ADC12 Aluminum vs. A380 Aluminum: What’s the Difference?

Choosing the right aluminum alloy for die casting can be overwhelming. Many engineers and buyers struggle between ADC12 aluminum and A380 aluminum, as both are widely used but have subtle differences. If you pick the wrong one, it could mean higher costs or poor performance. The good news? Understanding their differences makes selection much easier.

 

ADC12 aluminum and A380 aluminum are both popular die casting alloys with similar properties. The main difference lies in composition: ADC12 is preferred in Asian markets, while A380 dominates North America. Each offers unique casting performance, cost advantages, and machining suitability.

 

Now that we’ve introduced the comparison, let’s dive deeper into what ADC12 aluminum is and how it compares with A380.

 

 

 

What is ADC12 Aluminum Alloy?

 

ADC12 aluminum is a die-casting alloy widely used in Asia, especially Japan and China. It is valued for its excellent castability, corrosion resistance, and good mechanical properties. Manufacturers choose ADC12 when they need reliable performance for automotive parts, electronics housings, and industrial equipment.

 

Because it flows easily into complex molds, ADC12 is ideal for thin-walled die casting. It also offers good wear resistance, making it suitable for CNC machining into durable parts.

• Tip: When designing with ADC12 aluminum, keep in mind that while it provides good strength, its mechanical properties are slightly lower compared to wrought alloys like 6061. For die-cast parts, however, it remains one of the most cost-effective options.

 

 

 

 

What Material is ADC12 Equivalent To?

 

ADC12 aluminum is considered the Japanese standard alloy for die casting and is roughly equivalent to A383 aluminum in the North American market. Both share similar levels of silicon and copper, which give them high fluidity and make them suitable for producing thin, intricate die-cast parts.

 

This equivalence helps global manufacturers standardize production across regions. If your project specifies ADC12 aluminum, you can often substitute A383 aluminum when sourcing from North America, as the properties remain nearly the same.

• Tip: Always confirm the exact alloy standard with your CNC machining factory before substituting ADC12 with A383, as minor differences in impurities like iron can affect final part performance.

 

 

 

What is A380 Aluminum Alloy?

 

A380 aluminum is the most widely used die-casting alloy in North America. Known for its excellent balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal conductivity, A380 is a go-to material for automotive parts, electrical housings, and aerospace components.

 

Its popularity comes from its versatility—it offers good mechanical properties while still being easy to cast, even for complex shapes. A380 is also highly compatible with CNC machining services, making it ideal for projects that require both die casting and precision finishing.

• Tip: A380 aluminum is a great choice if you need a globally recognized material for export products. Many CNC machining factories prefer it because of its consistent quality and widespread availability.

 

 

 

 

 

What Material is A380 Equivalent To?

 

A380 aluminum is a U.S. die-casting alloy and is often considered equivalent to ADC10 or ADC12 aluminum in Asian standards, though ADC12 is closer in composition. These alloys share comparable silicon and copper content, which provide strong castability and balanced mechanical properties.

 

This equivalence allows manufacturers to source parts internationally without compromising performance. If a design specifies A380 but you’re working with an Asian CNC machining factory, ADC12 is usually the recommended alternative.

• Tip: Even though A380 and ADC12 are often interchangeable, slight differences in impurity limits (like iron and zinc) may impact corrosion resistance. Always confirm specifications before switching materials.

 

 

 

ADC12 Aluminum vs. A380 Aluminum: Advantages and Disadvantages

 

 

Both ADC12 aluminum and A380 aluminum are widely used in die casting, but each alloy comes with unique strengths and trade-offs. Understanding their advantages and disadvantages helps engineers, buyers, and designers choose the right alloy for performance, cost, and long-term durability.

 

 

 

 

ADC12 Aluminum: Advantages and Disadvantages

 

Advantages

• Excellent castability – flows easily into thin and complex mold designs.
• Good corrosion resistance – suitable for outdoor and automotive applications.
• Dimensional stability – maintains accuracy after die casting and CNC machining.
• High wear resistance – works well for moving components.
• Cost-effective – widely available in Asia, making it affordable for bulk projects.

Disadvantages

• Lower tensile strength compared to wrought aluminum alloys like 6061.
• Less heat resistance, not ideal for high-temperature applications.
• Slightly higher porosity risk than A380, affecting surface treatments.

Tip: If your design needs thin-walled, complex parts at a low cost, ADC12 is an excellent option, but avoid it for parts exposed to high heat or heavy loads.

