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Aluminum
Material Type
Metal
Process Compatibility
Metal Stamping, CNC Machining
Physical Properties
Property |
Value/Description |
|---|---|
| Atomic Number | 13 |
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ (~1/3 of steel, significant lightweight advantage) |
| Melting Point | 660.3°C (suitable for low-to-medium temperature forming) |
| Boiling Point | 2470°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 237 W/(m·K) (excellent for heat dissipation in molds) |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~61% IACS (high conductivity) |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 23.1 ×10⁻⁶/°C (dimensional stability at high temps must be considered) |
| Reflectivity | High reflectivity for visible/IR light (minimal surface treatment needed) |
Mechanical Properties
Property |
Value/Description |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | Pure Al: 50-90 MPa; Alloy (e.g., 6061-T6): ~310 MPa (enhanced via alloying) |
| Yield Strength | Pure Al: 15-20 MPa; Alloy (e.g., 7075-T6): ~503 MPa |
| Elastic Modulus | 69 GPa (~1/3 of steel, requires design compensation for rigidity) |
| Hardness | Pure Al: 15-25 HB; Alloy (e.g., 2024-T3): ~120 HB |
| Ductility | Elongation: >50% for pure Al (excellent formability) |
| Fatigue Strength | Alloy (e.g., 6061-T6): ~96 MPa (consider for cyclic loading) |
Chemical Properties
Property |
Description |
|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Forms protective Al₂O₃ layer (good atmospheric resistance; avoid chlorides/acid) |
| Oxidation | Anodizing can enhance oxide layer (improves hardness/wear resistance) |
| Common Alloying Elements | Cu, Mg, Si, Zn (e.g., 6061: Mg/Si; 7075: Zn/Cu/Mg) |
Machinability (Key for Mold Making)
Property |
Description |
|---|---|
| Machinability | Easy to cut but may adhere to tools (use sharp tools/coolant) |
| Castability | Excellent fluidity (shrinkage ~1.8% in die casting) |
| Weldability | Most alloys weldable; high-strength alloys (e.g., 7075) prone to hot cracking |
| Polishing | Easily polished to mirror finish (common for mold cavities) |
| Anodizing | Forms 5-25μm oxide layer (200-600 HV hardness for wear resistance) |
Mold Industry Applications
Advantages:
- Lightweight reduces equipment load (ideal for quick mold changes).
- High thermal conductivity shortens cycle times (e.g., plastic injection molds).
- Easy to machine complex shapes (lowers manufacturing costs).
Limitations:
- Low wear resistance (high-wear areas may require steel inserts/surface treatment).
- Strength declines above 200°C (long-term use limit).
Recommended Aluminum Alloys
Alloy |
Characteristics |
Mold Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 6061 | Balanced properties, easy machining | Plastic molds, fixtures, mold bases |
| 7075 | High strength, decent wear resistance | High-load cores, die-casting inserts |
| 5083 | Superior corrosion resistance | Molds for water/chemical environments |
| A380 | Excellent die-casting fluidity | Aluminum die-casting molds |
Other Metal Material Selection
Stainless Steel
Copper Materials
Carbon Steel
Special Alloy
FAQ Of Aluminum Materials
Visit our FAQ center for more questions.
How corrosion-resistant is Aluminum?
Aluminum naturally forms a dense oxide layer (Al₂O₃) in air, providing excellent atmospheric corrosion resistance. However, in acidic, alkaline, or saline environments, surface treatments (e.g., anodizing or coatings) may be required for enhanced protection.
Is Aluminum strong enough for industrial parts?
Pure aluminum has low strength, but through alloying (e.g., with Mg, Si, Zn) and heat treatment (e.g., T6 temper), aluminum alloys (e.g., 6061-T6, 7075-T6) can match the strength of some steels while retaining lightweight advantages, making them ideal for aerospace and automotive applications.
How does Aluminum’s thermal conductivity affect mold design?
Aluminum’s high thermal conductivity (237 W/(m·K)) significantly reduces cooling time in injection molds, improving productivity. However, cooling channels must be optimized to prevent hot spots, and thermal simulations are recommended to address potential uneven temperature distribution.