Mg content in 380/A380 aluminium alloys changed

The North American Die Casting Association has revised specifications by increasing the magnesium content to 0.30% from 0.10% for aluminum alloys 380 and A380.

The North American Die Casting Association (NADCA) has announced revised specifications increasing the magnesium content to 0.30% from 0.10% for aluminum alloys 380 and A380.

The increased level of magnesium will have a positive environmental effect by reducing the amount of chlorine used to control the magnesium level, while also slightly reducing the production cost for alloy producers.

Increased magnesium content in the alloy also improves the ability to machine cast parts.

"This change will provide significant environmental benefits while having no negative impact on properties or the ability of die casters to cast the alloys and a positive impact on the ability to machine alloys," said NADCA's president Daniel L Twarog.

"It will also make our standard consistent with those in some of the world's largest aluminum producing markets, which is an important consideration in today's global economy." Magnesium limits of 0.30% require approximately 40 to 50% less chlorine than alloys with 0.10% magnesium, depending upon the raw material being used.

Less chlorine, combined with less land-filling of magnesium chloride, could bring the cost of production down by one-quarter cent per pound.

While this is not a significant reduction in overall cost, it is an incremental step to lower costs for products made in the USA, improving domestic competitiveness with other countries.

Countries including Japan, China, Russia, Germany and the United Kingdom have had higher magnesium limits on their aluminum alloys for years.

The change in the specification was approved by the responsible NADCA technical committee and is widely supported by NADCA members.

The association is now working with the Aluminum Association to get it changed in the AA/ANSI standard and will subsequently work to get it changed in the ASTM specification.

* About NADCA - based in Wheeling, Illinois, the North American Die Casting Association (NADCA) represents the world's most effective die casters creating the world's best cast products.

Working with a North American die caster guarantees innovation, integrity, accessibility and reliability.

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