aluminum prices cast versus die cast

Is there a different between sand cast versus die cast prices? THANKS

For me, die cast is usually 1/2 of the price of cast al.

Die cast by me is zinc and pays less than cast aluminium... .15 vs .50

Originally Posted by ryanw

For me, die cast is usually 1/2 of the price of cast al.

So wonder why that is? I would think cast aluminum would have a lot of impurities?

Possibly because things manufactured with die casts can have a large range of alloys.

Hobo is right. The difference is that the "die cast" category in most scrap yards is used to denote cast parts made from a zinc alloy and not just aluminum parts cast in a die. All your aluminum should go in the aluminum categories cast or otherwise. The "die cast" price is lower because of the other metals, usually zinc, being at a lower value than regular aluminum alloys. Look at a Hot Wheels car to see an example of die cast that would fall into this category.

Die cast is zinc. The yard I use lets me throw zinc in with cast aluminum. I don't know if they just don't care or if they don't know any better.

Typically, the larger the yard the more importance they place on keeping the two separate because they usually pay more. Eventually it gets sorted. If a yard is usually lax on a few grades, their margins are better. The yard that lets this slide will probably also let slide the mlc or extrusion you throw into clean aluminum as well. Gain a grade, lose a grade.