Do you need help choosing the proper alloy? After you submit a request for quote, our engineers will help you with this decision. Here are some typical properties for most commonly used alloys.
| Aluminum | Brass | Magnesium | Zinc | |
| Tensile strength, psi x 1000 | 47 | 55 | 34 | 41 |
| Yield strength, psi x 100 (0.2 pct offset) | 23 | 30 | 23 | — |
| Shear strength, psi x 1000 | 28 | 37 | 20 | 31 |
| Fatigue strength, psi x 1000 | 20 | 25 | 14 | 7 |
| Elongation, pct in 2 in. | 3.50 | 15 | 3.0 | 10 |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 80 | 91 | 63 | 82 |
| Specific gravity | 2.71 | 8.30 | 1.80 | 6.60 |
| Weight, lb/cu. in. | 0.098 | 0.305 | 0.066 | 0.24 |
| Melting point (liquid), °F | 1100 | 1670 | 1105 | 728 |
| Thermal conductivity, CG5 | 0.23 | 0.21 | 0.16 | 0.27 |
| Thermal expansion, in./in./°F x 106 | 12.1 | 12.0 | 15.0 | 15.2 |
| Electrical conductivity, pct of copper standard | 27 | 20 | 10 | 27 |
| Modulus of elasticity, psi x 106 | 10.3 | 15 | 6.5 | — |
| Impact strength (Charpy), ft/lb | 3.0 | 40 | 2.0 | 43.0 |
| Characteristics of Die Casting Alloys | ||||
| Aluminum | Brass | Magnesium | Zinc | |
| Dimensional stability | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Corrosion resistance | Good | Excellent | Fair | Fair |
| Casting ease | Good | Fair | Good | Excellent |
| Part complexity | Good | Fair | Good | Excellent |
| Dimensional accuracy | Good | Fair | Excellent | Excellent |
| Die cost | Medium | High | Medium | Low |
| Machining cost | Low | Medium | Low | Low |
| Finishing cost | Medium | Low | High | Low |
| Chart does not intend to compare metals. Its purpose is to show the most advantageous characteristics of each specific metal. For more specific information, refer to NADCA Product Standards for Die Casting | ||||
| Dimensional and Weight Limit | ||||
| Aluminum | Brass | Magnesium | Zinc | |
| Maximum weight, lb. | 70 | 10 | 44 | 75 |
| Minimum wall thickness, large casting, in. | 0.080 | 0.090 | 0.100 | 0.035 |
| Minimum wall thickness, small casting, inc. | 0.040 | 0.055 | 0.040 | 0.015 |
| Minimum variation per in. of diameter or length from drawing dimensions over one in. | 0.0015 | 0.009 | 0.0015 | 0.001 |
| Cast threads, max. per in. external | 24 | 10 | 24 | 32 |
| Cored holes, min. diameter in. | 0.080 | 0.250 | 0.080 | 0.050 |
| Finishing: Decorative | ||||
| Aluminum | Brass | Magnesium | Zinc | |
| Chrome plating | Fair | Excellent | Fair | Excellent |
| Black chrome plating | Fair | Excellent | — | Excellent |
| Colored plating | Fair | — | — | Excellent |
| Mechanical – polishing & buffing | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Lacquers, enamels, epoxies & acrylics | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Anodizing | Fair | — | — | — |