What is the difference between Diecast and Extruded Aluminum?

Aluminum is commonly found in a variety of objects we use every day, from kitchen utensils to automobile parts, it’s almost hard to avoid. With aluminum being such a versatile metal, there are numerous ways to shape and mold it to get the various results we see today. Two frequently used methods are die casting and extruding.

Die Casting:

The process of die casting is quite simple, molten aluminum is forced into a reusable mold and then cooled. Although die casting is a commonly used practice, the initial cost can be rather high to set up due to the need of creating a specific mold- however, once the mold has been created, this can be a long-term, cost-effective route to produce many pieces from the same mold.

Advantages
  • Capable of producing large-scale project
  • Reusable molds
  • Able to accommodate more complex geometries such as an engine block
Disadvantages
  • Lengthy process to allow aluminum to cool
  • Costly start-up costs
  • The finished result may still need adjustments, such as sanding, due to seams and edges of the mold
Common Diecast Products
Extruded Aluminum:

The process of extruding aluminum is also simple, but quite different from die casting. Extruding involves forcing the molten aluminum through a shaped die to get the desired result. This process helps eliminate the need for welding and the machining of parts which helps cut down the overall cost, making it a more short-term, cost-effective route.

Advantages
  • Can be used for high production projects
  • End result is a stronger metal compared to other manufacturing techniques
  • Smooth surface finish
Disadvantages
  • Size limitations
  • Shape limitations
  • Product results (thickness, structural integrity) can be inconsistent based on a variety of factors like temperature, applied pressure, and quality of the die
Common Extruded Products

Polycase offers a wide range of Diecast Aluminum Enclosures and Extruded Aluminum Enclosures to suit your electronic application needs.

Visit Polycase's 80+ options for Aluminum Enclosures.

 

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