Die Casting Alloys: A380, ADC12, A383 and Zamak 3
A380 is the most common aluminum die casting alloy in North America, ADC12 is the standard in Japan and China, and Zamak 3 is the standard zinc alloy worldwide. They are not interchangeable by name — each standard sets its own composition limits — but they are often compared when drawings cross borders.
Aluminum die casting alloys
| Alloy | Standard | Si % | Cu % | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A380 | ASTM B85 | 7.5–9.5 | 3.0–4.0 | General purpose; good castability, strength and machinability |
| A383 | ASTM B85 | 9.5–11.5 | 2.0–3.0 | Better fluidity for thin, complex parts |
| ADC12 | JIS H 5302 | 9.6–12.0 | 1.5–3.5 | Japan / China standard; close to A383 |
| ADC10 | JIS H 5302 | 7.5–9.5 | 2.0–4.0 | Close to A380 |
| A360 | ASTM B85 | 9.0–10.0 | ≤0.6 | Better corrosion resistance and ductility; harder to cast |
Limits shown are the main elements only; check the full current standard and the mill certificate for orders.
Typical properties (reference)
| Alloy | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Elongation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A380 | ~324 MPa | ~160 MPa | ~3.5% |
| A383 / ADC12 | ~310 MPa | ~150 MPa | ~3.5% |
| Zamak 3 | ~283 MPa | — | ~10% |
| Zamak 5 | ~328 MPa | — | ~7% |
Reference values from separately cast test bars as published in industry data. Properties in a real part depend on wall thickness, location and porosity, and are not design allowables.
Cross-reference between standards
| USA (ASTM) | Japan (JIS) | China (GB) | Europe (EN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A380 | ADC10 | YL112 | EN AC-46500 |
| A383 | ADC12 | YL113 | EN AC-46100 |
| A360 | ADC3 | YL104 (approx.) | EN AC-43400 (approx.) |
| Zamak 3 (AG40A) | ZDC2 | YX040 | ZP3 (ZnAl4) |
| Zamak 5 (AC41A) | ZDC1 | YX041 | ZP5 (ZnAl4Cu1) |
These are commonly cited approximate equivalents. If a drawing specifies A380 and you want to use ADC12 (or the reverse), the substitution needs designer approval and the certificate must show the actual standard supplied.
How to choose
- General housings and brackets: A380 or ADC12 / A383
- Very thin or complex walls: A383 / ADC12
- Better corrosion resistance or ductility: A360 / ADC3
- Small, detailed or plated parts: Zamak 3, or Zamak 5 where more strength is needed
FAQ
Is ADC12 equivalent to A380?
Not exactly. ADC12 has more silicon and a lower copper range, so it is closer to A383; ADC10 is the closer match to A380.
What is YL113?
YL113 is the Chinese GB/T 15115 die casting alloy commonly treated as equivalent to ADC12 / A383. Check which standard the supplier's certificate actually references.
Which zinc alloy should I use?
Zamak 3 is the default for most parts. Zamak 5 adds copper for higher strength and hardness at slightly lower ductility.