What Is Zinc Alloy? The Complete Basics to Get Started

What is zinc alloy? Is zinc alloy suitable for youR manufacturing projects? Are you tired of wasting time in researching? No worries! Here are the complete basics to get started. 

Based on market data, approximately 15% of global zinc consumption goes towards the production of zinc-based alloys. These alloys are utilized in the manufacturing of automotive parts, electronic/electrical systems, water taps, sanitary fittings, household articles, fashion goods, and more. These alloys are known for their low melting points and high fluidity, which make them well-suited for foundry applications. Die-cast zinc alloys offer a desirable combination of mechanical properties, allowing them to be employed in various functional applications. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of zinc alloy and die casing in zinc alloy. Furthermore, a thorough discussion on black oxide vs black zinc.

How to define zinc alloy?

Zinc alloy is a term used to describe a metal that consists of zinc and at least one other element. Zinc itself is a fairly common element, ranking 24th in terms of natural abundance. When combined with other elements, zinc forms a uniform metal alloy that exhibits enhanced physical, chemical, electrical, and corrosion-resistant properties.

What's the prosperity of zinc alloy?

The prosperity of zinc alloy can be evaluated based on its conductivity, strength, and zinc melting temp.

Is zinc alloy conductive？

Is zinc conductive? Zinc itself is a moderately conductive metal. However, when zinc is alloyed with other metals or elements, its conductivity may be affected. The conductivity of a zinc alloy depends on the specific composition and the presence of other alloying elements. Generally, certain alloying elements can enhance or hinder the conductivity of zinc alloys.

Is zinc alloy strong?

Zinc alloys can exhibit varying levels of strength depending on their composition. While pure zinc is relatively soft, the addition of other metals or elements can significantly increase its strength. Specific alloying elements can enhance the mechanical properties of zinc alloys, making them stronger and more suitable for specific applications.

Is the melt temp of zinc low?

The melting temp of zinc is relatively low, around 419 degrees Celsius (786 degrees Fahrenheit). This low melting temperature is advantageous in the casting process, as it allows for easy melting and casting of zinc alloys. It results in energy efficiency and reduced production costs compared to materials with higher melting temperatures.

Types of Zinc Alloy

Various zinc alloys are available for die casting, each with its own distinct properties. The most commonly used zinc alloy for die casting is Zamak 3. This particular alloy is preferred due to its outstanding dimensional stability and a well-balanced combination of physical and mechanical properties. It is known for its ability to maintain precise dimensions during the casting process. Some zinc alloys also suitable for die casting include:

• Zamak 2

Zamak 2, also known as Zinc-Alloy 2 or Kirksite, is the most robust and durable alloy within the Zamak family. Its exceptional strength makes it suitable for casting parts that require high structural integrity. Therefore, it is widely used in the automotive and mechanical industries where reliability and durability are crucial factors.

• Zamak 3

Zamak 3, or Zinc Alloy 3 is a widely utilized zinc alloy that offers excellent dimensional stability and castability. In addition to its favorable physical and mechanical properties, it is compatible with various finishing techniques such as painting, chromate treatments, and plating. This makes it a versatile choice for a range of applications.

• Zamak 7

Zamak 7, also called Zinc Alloy 7, is a variation of Zamak 3 with a lower magnesium content and fewer impurities compared to other zinc alloys in the Zamak family. Due to its composition, Zamak 7 is particularly suitable for manufacturing parts that require excellent castability and surface finish. In addition to these qualities, it is highly ductile, further enhancing its usability in various applications.

• ZA 8

ZA-8, a zinc-aluminum alloy, stands out in the Zamak family due to its elevated aluminum content in comparison to other members. This distinguishes it from other ZA alloys. Interestingly, ZA-8 is compatible with the hot-chamber die casting process, which sets it apart and makes it a suitable choice for specific applications.

