Aluminum Injection Molding

 1. Die Casting (Aluminum Injection Molding in Metal)

If you’re talking about injecting molten aluminum into a mold, the correct term is:

Aluminum Die Casting

This is the metal equivalent of plastic injection molding, and it’s probably what you’re referring to.

What It Is:

• Molten aluminum alloy is injected at high pressure into a steel mold (die).

• After cooling and solidifying, the part is ejected.

• It’s ideal for high-volume, high-precision, and thin-walled metal parts.

 Key Features:

• High-speed production

• Excellent dimensional accuracy

• Great surface finish

• Good for automotive, electronics, consumer products, etc.

 Common Aluminum Alloys Used:

• ADC12, A360, A380, AlSi10Mg

• Each alloy has specific properties: fluidity, strength, corrosion resistance

 Applications:

• Engine housings

• Gearbox covers

• LED housings

• Drone bodies

• Laptop frames

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 2. Using Aluminum Molds for Plastic Injection Molding

Another meaning of “aluminum injection molding” is when you use aluminum tooling (instead of steel) to mold plastic parts.

 What It Is:

• Plastic resin is injected into aluminum molds.

• Used mostly for prototyping or low-volume production (hundreds to thousands of parts).

 Why Aluminum Molds?

• Faster machining (made quicker on CNC)

• Lower cost vs steel molds

• Good for MVPs, testing designs, or bridge production

 Trade-Offs:

• Shorter tool life than steel (good for up to ~5,000–10,000 cycles)

• Not ideal for very high-volume production

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 Quick Comparison Table