 

 

 

A380 Aluminum: Advantages and Disadvantages

 

Advantages

• Balanced properties – strong, lightweight, and corrosion resistant.
• Versatile applications – used in automotive, aerospace, and electronics.
• Better thermal conductivity than many other casting alloys.
• Good machinability – easy to finish with CNC machining services.
• Global standard – widely accepted in North America and internationally.

Disadvantages

• Slightly lower corrosion resistance than ADC12 in humid or marine environments.
• More expensive than ADC12 in Asian markets.
• Moderate fluidity – may not fill ultra-thin walls as easily as ADC12.

Tip: Choose A380 if your project requires strong, versatile parts with international recognition, but be mindful of higher raw material costs compared to ADC12 in some regions.

 

 

 

 

 

ADC12 Aluminum vs. A380 Aluminum: Key Differences

 

 

While ADC12 aluminum and A380 aluminum share many similarities, their key differences lie in chemical composition. The varying amounts of silicon, copper, magnesium, and other elements directly affect castability, corrosion resistance, and machinability. Understanding these distinctions helps engineers select the alloy that best meets performance and cost requirements.

 

 

 

 

ADC12 Aluminum vs. A380 Aluminum: Chemical Composition

 

 

Both alloys are primarily made of aluminum, but slight differences in silicon, copper, iron, and zinc content create distinct mechanical and casting properties. Below is a comparison of their standard composition ranges:

 

 

 

 

 

Element-by-Element Breakdown

• Aluminum (Al): Both alloys use aluminum as the base, giving them lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties.
• Silicon (Si): Higher in ADC12, providing better fluidity for thin-wall casting compared to A380.
• Copper (Cu): Higher in A380, leading to greater strength but slightly less corrosion resistance.
• Magnesium (Mg): More present in ADC12, offering improved toughness.
• Iron (Fe): Similar levels; excess iron can increase brittleness.
• Manganese (Mn): Both alloys include small amounts to balance strength and ductility.
• Nickel (Ni): Similar, helps both alloys maintain performance under high-temperature conditions.
• Zinc (Zn): Much higher in A380, boosting strength but making it less corrosion-resistant than ADC12.
• Titanium (Ti): Small amounts refine microstructure for better mechanical stability.

Tip: If your project requires thin-wall casting, ADC12 is usually superior due to its higher silicon content. For higher strength requirements, A380 is generally a better choice thanks to its higher copper and zinc content.

 

 

 

ADC12 Aluminum vs. A380 Aluminum: Mechanical Properties

 

Mechanical properties are crucial in determining whether an alloy can withstand stress, wear, and temperature demands in real-world applications. While ADC12 aluminum and A380 aluminum are similar, subtle differences make them better suited for different use cases.

 

 

 

 

Key Insights

• Strength: A380 aluminum has slightly higher yield strength, making it more suitable for structural parts under stress.
• Ductility: Both alloys have limited elongation, meaning they’re not ideal for applications requiring bending or high flexibility.
• Thermal Properties: Both alloys dissipate heat efficiently, which is why they’re used in automotive and electronic housings.
• Hardness: Equal, meaning wear resistance is comparable for both.

Tip: For CNC machining services, both alloys perform well, but if your design involves high load-bearing parts, A380 may provide slightly better reliability.

 

 

 

ADC12 Aluminum vs. A380 Aluminum: Casting Properties

 

Casting properties determine how well an alloy fills molds, avoids defects, and maintains dimensional accuracy. Both ADC12 aluminum and A380 aluminum are popular in die casting, but their flowability and castability differ slightly, which can influence manufacturing efficiency and final part quality.

 

Flowability

• ADC12 Aluminum: With higher silicon content, ADC12 has superior flowability. It easily fills thin walls, sharp corners, and intricate mold geometries, making it ideal for complex parts such as automotive housings or electronics casings.
• A380 Aluminum: Offers good flowability, but not as strong as ADC12. For very thin-walled sections, A380 may risk incomplete filling or porosity if not carefully managed.

Tip: If your part design involves complex, thin-walled features, ADC12 aluminum is often the safer choice to reduce casting defects and minimize CNC machining rework.

 

 

Castability

• ADC12 Aluminum: Excellent castability due to a balance of silicon and magnesium. It provides low shrinkage, good dimensional stability, and fewer hot cracking issues, but may show slightly higher porosity in thicker sections.
• A380 Aluminum: Known for versatile castability, it provides strong performance in medium-to-large castings with fewer defects. Its higher copper and zinc improve strength, but may slightly reduce corrosion resistance.

