A380 and ADC12 are closely related Al-Si-Cu die casting alloys, but drawing standards, sourcing region and validation requirements can make the correct call project-specific.
Both alloys offer good die filling and are widely used for housings, brackets and structural covers. ADC12 is common in Asian drawings, while A380 is a frequent North American designation. They should not be treated as automatically interchangeable without reviewing the governing standard and required properties.
| Decision factor | A380 | ADC12 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical sourcing context | North American specifications | Asian / JIS-oriented supply chains |
| Castability | Very good general-purpose performance | Excellent fluidity for complex geometry |
| Machining | Good with controlled silicon and tooling | Good; confirm tool wear and finish targets |
| Corrosion | Finish or coating often specified | Finish or coating often specified |
| Best use | General OEM housings and brackets | Complex housings and high-volume components |
Specify the alloy standard, mechanical-property basis and any restricted chemistry rather than relying only on a commercial alloy name. Critical projects should define whether properties apply to separately cast test bars or production parts.
Ningbo Empire reviews geometry, projected area, wall transitions, annual volume, machining exposure and finish requirements before confirming alloy and press assignment. The recommendation is documented during DFM rather than assumed from the part name.
Not automatically. The two alloys are similar, but chemistry limits, mechanical-property requirements and customer standards must be checked before substitution.
ADC12 is often selected for fluidity, but gate design, vacuum assistance and die temperature can be more important than the alloy name alone.
Review the relevant product and manufacturing capability.
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Read guide →Send the drawing, application conditions and annual volume. Engineering will review the material, process and inspection route.