• ACuZinc5

ACuZinc5 is a highly recognized zinc alloy that boasts remarkable characteristics, including exceptional hardness, lubricity, and resistance to creep. Developed and researched by General Motors, this alloy has found extensive applications in the production of parts that demand superior structural integrity, particularly in high-temperature environments. The combination of excellent hardness, lubricity, and creep resistance makes ACuZinc5 a desirable choice for various industrial applications where durability and reliability are paramount.

• EZAC

EZAC is an additional zinc alloy that shares compatibility with the hot chamber die casting process. Notably, EZAC exhibits exceptional resistance to creep, making it well-suited for applications where dimensional stability is of paramount importance. In addition to its impressive creep resistance, EZAC boasts high hardness and yield strength, contributing to its overall durability. With these commendable characteristics, EZAC stands as a reliable zinc alloy choice for various manufacturing needs that require reliable performance and structural integrity.

• ZA 27

ZA-27, as denoted by its name, is an aluminum-rich zinc alloy containing a notable 27% aluminum composition. This higher aluminum content sets it apart from the other alloys in the Zamak family. With this increased aluminum concentration, ZA-27 possesses favorable characteristics including reduced weight, enhanced strength, and exceptional durability. These attributes make it a suitable choice for manufacturing parts that require both reliability and structural integrity. ZA-27's unique composition contributes to its lighter weight, robust strength, and commendable durability, distinguishing it as a reliable option for various industrial applications.

What does zinc die carting mean?

Zinc casting is a manufacturing process wherein zinc alloys are melted and injected into a prepared die casting mold. This process derives its name from the utilization of zinc alloys, hence called zinc alloy die casting.

Zinc alloys are a preferred choice for part manufacturing due to their notable qualities such as ductility, impact strength, and low melting point. The lower melting point of the material allows the casting process to be carried out at lower temperatures, making it suitable for the hot chamber die casting process.

The hot chamber die casting process not only benefits from the lower heat requirements but also contributes to the longevity of the die, reduces the need for frequent retooling, and results in cost reduction when compared to other materials compatible with die casting.

Process of Die Casting in Zinc Alloy

1. Die Preparation

The first step of the zinc die casting process involves a meticulous cleaning of the die-cast mold to remove impurities, followed by the application of lubrication to aid in the smooth ejection of the casted part. The step concludes with the clamping of the die under high pressure to ensure the accurate and stable casting of the part.

2. Melting

The next step is melting zinc alloy, which is typically composed of zinc along with small amounts of other metals to enhance its properties. The alloy is heated in a furnace until it reaches a molten state.

3. Injection

Once the alloy is molten, it is injected into the prepared die under high pressure. The molten metal fills the cavity within the die, taking the shape of the desired product.

4. Cooling and Solidification

After injection, the molten metal quickly cools and solidifies inside the die. This step is crucial to ensure the product's dimensional accuracy and structural integrity.

5. Ejection

Once the metal has solidified, the die halves are opened, and the product is ejected from the die. Any excess material, known as the runner and gate, is trimmed off.

6. Finishing

The cast part may undergo various finishing processes, such as deburring, polishing, or coating, to achieve the desired surface finish and appearance.

Advantages of Zinc Alloy in Casting

Zinc alloys offer several advantages in the casting process. Some of these advantages include:

• Durability

Zinc alloys are known for their durability and ability to withstand various environmental conditions, making them suitable for long-lasting applications.

• Cost-efficient

Zinc alloys are relatively cost-effective compared to other metal alloys, making them a cost-efficient choice in casting processes.

• Abundantly Available

Zinc is abundantly available in nature, ensuring a stable supply of raw materials for casting operations.

• Corrosion Resistant

Zinc alloys exhibit excellent corrosion resistance, making them suitable for applications where exposure to moisture or harsh environments is a concern.

• Easy Galvanization

Zinc is easily galvanized, which further enhances its corrosion resistance. This process involves applying a protective zinc coating to the surface of the alloy, extending its lifespan.

• Versatility

Zinc alloys offer versatility in terms of design and applications. They can be easily molded and cast into complex shapes, making them suitable for a wide range of industries and product designs.