Tip: For large, structural die-cast parts, A380 aluminum offers better reliability. For precision, thin-wall parts, ADC12 aluminum is usually the better option.

 

 

 

ADC12 Aluminum vs. A380 Aluminum: Casting Properties Table

 

Casting properties like flowability and castability determine how efficiently an alloy fills molds, reduces defects, and delivers consistent quality. Here’s how ADC12 aluminum and A380 aluminum compare:

 

 

           

• Tip: Use ADC12 aluminum when you need complex, thin-walled die castings. For large, load-bearing parts, A380 aluminum provides better casting stability with fewer defects.

 

 

 

 

ADC12 Aluminum vs. A380 Aluminum: Surface Treatment

 

 

Surface treatments improve corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and appearance of die-cast parts. Both ADC12 aluminum and A380 aluminum can undergo common finishing processes, but slight compositional differences affect the results.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Key Insights

• ADC12 Aluminum: Better suited for powder coating and electroplating due to its high silicon content, which makes anodizing less effective.
• A380 Aluminum: Similar performance; commonly used with powder coating, painting, or plating for enhanced durability and aesthetics.

Tip: If your project requires decorative anodizing, neither ADC12 nor A380 is ideal. Instead, consider alloys like 6061 aluminum, which respond much better to anodizing.

 

 

 

 

ADC12 Aluminum vs. A380 Aluminum: Heat Treatment

 

 

Heat treatment can enhance the strength and performance of many aluminum alloys, but die-cast alloys like ADC12 and A380 behave differently because of their high silicon content and porosity levels.

 

 

 

 

 

Key Insights

• ADC12 Aluminum: Generally used as-cast because heat treatment does not significantly improve mechanical properties and may cause defects.
• A380 Aluminum: Also used as-cast, though stress relief annealing can help with dimensional stability for larger CNC machined parts.

Tip: If your project requires heat-treated aluminum with high strength, consider wrought alloys such as 6061-T6 or 7075-T6 instead of ADC12 or A380.

 

 

 

 

 

ADC12 Aluminum vs. A380 Aluminum: Applications and Uses

 

 

Both ADC12 aluminum and A380 aluminum are widely used in die casting for automotive, electronics, and industrial components. Their applications overlap, but subtle differences in composition and performance make each alloy more suitable for certain industries.

 

 

 

 

Key Insights

• ADC12 Aluminum: Best for thin-walled, complex designs where flowability and precision are critical. Common in electronics and lightweight automotive parts.
• A380 Aluminum: Best for larger, structural parts that need more strength and durability, making it popular in automotive and industrial machinery.

Tip: If your project involves exporting products, A380 aluminum may be safer since it is more globally recognized, while ADC12 is mainly standardized in Asian markets.

 

 

 

 

 

ADC12 Aluminum vs. A380 Aluminum: Casting Costs

 

 

Cost is one of the most important factors when choosing between ADC12 aluminum and A380 aluminum. While their performance is similar, differences in regional availability, raw materials, and processing requirements can significantly affect total project costs.

 

 

Raw Material Costs

• ADC12 Aluminum: Generally cheaper in Asian markets because it is the local standard alloy.
• A380 Aluminum: More cost-effective in North America, where it is widely available and produced in bulk.

Tip: Always source locally when possible—importing the “wrong” alloy for your region can raise costs unnecessarily.

 

Casting Costs

• ADC12 Aluminum: High flowability reduces casting defects and lowers scrap rates, saving cost in thin-walled part production.
• A380 Aluminum: Good castability for medium-to-large parts; may save money on larger, structural castings.

 

Casting Process Costs

• ADC12 Aluminum: Shorter cycle times possible due to excellent mold filling, reducing energy and tooling wear.
• A380 Aluminum: May require slightly longer cycles in thin-walled designs but is more efficient for larger molds.

 

Post-Processing Costs

• ADC12 Aluminum: May require more attention during surface finishing due to higher porosity risk.
• A380 Aluminum: Lower porosity in thicker sections reduces finishing rework, saving costs for heavy-duty parts.

 

Initial Cost Comparison

• ADC12 Aluminum: Typically cheaper if production is based in Asia.
• A380 Aluminum: Typically cheaper if production is based in North America.

