Abstract
This invention relates to an aluminum alloy for very thin (0.7 to 1.2 mm) die casting, especially for 3C applications. The main elements of this alloy include: (a) aluminum, 78-87 wt.%, (b) silicon, 10.0-14.0 wt.%, (c) copper, 2.5-4.5 wt.%, (d) nickel, 0.5-3.5 wt.%. In addition, this alloy allows common impurities and some secondary or non-critical elements including: (e) iron, 0-0.5 wt.%, (f) manganese, 0-1.0 wt.%, (g) cobalt, 0-0.5 wt.%, (h) magnesium, 0-0.5 wt.%, (i) titanium, 0-0.2 wt.%, (j) zinc, 0-3.0 wt.%, (k) strontium, 0-0.07 wt.%, and other impurities, each less than 0.3 wt.% and total less than 2.0 wt.%. This alloy offers a fluidity (i.e., die filling capability) 20% better than those in most aluminum die casting alloys. Under proper die casting conditions, it can be used to make 0.7-1.2 mm wall complex die castings, especially for the casings used in many 3C products. The production cost of many such applications using this alloy can be 15-20% lower than those using common magnesium alloys, offering opportunities using this alloy to replace the latter.