Zinc / Zinc Alloy (UNS Z) Nonferrous Metals and Alloys
Description
Zinc and zinc alloys are primarily used in the production of die-cast components. These materials are known for their ability to form intricate shapes with high precision, making them ideal for casting and wrought applications. Zinc alloys are composed of zinc as the base metal, often combined with elements such as aluminum, copper, and magnesium to enhance their properties.
Working Principle
Zinc alloys work by leveraging the properties of zinc, which is a moderately low melting, non-ferrous metal. The addition of alloying elements like aluminum and copper helps to improve the mechanical and physical properties of the base metal. These alloys are characterized by excellent castability, allowing them to be formed into complex shapes with close tolerances and thin walls. The primary phases formed by the alloying elements contribute to the material's strength, hardness, and wear resistance, making them useful in various industrial applications.
Applications
Zinc alloys are widely used in automotive applications, particularly in high-pressure die casting. They are suitable for creating components that require intricate details and high strength. Specific examples include decorative and non-structural components, as well as structural components in some cases. Zinc alloy plating is also used for small to medium ferrous parts like castings, stampings, clips, and fasteners, where enhanced corrosion protection is needed.
Advantages over other Nonferrous Metals and Alloys
Zinc alloys offer several advantages over other nonferrous metals and alloys. They have excellent castability and can be die-cast with complex details and thin walls, which is not always possible with other materials. Zinc alloys also provide good wear properties and can be used in applications where other alloys might not be suitable due to their higher density and strength. For instance, ACuZinc alloys, developed by General Motors, have higher strength and hardness compared to Zamak and ZA alloys, making them suitable for applications requiring better creep and wear properties.
Limitations
One of the limitations of zinc alloys is their susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement, particularly in high-strength or high-hardness steel parts. This requires careful processing and post-plate de-embrittlement baking to protect the parts. Additionally, zinc alloy castings are less widely used in automotive applications due to their higher density compared to other materials.
Considerations
When considering zinc alloys for a project, it is important to evaluate the initial costs, operating expenses, and durability. Zinc alloys are generally cost-effective due to their excellent castability and ability to form complex shapes. However, the potential for hydrogen embrittlement and the need for specific processing techniques can increase maintenance and replacement costs. It is also crucial to conduct a torque-tension study for fastener joints to ensure performance under specific operating conditions.
from Dexmet® Corporation, a part of PPG’s engineered materials division
A superior alternative to woven wire, our precision expanded metals are used in a wide variety of applications that require an open-area product. Dexmet expanded metal foils are used for aerospace and wind turbine lightning strike protection, EMI shielding, advanced primary and secondary battery... [See More]
- Nonferrous: Zinc; Refractory / Reactive; Titanium; Aluminum; Copper; Nickel; Miscellaneous Nonferrous Metal or Alloy
- Applications: Aerospace or Aircraft Quality; Automotive or Vehicular; Battery / Fuel Cell; Electronics or semiconductors; Oil & Gas Wells; Plain bearing or Bushing
- Shape / Form: Precision Expanded Metals
from Eastern Alloys, Inc.
No. 3 alloy is usually the first choice when considering zinc die casting. Its excellent balance of desirable physical and mechanical properties, superb castability and long-term dimensional stability are the reasons why over 70% of all North American zinc die castings are in No. 3 alloy. It is,... [See More]
- Nonferrous: Zinc
- Specifications: ASTM / ASME
- Specialty / Other Types: Alloy
- Shape / Form: Semi-finished, Mill Stock or Near Net Shapes (optional feature); Ingot or Billet (optional feature); Standard Sow, Half Sow
from GFS Chemicals, Inc.
ITEM#:A9282. Zn. CAS#:7440-66-6. F.W.:65.39. NFPA#:0-1-2. Specific Gravity: 0.000. DOT:NR. Descriptions: Shot. Specification. TEST. 1. Assay (metals basis) 99.9% min. Properties. No properties. [See More]
- Nonferrous: Zinc
- Shape / Form: Powder, Granule or Flake
from Chemical Strategies, Inc.
Chemical Strategies offers all Krylon products. If you are unable to locate a paint or coating you need, our sales department can custom source any needed materials for you directly. [See More]
- Nonferrous: Zinc
from Belmont Metals, Inc.
Zinc Alloys. Featuring pure Zn shot for precious metal alloying and other uses; Zn plating anodes; Superdie and other Zn alloys for rubber-mold and permanent mold casting, ultrasonic solders. Special high grade Zn, ACS reagent grade Zn, Zamak die casting alloys, ZA alloys, galvanizing brightener... [See More]
- Nonferrous: Zinc
- Applications: Die Casting, Plating, Metal Joining
- Shape / Form: Billet / Bloom; Ingot or Billet; Waffle, Bar, Ball, