to find less than 20 parts made from aluminum die castings.
Aerospace
Nowhere is the need for lightweight, corrosion-resistant parts greater than in aircraft and spacecraft. The first manned mission to the moon that successfully landed, the decent vehicle that touched the lunar surface had parts made of aluminum die casting. Even now, the propellers of airplanes and other important parts of airplanes are made of die-cast aluminum. The application of aluminum die casting parts in the manufacturing of airplanes or rockets cannot be underestimated.
Furniture and Decoration
Not only in the construction of a home, the application of aluminum die casting parts can also be found within the home. From lightweight tables to bookcases, from low-hanging light fixtures to table stands, there are opportunities for aluminum die-cast products in every room. Because aluminum die casting is cheaper and more reliable, while providing the same functionality as other materials, there has been a recent boom in the use of aluminum profiles and aluminum die casting parts.

Alternatives to Aluminum Die Casting

One of the biggest competitors to aluminum die casting in recent years has been the emergence of 3D printing. With each passing day, larger and finer 3D printed parts are being seen online and in the marketplace. These types of additive processes, which do not even require a mold, can be a serious contender to replace aluminum die casting.

Now there is a case to be made for the rendering power, reusability, and overall affordability of 3D printing. Household 3D printing machines have been made, but they are limited by size. A simple rendering of a part takes anywhere from 3 to 36 hours. Then there is the cost of the material itself, just like paper printers where toner and ink will break you, 3D printing is no different.

The speed of aluminum die casting and the uniformity of each part at the same rate is something we have not seen with 3D printing. Technology is always a long game, it takes time to perfect and be efficient, but right now your safest bet for consistent quality parts with great properties is still aluminum die casting.

Eurobalt is Continuing its Aluminum Die Casting Work

At Eurobalt we offer different technologies to different customers depending on their requirements. But with the current market needs and feedback from our customers, it seems there is a real need for a good and reliable aluminum die casting supplier. We have been doing it since the establishment of the company, and until the end of 2022, we are only increasing our production in this field.

So, if any of the application of aluminum die casting from above fit your needs, then send us an email or call. Even if the application does not fit you perfectly, send us your requirements and we will let you know if aluminum die casting is the right direction for your manufacturing, we may even suggest other avenues, something that will be better suited to your needs. But first contact us and one of our sales managers will help you in your aluminum die casting parts production needs.