The Increasing Popularity of Zinc Die Casting Products

Posted by Armstrong Louis on November 22nd, 2018

Zinc die casting is a fabrication technique which involves the high-pressure injection of liquefied zinc into a cast. The process is widely used to manufacture items in huge numbers, meeting exact specifications. Zinc die casting products such as sink faucets; automobile parts and connector housings are very popular. (Information Credit – http://castawaycomponents.co.za)

The primary reason why zinc die casting is so popular is that it enhances the aesthetic appeal of the product and increases its lifespan. It also facilitates high-speed production and supports more complex shapes, delivering high-accuracy. Also, in die casting, there is minimum scrap and wastage of the metal.

Zinc Alloys

The process of zinc die casting is practised using a zinc alloy. The various zinc alloys available can be categorised as:

1. ZA alloys

The Zinc and Aluminum alloy is used in the casting of products that require great strength. The ZA alloy contains a high amount of aluminium which adds to the strength of the product.

2. Zamak Alloys

Alloys which contain a small quantity of aluminium – around 4% - are categorised into Zamak alloys. These are renowned for their great castability.

The Popularity of Zinc as a Die Casting Material

Zinc is one of the most popular die casting materials used in large manufacturing houses. The reasons for this are:

1. Zinc requires less machining as it can be cast in accordance with precise dimensions. This ensures that there is minimum wastage of zinc and there is little or no scrap.

2. Zinc is a very flexible metal that produces thinner walls and excellent smooth surfaces. This aids the production of different shapes. These qualities of the products make them fit for use in automobile and other precision applications.

3. Products manufactured by zinc die casting feature high ductility and poses excellent impact strength. These features lend a longer lifespan to the product or tool.

4. The moulds used for zinc die casing have a longer life than the ones used for aluminium die casting. This is because the zinc die casting procedure causes less corrosion to the mould.

5. In the process of zinc die casting, the production cycle is the fastest of all metal casting processes as zinc has a relatively lower melting and solidifying temperature.

6. The zinc die casting process is extremely flexible and can be used to manufacture parts that weight less than one gram to products that weight a kilogram or more.

7. Zinc casted products are characterised by great adhesion for applying surface finishing like painting, powder coating or plating.

8. Zinc is a comparatively low-cost raw material that serves as a great protective coating which prevents automobiles from corroding. Since automotive require great structural integrity and wear resistance, zinc serves as the perfect metal for casting.

Zinc die-cast products also exhibit great conductivity, rigidity, bearing capability and anti-sparking properties. This has contributed to their widespread use across industries. Zinc die casting products like fixtures, handles, machine parts and decorative hardware are safe, secure and convenient to use, contributing towards improving daily life.