 

Long-Term Cost Benefits

• ADC12 Aluminum: Lower initial cost but may need more corrosion protection in harsh environments, adding to lifecycle costs.
• A380 Aluminum: Slightly higher upfront cost but better durability, reducing maintenance and replacement expenses.

 

CNC Machining Costs

• ADC12 Aluminum: Good machinability; lower cutting tool wear due to higher silicon content.
• A380 Aluminum: Also machines well; slightly harder, so tool wear may be marginally higher than ADC12.

Tip: For CNC machining services, both alloys are cost-efficient, but ADC12 die casting CNC machined parts may offer slightly lower machining costs.

 

 

Market Price

• ADC12 Aluminum: Average price is lower in Asian markets due to high supply.
• A380 Aluminum: More stable global pricing; often preferred in international contracts for consistency.

 

Summary:

• Choose ADC12 if you are manufacturing in Asia and need low-cost, thin-walled parts.
• Choose A380 if you are manufacturing in North America or need durable, internationally recognized parts.

 

 

ADC12 Aluminum vs. A380 Aluminum: Casting Costs

 

 

• Tip: For projects that combine die casting and CNC machining, selecting the alloy that is locally standard (ADC12 in Asia, A380 in North America) can save both material and processing costs.

 

 

 

How to Choose Between ADC12 Aluminum and A380 Aluminum?

 

 

Choosing the right alloy depends on your project’s design complexity, load requirements, cost constraints, and geographic production location. Both ADC12 aluminum and A380 aluminum are reliable die-cast materials, but knowing their strengths and limitations ensures optimal performance and cost-efficiency.

 

 

When Should I Use ADC12 Aluminum?

• Thin-walled, complex designs: High silicon content allows excellent flowability, making it ideal for intricate parts.
• Electronics and small automotive components: Precision and dimensional stability are priorities.
• Asian manufacturing: Lower raw material costs in Japan, China, and other Asian markets.
• CNC machined parts: Compatible with die-cast CNC machining for parts that require high detail.

Tip: Avoid ADC12 for heavy structural parts or high-temperature applications, as its mechanical strength is lower than A380.

 

 

When Should I Use A380 Aluminum?

• Medium-to-large structural components: Slightly higher copper and zinc content provides better strength and load-bearing capacity.
• Automotive, industrial machinery, and international projects: Widely recognized and standardized in North America and Europe.
• Durability-focused designs: Lower porosity in thicker sections improves corrosion resistance and reduces finishing costs.
• CNC machined parts: Excellent machinability for die-cast CNC machined parts, though slightly harder than ADC12.

Tip: Choose A380 aluminum when strength, global recognition, and durability outweigh initial cost considerations.

 

 

 

How to Choose Between ADC12 Aluminum and A380 Aluminum?

 

 

• Tip: Use this table as a quick reference when deciding between ADC12 and A380. Consider part size, complexity, regional production, and mechanical requirements to optimize costs and performance.

 

 

 

 

Are ADC12 Aluminum and A380 Aluminum Right for Your Project?

 

 

Both ADC12 aluminum and A380 aluminum are reliable choices for die-cast CNC machined parts, but the right selection depends on part design, mechanical requirements, and production location.

• ADC12 Aluminum: Ideal for thin-walled, complex components like electronics housings, small automotive parts, and precision mechanical parts. Its excellent flowability and dimensional stability reduce casting defects and CNC machining challenges.
• A380 Aluminum: Best for medium-to-large structural parts such as engine housings, gearboxes, and industrial equipment. Its slightly higher strength, lower porosity in thicker sections, and global recognition make it suitable for durable, load-bearing components.

Tip: For projects requiring international compliance, A380 is often safer. For cost-sensitive, precision, thin-walled parts produced in Asia, ADC12 usually offers better value.

 

Conclusion: Assess your project’s part size, complexity, strength requirements, and location of production. Choosing the right alloy ensures lower costs, fewer defects, and longer-lasting parts.

 

 

 

 

 

VMT: Providing Aluminum Die-Cast CNC Machined Parts Services Factory

 

 

At VMT, we specialize in ADC12 aluminum die casting CNC machined parts and A380 aluminum die casting CNC machined parts, delivering high-quality, precision components for various industries. Our team ensures every part meets strict dimensional tolerances, surface finish requirements, and mechanical specifications.

 

We offer:

• Aluminum die casting services for ADC12 and A380 alloys.
• CNC machining services for complex, thin-walled, or structural components.
• Surface treatment solutions, including powder coating, plating, and painting.
• Custom prototyping and small-batch production, as well as large-scale manufacturing.

