Aluminum A380
AA A380 · UNS A13800 · EN AlSi8Cu3 · GB YL112
A380 is the most widely used Al-Si-Cu high-pressure die-casting alloy (about 8% Si, 3.5% Cu), with a narrow freezing range and good fluidity for thin-wall, complex castings, plus good die release and hot-tear resistance.
A380 tempers and conditions
A380 is supplied in one standard condition, F.
What is A380?
A380 is the most widely used Al-Si-Cu high-pressure die-casting alloy (about 8% Si, 3.5% Cu), with a narrow freezing range and good fluidity for thin-wall, complex castings, plus good die release and hot-tear resistance. As-cast it reaches about 320 MPa tensile strength with good machinability and thermal conductivity, which suits housings, brackets and enclosures. The copper content limits corrosion resistance and weldability and leaves anodized surfaces dark grey; elongation is only 3–4%, and die-cast gas porosity rules out solution heat treatment and very high leak-tightness requirements — use A356-T6 for those parts. A380 has a density of 2.76 g/cm³ (0.0997 lb/in³), heavier than 70% of aluminum grades. It melts at 540°C (1,004 °F). A380 has a yield strength of 159 MPa (23.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 324 MPa (47 ksi) — weaker than 62% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3.5% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi).
What is A380 used for?
- Power tool housings
- Engine and accessory brackets
- Gearbox and electronics enclosures
- Thin-wall covers and end caps
- Automotive under-hood housings
- Appliance and garden equipment frames
- Connector and instrument housings
Limitations
- Low electrical conductivity — 23 % IACS, worse than 97% of aluminum grades
- Poor heat conductor — 96 W/m·K (55.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 95% of aluminum grades
- Limited formability — 10/100, worse than 80% of aluminum grades
- Limited ductility — 3.5%, worse than 76% of aluminum grades
- Difficult to weld — 25/100, worse than 76% of aluminum grades
A380 properties
Typical room-temperature values; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
A380 has a density of 2.76 g/cm³ (0.0997 lb/in³), heavier than 70% of aluminum grades. It melts at 540°C (1,004 °F).
Mechanical12
A380 has a yield strength of 159 MPa (23.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 324 MPa (47 ksi) — weaker than 62% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3.5% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi).
Thermal6
A380 is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 96 W/m·K (55.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 95% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 21.8 µm/m·K (12.1 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
A380 conducts electricity at 23 % IACS, worse than 97% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (42/100), worse than 69% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of A380 takes about 195 MJ of energy and emits 11.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 86% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 85%.
Manufacturability7
A380's machinability is very good (70/100, better than 72% of aluminum grades); weldability poor (25/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the aluminum family
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade FabDigit runs. A380 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with A380
Is A380 easy to machine?
Machines freely with carbide (PCD for long runs) — Si particles are abrasive; use high speed, sharp positive rake and flood coolant, and avoid breaking into subsurface porosity on sealing faces.
Can A380 be welded?
Not recommended for structural fusion welding (Cu content plus die-cast gas porosity cause cracking/blowholes); use mechanical fastening, adhesives or laser/friction-stir with tight process control.
Can A380 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent high-pressure die-casting alloy: narrow freezing range, good fluidity for 1–2 mm walls, low die soldering; not solution heat treatable because entrapped gas blisters.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to A380. Every A380 part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Better70 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | N.3 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 180 / 220 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 1 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1.5 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 5× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 1.6 / 0.8 µm |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
A380 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| SiASTM B85 A380.0 | 7.5 – 9.5 | 8.5 |
| Cu | 3 – 4 | 3.5 |
| Fe2.0 max in the plain 380.0 die-cast grade | ≤ 1.3 | |
| Mn | ≤ 0.5 | |
| Mg | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Ni | ≤ 0.5 | |
| Zn | ≤ 3 | |
| Sn | ≤ 0.35 | |
| Others (total) | ≤ 0.5 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on A380?
Take paint, powder coat, chromate/trivalent conversion and electroless nickel well; anodizing gives dark non-uniform films, so use hard-coat only for wear, not for appearance.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on aluminum parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Passivation
Conversion Coating
PVD Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Aluminum A380 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- A13800
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- AlSi8Cu3
- GB (China)
- YL112
- Also called
- SC84C
How much does A380 cost?
A380 is a budget-cost aluminum ($), cheaper than about 83% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
A380 — frequently asked
What is A380 used for?
A380 is typically used for power tool housings, engine and accessory brackets, gearbox and electronics enclosures, thin-wall covers and end caps, automotive under-hood housings and appliance and garden equipment frames. In short: most common die cast.
What is the yield strength of A380?
A380 has a typical yield strength of 159 MPa (23.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 324 MPa (47 ksi) — weaker than 62% of aluminum grades.
Is A380 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (70/100, better than 72% of aluminum grades). Machines freely with carbide (PCD for long runs) — Si particles are abrasive; use high speed, sharp positive rake and flood coolant, and avoid breaking into subsurface porosity on sealing faces.
Can A380 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (25/100). Not recommended for structural fusion welding (Cu content plus die-cast gas porosity cause cracking/blowholes); use mechanical fastening, adhesives or laser/friction-stir with tight process control.
What surface finishes work on A380?
Take paint, powder coat, chromate/trivalent conversion and electroless nickel well; anodizing gives dark non-uniform films, so use hard-coat only for wear, not for appearance.
Can A380 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent high-pressure die-casting alloy: narrow freezing range, good fluidity for 1–2 mm walls, low die soldering; not solution heat treatable because entrapped gas blisters.
What is the maximum service temperature of A380?
A380 is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does A380 cost?
A380 is a budget-cost aluminum ($), cheaper than about 83% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in A380?
Yes — A380 is available for CNC machining and casting & forging; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM B85 / B85M — Aluminum-Alloy Die Castings — ASTM International (2021)
- Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Aluminum Alloys in the Form of Castings and Ingot (Pink Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys — ASM International (1993)
- NADCA Product Specification Standards for Die Castings — North American Die Casting Association (2018)
- GB/T 15115 (ADC10/YL112 ) — SAC (2009)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.