Analysis of Aluminum ADC12, ADC6 According to JIS H 5302 Standard

Introduction to Aluminum Grades ADC12 and ADC6 According to JIS H 5302:

ADC12 Aluminum Alloy

ADC12 is a widely used aluminum alloy in die-casting technology. It is preferred for its ease of machining, high durability, and excellent mechanical properties.

Chemical Composition (Specified by JIS H 5302):

Applications:

• Automotive components: gearbox housings, engine parts.

• Electronic devices: frames and components requiring high durability.

• Household products: fan blades, stove lids.

ADC6 Aluminum Alloy

ADC6 is an aluminum alloy favored for applications requiring high strength and durability.

Chemical Composition (Specified by JIS H 5302):

Applications:

• Engine components, turbine blades.

• Industrial machinery parts.

• Cast products for harsh environments.

How can we accurately analyze the chemical composition of aluminum to check if it matches grade ADC12 or ADC6?

We would like to introduce two quick, accurate, and cost-effective methods as follows:

Analyzing aluminum grades ADC12, ADC6, etc., using a handheld XRF analyzer:

Details on how to identify material grades (PMI) using a handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (Handheld XRF) can be found here.

Advantages of the XRF Method:

• Portable and compact: The handheld device is convenient and easy to carry to field locations.
• Fast analysis: Results are delivered within seconds with high accuracy.
• Affordable cost: Accessible to most customers.
• Non-destructive: Does not require burning or damaging the sample surface.
• Minimal sample preparation: No complex surface preparation is needed.

Analyzing aluminum alloys ADC12, ADC6, etc., using an Optical Emission Spectrometer (OES):

Unlike the XRF method, the Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) method burns the sample surface under an inert gas atmosphere (typically high-purity argon at 99.999%). Light emitted from the sample surface, excited by an electric arc, passes through a converging lens and enters the spectrometer chamber, which operates in a vacuum or inert gas environment (Ar 99.999%). The light then reaches a diffraction grating, where it is dispersed into different wavelengths (ranging from UV to infrared). These dispersed lights carry the specific characteristics of the chemical elements in the sample (both qualitative and quantitative) and are captured by photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) or CMOS image sensors. These signals are converted into digital data and processed by accompanying software, providing information on which elements are present in the sample and their concentrations (in % or ppm).

Advantages of the OES Method:

• Fast analysis: Approximately 30 seconds per sample measurement.
• High quantitative accuracy: Capable of detecting down to tens of ppm.
• Versatile solutions: Ranging from portable OES devices to compact benchtop models or high-performance floor-standing systems.

Disadvantages of OES Compared to XRF:

• Sample preparation: The sample surface requires more careful preparation, especially for aluminum, which needs machining.
• Destructive testing: The sample surface is burned during analysis.

For advice on selecting the most accurate method for aluminum alloy analysis, please contact HUST Vietnam!