Tip: Partnering with a professional CNC machining factory like VMT reduces casting defects, post-processing costs, and project delays. Our expertise ensures your parts are ready for assembly and end-use applications.

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

Choosing between ADC12 aluminum and A380 aluminum depends on your project’s design complexity, mechanical requirements, part size, and regional production considerations.

• ADC12 Aluminum is ideal for thin-walled, intricate components where precision, flowability, and cost-effectiveness in Asian markets matter most.
• A380 Aluminum is best for larger, structural parts requiring higher strength, durability, and international standard compliance.

Both alloys are highly compatible with die casting and CNC machining services, offering reliable performance, good corrosion resistance, and machinability. Understanding their differences ensures optimized part performance, reduced production costs, and fewer post-processing issues.

• Tip: Evaluate your project carefully—consider alloy properties, surface treatment, machining needs, and cost factors—to select the right aluminum for your application.

At VMT, we provide comprehensive services for ADC12 and A380 aluminum die casting CNC machined parts, helping you turn your design into high-quality, ready-to-use components.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

 

1. What is the difference between ADC10 and ADC12?

 

ADC10 has lower silicon content (around 7–10%) compared to ADC12 (9–12%). This makes ADC12 better for thin-walled and intricate die-cast parts, while ADC10 is slightly easier to machine and less brittle.

 

 

2. What is the material cost of A380?

 

The cost of A380 aluminum varies by region and market demand. In North America, it is widely available and moderately priced, but importing it into Asia may increase costs. Contact your CNC machining factory for accurate pricing.

 

 

3. How is A380 aluminum manufactured?

 

A380 is produced using high-pressure die casting. Molten aluminum alloy is injected into steel molds under pressure, cooled, and ejected. Post-processing may include CNC machining, surface treatment, and inspection.

 

 

4. What is the difference between A380 and A356?

• A380 Aluminum: Optimized for high-pressure die casting, good for thin-to-medium sections, widely used in automotive parts.
• A356 Aluminum: Better suited for gravity or low-pressure casting, higher tensile strength, and more corrosion resistant.

 

 

5. What is the difference between A380 aluminum and 383 aluminum?

 

A383 is similar to ADC12, with slightly higher silicon and lower copper than A380. It offers excellent flowability for thin-walled die-cast parts, while A380 provides higher strength for thicker, structural components.

 

 

6. What is the difference between A380 aluminum and A360 aluminum?

 

A360 is a high-silicon die-cast alloy, designed for thin, detailed parts with excellent corrosion resistance. A380 offers higher strength but slightly less flowability for thin sections.

 

 

7. What materials should not be used for casting?

 

Materials with very low fluidity, high melting points, or high brittleness, such as some high-carbon steels or titanium alloys, are generally unsuitable for high-pressure die casting.

 

 

8. What are the best materials for casting?

 

Commonly used casting materials include ADC12 aluminum, A380 aluminum, A356 aluminum, magnesium alloys, and zinc alloys. Selection depends on mechanical requirements, part size, and surface finish needs.

 

 

9. What is the best aluminum for casting?

• ADC12: Best for thin-walled, intricate components.
• A380: Best for medium-to-large structural parts.
• A356: Best for high-strength, corrosion-resistant applications.

 

 

10. Which is stronger, 6061 or 6063?

• 6061 Aluminum: Higher strength and hardness; better for structural applications.
• 6063 Aluminum: Lower strength but better surface finish and corrosion resistance; ideal for architectural and extrusion projects.

 

 

11. What’s the difference between ADC12 and AL6063?

• ADC12: Die-cast alloy with high silicon, optimized for flowability in thin-walled components.
• AL6063: Wrought alloy, extruded for profiles with high corrosion resistance and good machinability.

 

 

12. Which is better, 6061 aluminum or 7075 aluminum?

• 6061 Aluminum: Balanced strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability; widely used in structural and mechanical applications.
• 7075 Aluminum: Very high strength; best for aerospace and high-stress applications, but less corrosion resistant.

 

 

13. What’s the difference between Al 6063 and Al 6082?

• Al 6063: Optimized for extrusions, with good corrosion resistance and surface finish.
• Al 6082: Higher strength than 6063; commonly used for structural and load-bearing applications, with excellent machinability.

Tip: When selecting aluminum for die casting or CNC machining, consider alloy type, strength, flowability, and intended application. ADC12 and A380 remain the most common die-cast alloys for precision CNC machined parts.