trimal-38

You want a high pressure die cast alloy for maximum ductility – we give you trimal®-38

The trimal^®-38 (AlSi8ZnMn) alloy was specially developed for high pressure die casting. It exhibits optimum ductility properties in the as-cast state when compared to conventional high pressure die cast alloys. This is evident in its extremely high strain rate and excellent formability.

The trimal®-38 material is particularly suitable for components that must withstand crash load conditions and self-piercing rivet properties. These include battery housings or structural components (e.g. for electric vehicles).

The trimal^®-38 alloy was developed for large die cast structural components with optimum formability and, simultaneously, excellent castability and demoldability. Despite a comparatively low silicon content of 7.5 to 8.5 percent, the alloy can be cast using the process parameters of the widespread trimal®-37(AlSi9Mn) alloy, thus facilitating a change of alloy. The targeted addition of further alloy elements optimizes its flowability, strength and die filling capacity. The adhesion tendency is minimized. Critical elements were not employed to ensure unrestricted international use. Targeted limitation of the magnesium content ensures that the material does not age and achieves its mechanical properties without additional heat treatment

Chemical composition

The following table shows a reference analysis for the described material. Customer specifications may vary

*A permanent refinement with strontium is common practice.
%	Si	Fe	Cu	Mn	Mg	Cr	Zn	Ti	Sr*	Zr	o.e.	o.t.	other
Min.	7.5			0.3		0.1	0.2	0.04	0.015	0.1
Max.	8.5	0.15	0.05	0.6	0.01	0.2	0.8	0.15	0.025	0.3	0.05	0.2	Al

Mechanical properties

The mechanical properties illustrated below were determined on structural components with a wall thickness of 2.5 to 3.0 mm in the flow paths. The parts are from serial high pressure die casting production, constitute reference values for the use of this alloy and may vary in individual application cases. Serial parameters of the smelting process, melt treatment and high pressure die casting of trimal®-37 were used for production

Mechanical properties of high pressure die cast structural components

Temper	Rp0.2 MPa	Rm MPa	A %	Bending angle
F	110-125	250-270	9-13	36-42
O	105-120	240-260	12-16	> 40

Elongation and the bending angle increase further relative to the wall thickness, so that bending angles exceeding 60° were achieved in test bars cast separately

Punch riveting

Punch rivetability is given in the as-cast condition and has been confirmed for conventional flat dies and for ring channel cup dies with joining parameters similar to those of series production

Self-piercing rivetability

Self-piercing rivetability is achieved in the as-cast state and was confirmed for conventional flat and annular dies with close to series joining parameters.

Summary

The high pressure die cast alloy trimal^®-38:

Has very high formability
Does not require heat treatment
Is intended for structural components involved in crashes
Can be joined by welding and with self-piercing rivets
Exhibits excellent resistance to corrosion

trimal®-38 product information sheet

Download the product information sheet for our trimal®-38 die casting alloy here.