What Is the Current Price of Cast Aluminum?

Cast aluminum is a versatile material used in automotive components and consumer goods. Its dynamic market value is influenced by global supply and demand, material quality, and regional conditions.

What is Cast Aluminum

Cast aluminum is a metal product created by pouring molten aluminum into a mold to form a desired shape. This casting process allows for complex components. Common methods include sand, die, and permanent mold casting, each suited for different part complexities and production volumes.

Often originating from recycled aluminum, cast aluminum’s sustainability can influence its cost. Silicon is a primary alloying element, enhancing fluidity for intricate designs. Popular alloys like A356 (good castability, weldability) and A380 (excellent fluidity, mechanical properties) are common. Valued for its lightweight nature, thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and ductility, it’s a preferred choice for engine components, heat sinks, and various industrial and consumer products.

Factors Affecting Cast Aluminum Prices

Cast aluminum prices are influenced by global economic conditions and material characteristics.

Global market conditions significantly influence prices, with London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminum prices serving as a primary benchmark. LME fluctuations, reflecting global supply, demand, energy costs, and economic indicators, directly impact primary and secondary cast aluminum costs. Disruptions in raw material supply or shifts in demand from major industrial sectors can cause price changes.

Aluminum’s form dictates pricing, with distinct values for scrap, ingots, and finished parts. Scrap, often from engine blocks, is generally priced lower than new ingots due to impurities and processing needs. Ingots, primary or secondary, command a higher price as a refined product ready for manufacturing. Finished cast products, like engine components, incorporate additional manufacturing costs for machining, surface treatments, and quality control.

Alloy composition and purity determine value. Standard alloys like A356 or A380 are widely used and more affordable, typically $2-$4 per pound in 2025. Specialty alloys, such as those in aerospace, offer unique properties like high heat resistance or tensile strength, leading to higher costs, potentially $6-$15 per pound. The presence of specific elements and overall purity directly influence performance and market price.

Volume affects per-pound pricing. Larger bulk purchases often qualify for discounted rates, reducing handling time and increasing supplier efficiency. Smaller quantities or custom orders may incur higher unit costs due to setup and tooling expenses. Geographic location introduces further variability, with regional demand, transportation expenses, and local scrap market conditions impacting prices. Prices can vary significantly between regions due to localized supply, demand imbalances, and logistical costs.

Current Market Pricing for Cast Aluminum

Current market prices for cast aluminum vary by form, quality, and regional demand, fluctuating daily based on market forces.

Scrap cast aluminum, often from automotive parts, typically sells for $0.44 to $0.68 per pound. Clean aluminum wheels may fetch up to $0.75 per pound. However, scrap with contaminants like steel, termed “breakage” or “irony aluminum,” fetches lower prices, sometimes $0.25 per pound. Bulk pricing for larger quantities can slightly increase the per-pound return.

Cast aluminum ingots, a raw material for foundries, are generally more expensive than scrap. While hobbyist ingots might sell for $7.00-$9.00 per pound, industrial quantities and purer grades have different pricing. For example, 52-pound ingots with 99.8% purity might be around $2.69 per pound. Some suppliers list ingots over $1.00 per pound, indicating a premium over scrap. The London Metal Exchange (LME) 3-month aluminum futures, a global benchmark, have been around $1.18-$1.19 per pound.

Finished cast products, such as custom parts, are priced based on material costs, casting method, part complexity, production volume, and lead time. Standard alloys like A356 or A380 may cost $2-$4 per pound for the material. However, the final price per part can range from $50-$200 for low-volume production due to setup and tooling costs. High-volume production significantly reduces per-part cost.

To find real-time pricing, contact local scrap yards or metal recyclers, as prices change daily. Many scrap yards update prices regularly, and some provide online listings. For ingots and finished products, consult metal market indices, specialized wholesale suppliers, or custom foundries and manufacturers.

Buying and Selling Cast Aluminum

Navigating the cast aluminum market involves understanding steps for selling scrap and acquiring new materials. Strategic preparation and informed engagement with buyers or suppliers can significantly impact financial outcomes.

To sell scrap cast aluminum, first identify and prepare the material. It is commonly found in automotive components like engine blocks, transmissions, wheels, and some appliance parts. Clean the material by removing steel, rubber, or other contaminants, as cleaner scrap typically fetches a higher price. Scrap yards often have different price tiers for “clean cast” versus “breakage” or “irony aluminum.”

Find reputable local scrap yards or recycling centers. Online searches, local directories, or community recommendations can help locate suitable buyers. Before visiting, contact several facilities to inquire about current prices and grading criteria. Many yards provide daily updated prices, and some offer higher rates for larger volumes. When delivering scrap, sellers should be prepared for material weighing and inspection to determine its grade and final price.

When buying new cast aluminum, whether ingots or custom parts, focus on finding reliable suppliers or foundries. For ingots, wholesale suppliers specializing in primary or secondary aluminum alloys can provide various grades. Buyers should discuss specific alloy compositions, purity levels, and any required certifications. Minimum order quantities (MOQs) are common for industrial ingot purchases, and pricing often involves volume-based negotiation.

For custom cast parts, engage with a foundry by providing detailed specifications, including material requirements, part dimensions, and desired surface finishes. Foundries typically provide quotes based on part complexity, casting method, tooling costs, and production volume. Clear communication regarding lead times and payment terms is essential for smooth transactions. Online marketplaces and metal brokers can also serve as alternative channels for buying and selling, connecting parties across broader geographic areas.