Martin Gagné, International zinc Association
Manufacturing products by zinc alloy die casting is an outstanding choice for countless decorative and functional applications. Zinc die casting alloys have high strength, excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, the best surface quality for decorative finishes, high fluidity, ultra thin wall capability and can be cast with low draft, while the zinc die casting process provides high casting productivity, long die life, low energy consumption, and net shape casting.
Thin wall sections are easily cast in zinc.
For example, die cast zinc alloys can be cast to a thinner wall section when compared to other metal alloys or casting processes because of zinc’s excellent fluidity during the casting process. The figure to the right shows a zinc alloy die cast business card. The company logo, contact information, and design details are all cast in place. No other fabrication steps are involved. The superior fluidity of zinc alloys allows for ultra thin walls and the precision casting of the most intricate details in any design. The energy efficiency of zinc castings, achieved through weight reduction applies across the whole casting cycle life from melting, casting, and transport of finished parts, to end-of-life collection and recycling. Zinc alloy die casting has the ability to meet all design requirements cost effectively.
The International Zinc Association (IZA) maintains a website dedicated to zinc alloy die casting where product designers can find information on all aspects of designing for zinc die casting along with relevant case studies. The website also hosts an Engineering Database of mechanical properties for zinc die casting alloys to help designers realize their project in the most efficient way by combining the precision and the cost-effectiveness of the die casting process with the exceptional mechanical and physical properties of zinc alloys.
As many product designers are unaware of the range of mechanical properties available in zinc or the speed and flexibility of the zinc die casting process, the IZA offers a free design seminar which covers every aspect of designing for zinc alloy die casting including the specifications for zinc die casting alloys, the various casting processes that give such flexibility to using zinc, the physical and material properties of zinc, surface finishing of zinc castings, and also the design concepts important for producing parts from liquid metal.
Please contact us for a seminar or for any other information about manufacturing by zinc alloy die casting. www.diecasting.zinc.org
