Estimate a casting's weight from volume
Weight = volume × density. Enter the part volume from your CAD model, or the mass your CAD tool reports together with the density it assumed, and choose the casting alloy. Everything is calculated in your browser from the values you enter; nothing is sent.
Enter a volume, or a CAD mass and the density it used.
An estimate for quoting and freight, not an acceptance value. The as-cast blank weighs more than the machined part: add the machining stock to the volume if you need the casting weight.
Density of common casting alloys
| Alloy | g/cm³ | lb/in³ |
|---|---|---|
| A356 / A357 | 2.68 | 0.0967 |
| AlSi9Mg | 2.69 | 0.0971 |
| AlSi10Mg | 2.70 | 0.0975 |
| ADC12 | 2.70 | 0.0975 |
| A413 | 2.70 | 0.0975 |
| A380 | 2.71 | 0.0978 |
| AlSi9Cu3 | 2.71 | 0.0978 |
| A383 | 2.72 | 0.0982 |
| Pure aluminum | 2.70 | 0.0975 |
Conversion: g/cm³ × 0.0361 = lb/in³. Copper and zinc raise density slightly; silicon and magnesium lower it.
Why the scale disagrees with the estimate
- Porosity: about 1% porosity gives about 1% lower density, so a porous die casting weighs slightly less than the calculation
- Machining stock: the blank carries stock that the finished model does not
- CAD density: check which material the model carries; a wrought-alloy default can differ from the casting alloy, so correct it with the fields above
- Gates and overflows: they are removed and do not count in part weight, but they are melted and do count in the metal used per shot
Weight is not the casting price
Part weight sets the metal line of a quotation, but melting loss, yield, tooling, machining, finishing and inspection usually decide the rest.
Aluminum casting cost drivers Send the model for a quotation