Why use alloys instead of pure zinc in pressure die-casting?

When deciding between zinc and aluminum for your parts, it’s good to know which is better. Zinc alloys allow you to achieve tighter tolerances than molded plastics or other metals. Pressure die-casting with zinc alloys is a highly competitive process and the benefits of zinc alloys are many. You can cast zinc parts with thin walls, resulting in smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective parts. Zinc alloys also allow you to cast them with zero draft angles, another advantage.

Zinc alloys

Zinc alloys in pressure die-cast casting have several advantages over aluminum. First, zinc has a lower melting point than aluminum, which makes it better for detailed castings. It also requires less finishing work after the ejection process. Second, the low pressure and low melting point of zinc help to minimize thermal shock during the casting process. Last, zinc’s superior formability and machinability provide cost advantages in assembly and finishing processes. Finally, zinc is a tougher alloy than aluminum, which reduces the chance of failure and downtime.

Aluminum alloys

The use of Aluminum alloys in pressure die-casting has numerous advantages. The light weight of these alloys, their corrosion resistance, and their thermal and electrical conductivity make them an excellent choice for various applications. The largest end-use segment of aluminum is the transportation industry, which is driven by increased consumer demand and emission regulations. By replacing steel and iron components with lightweight aluminum, automobiles can achieve increased fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Magnesium alloys

The magnesium industry produces several magnesium alloys for pressure die-casting, and these are generally designated using the ASTM system, which specifies their chemical compositions and tempers. The magnesium alloys are typically characterized by the use of two major elements, aluminum and zinc. Other elements are used in the composition of the alloys but are usually treated as impurities. The maximum percentages of these impurities are often expressed as single numbers.

Zinc-aluminum alloys

When pressure die-casting aluminum and magnesium, zinc alloys are the preferred choice for a number of applications. Both aluminum and magnesium are light-weight materials, while zinc alloys provide higher precision and longer die life. Zinc alloys have several benefits over their aluminum and magnesium counterparts, including increased tool life and low cost. The following are some benefits of zinc alloys in pressure die-casting.

ZA series

The ZA series of alloys is a great choice for pressure die-casting. This type of casting involves injecting molten metal into a metallic mold. The pressure created by the die will solidify the metal quickly, resulting in a high-quality casting. This alloy is often used in the pressure die-casting of bearings, valves, and other parts.

Cheaper

High pressure die-casting is often used for automotive components, particularly the wheels. The automotive industry has seen a dramatic increase in demand for electric cars and the use of lighter components. By using environmentally friendly alloys, manufacturers are able to meet these needs while reducing costs. The following are some of the benefits of zinc alloys. You may find these to be more cost effective than pure zinc.