• Easy Electroplating

Zinc alloys are favorable for electroplating processes, as they can seamlessly accept a variety of surface finishes, such as chrome, nickel, or other metal coatings, to enhance appearance and performance.

Disadvantages of Zinc Alloy in Casting

While zinc alloys offer numerous benefits, there are a few disadvantages associated with their use in the casting process:

• Less Aesthetically Pleasing

Zinc alloys may not provide the same level of aesthetic appeal as some other metal alloys. They may have a less polished or refined appearance, which may be a consideration for certain applications that require a high level of visual appeal.

• Lower Strength

Compared to certain other metal alloys, zinc alloys generally have lower strength properties. This means that they may not be suitable for applications that require high levels of structural integrity or load-bearing capabilities.

• Lower Ductility

Zinc alloys typically exhibit lower ductility, meaning they have less ability to stretch or deform without breaking. This can limit their suitability for applications that require extensive deformation, such as deep-drawing or forming intricate shapes.

Black Oxide vs Black Zinc: Key Differences Between Them

Despite its black finish, black oxide coating only offers limited corrosion resistance. In contrast, the black zinc finish provides a thicker coating than black oxide. While the black zinc coating offers enhanced corrosion protection, its thicker nature can have implications for the overall dimensions and tolerances of the part. For applications that require high precision or tight-fitting parts, caution should be exercised when considering the use of black zinc coating. It is important to carefully evaluate the dimensional requirements and functionality of the part to ensure that the thicker coating of black zinc does not adversely affect its performance or fit.

Applications of Metal Parts with Die Cast Zinc

Zinc die-cast parts have wide-ranging applications across multiple industries. The automotive industry, in particular, favors zinc die-casting for manufacturing both interior and engine components, primarily due to the impressive strength properties of zinc alloys. Examples of the diverse applications of zinc die-cast parts include:

• Automotive Industry

Zinc castings find extensive application in the manufacturing of various interior components for the automotive industry. These components are preferred to those made of aluminum because zinc alloys offer superior strength and durability. In the automotive sector, zinc alloy casting is utilized for a range of parts, including bearings, steering components, and brake parts. Within the realm of automotive zinc alloy casting, the Zamak 2 alloy stands out as the most favored choice.

• Electronics

Zinc alloy casting is not limited to the automotive industry but also finds application in manufacturing electronic components. In the electronic sector, zinc alloy casting is utilized for the production of various components, including energy regulators, toggle switches, wall clocks, and ceramic-encased resistors. The dimensional stability of the cast parts is of utmost importance in ensuring proper functionality and performance. Thus, the Zamak 3 alloy, known for its exceptional dimensional stability, becomes the most suitable choice for manufacturing electronic parts. The use of zinc alloy casting for these electronic components highlights the versatility and reliability of zinc alloys in meeting the specific requirements of different industries.

• Home appliances

Zinc casting proves to be a viable option for manufacturing a range of home appliances, including but not limited to belts, furniture inserts, key chains, shoe buckles, door locks, and handles. The strength and dimensional stability exhibited by zinc casting enhance its suitability for such applications in the home appliance industry. The strength of zinc alloys ensures the durability and longevity of the components, allowing them to withstand the demands of everyday use. Furthermore, the dimensional stability guarantees that these components maintain their precise shape and fit within the appliances. This combination of strength and dimensional stability makes zinc casting an excellent choice for producing reliable and functional home appliances.

Conclusion

Zinc alloy die casting stands out as the most commonly employed method for manufacturing robust and long-lasting parts. For those seeking casted zinc parts, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the zinc alloy die casting process, as extensively discussed in this article, and consider outsourcing to reputable and accomplished die casting services.

At Richconn, we specialize in providing custom zinc die-casting services to deliver high-precision and accurately machined zinc parts promptly and at competitive prices. Our dedicated team of precision machining experts ensures that your products are manufactured to the highest standards. Additionally, our team of highly skilled quality control specialists, engineers, and designers ensures that all parts produced through our die casting services exceed industry standards in terms of durability and functionality. Moreover, we offer the convenience of order management and tracking, allowing you to monitor the casting process until final delivery.