Superior Engineering Characteristics

Zinc alloys are castable to closer tolerances than any other metal or molded plastic. Zinc die casting can produce repeatability of less than ± 0.001” for small components, often rivaling machining tolerances. Few other processes can easily achieve the same net shape performance presenting the opportunity to reduce or eliminate machining. “Net Shape” or “Zero Machining” manufacturing is a major advantage of zinc casting.

Fast, trouble-free machining characteristics of zinc materials minimize tool wear and machining costs which is a major advantage of zinc alloys over competitive materials.

Draft angle is the taper on the surface of a die required to facilitate removal of the cast part from the die cavity. Zinc alloys can be die cast with less draft angle than competitive materials. In fact, zinc components can sometimes be cast with zero draft angles which is a major advantage when producing parts in moving mechanical contacts such as gears. Zero internal draft permits net shape manufacturing resulting in lower cost production.

Conventional zinc alloys, along with ZA-8 and ZA-12, have excellent dimensional stability characteristics in their ‘as cast’ condition. ZA-27, however, may require artificial aging treatment to minimize aging effects where exceptional tolerances are required. This is accomplished by heating the part to 95°C for 24 hours.