Is Zinc Suitable for Die Casting?

By Cherry / July 3rd, 2024  

As a widely used metal material, zinc exhibits many unique advantages and characteristics in the die-casting process. 

This article will explore the suitability of zinc in die casting in detail, including the physical and chemical properties of zinc, the advantages of zinc alloys 

in die casting, typical applications, considerations in the die casting process, and the environmental impact and sustainability of zinc die casting. 

With a comprehensive understanding of these contents, readers can better understand the importance and suitability of zinc in die casting.

Physical and chemical properties of zinc

Zinc (Zn) is a metal with unique physical and chemical properties that make it an ideal material in the die-casting process. The following are the main properties 

of zinc:

1. Density and melting point

Zinc has a density of 7.14 g/cm³ and a melting point of approximately 419.5°C. This makes zinc easy to melt and flow during the die-casting process, 

which helps with precision molding and detail replication.

2. Thermal and electrical conductivity

Zinc has good thermal and electrical conductivity, which makes it excel in certain applications, especially components that require heat dissipation and 

electrical conductivity.

3. Corrosion resistance

Zinc has good corrosion resistance, especially when exposed to the atmosphere. A dense protective oxide or carbonate film is easily formed on the surface of zinc, 

which prevents further corrosion.

4. Plasticity and mechanical properties

Zinc has good plasticity and moderate mechanical strength, which enables it to achieve complex geometries and fine structural details during the die-casting process.

Advantages of zinc alloys in die-casting

Zinc alloys are widely used in die casting, mainly due to their significant advantages:

1. High precision and detail replication

The low melting point and good fluidity of zinc alloys enable high precision and detail replication during the die-casting process, suitable for the production 

of complex and fine parts.

2. High production efficiency

Zinc alloys cool quickly and solidify in a short time, resulting in a short die-casting cycle and high production efficiency. This is especially important for 

mass production.

3. Excellent mechanical properties

Zinc alloys have good mechanical properties, including high strength and good impact toughness, and are suitable for parts that need to withstand mechanical stress.

4. Economical

Zinc alloys are relatively cheap, and the material utilization rate of the die-casting process is high, which reduces material waste and reduces production costs.

5. Post-processing performance

Zinc alloy die-castings have a smooth surface and are easy to carry out subsequent surface treatments, such as electroplating, spraying, and machining, to further 

enhance the appearance and performance of the product.

Typical applications of zinc alloy die-casting

Due to their superior properties, zinc alloy die-castings are widely used in multiple industries:

1. Automotive industry

In the automotive industry, zinc alloy die-castings are used to produce various parts such as door handles, dashboard frames, radiator covers, 

and engine accessories. These parts require high strength, high precision, and good corrosion resistance, and zinc alloy die-casting can meet these requirements well.

2. Electronics and electrical appliances

Zinc alloy die-castings are widely used in electronic and electrical products, such as connectors, radiators, housings and switch parts. 

The good electrical and thermal conductivity of zinc alloys makes them an ideal choice for the electronic and electrical industries.

3. Furniture and Household Goods

In furniture and household goods, zinc alloy die castings are used to produce various decorative and functional parts, such as handles, hinges, 

locks, and lamps. Zinc alloys can not only realize complex designs but also perform various surface treatments to enhance the aesthetics and durability 

of the products.

4. Tools and Hardware

Zinc alloy die castings are also widely used in the field of tools and hardware, such as parts of hand tools, building hardware, and mechanical equipment parts. 

The high strength and good mechanical properties of zinc alloys ensure the durability and reliability of these parts.

Precautions in die casting process

Although zinc alloys have many advantages in die casting, some key matters still need to be paid attention to in actual operation to ensure the production of 

high-quality die castings:

1. Mold design

Mold design is the key to the die-casting process. The mold needs to have a good cooling system to accelerate the cooling and solidification of the zinc alloy. 

At the same time, the mold design also needs to consider the fluidity of the metal to ensure that the molten metal can fully fill the mold cavity and avoid defects.

2. Temperature control

Temperature control is very important for zinc alloy die casting. The temperature of the molten metal should be kept within an appropriate range to ensure good 

fluidity and casting quality. At the same time, the mold temperature should also be controlled within an appropriate range to prevent cooling too fast or too slow, which 

will affect the quality of the casting.

3. Injection speed and pressure

The control of injection speed and pressure is also very important for zinc alloy die casting. Too high injection speed and pressure may cause pores or cracks inside 

the casting, while too low injection speed and pressure may cause incomplete filling. Therefore, the injection parameters need to be adjusted according to the 

specific situation to ensure the quality of the casting.

4. Surface treatment

Zinc alloy die castings usually need surface treatment after production to improve their corrosion resistance and aesthetics. Common surface treatment methods 

include electroplating, spraying, and mechanical polishing.

Environmental impact and sustainability of zinc die casting

With the improvement of environmental awareness, the environmental impact and sustainability of zinc die casting have also become the focus of attention. Zinc 

alloy die casting has certain advantages in environmental protection:

1. Recyclability

Zinc is a recyclable metal, and discarded zinc alloy die castings can be recycled and reused. This not only helps to reduce resource waste but also reduces 

production costs and environmental burden.

2. Low energy consumption

The low melting point of zinc alloy makes it require less energy in the die-casting process. Compared with other high melting point metals, zinc alloy die-casting 

requires less energy, which helps to reduce carbon emissions.

3. Environmentally friendly materials

Zinc and zinc alloys are environmentally friendly and non-toxic. During production and use, no harmful substances are released, and the impact on the environment 

and human health is small.

Summary

As a metal suitable for die casting, zinc has many superior properties. Its low melting point, good fluidity, excellent mechanical properties, and economy make it 

widely used in many industries. Although some key matters need to be paid attention to in the die-casting process, the high precision, high efficiency, and 

recyclability of zinc alloy make it an ideal material for environmental protection and sustainable development. 

Contact LK Egypt to learn more info about the die-casting machine.

LKAGENT OFFICE DCM

Address: Industry Zone, South of Port Said Kebly, Egypt

https://www.zazdiecasting.com/

Phone: +86 13598704163

Mobile: +20 101 304 3317      +20 150 181 8310

Email: jack@zazmae.com      ahmedmahmoud@zazmae.com

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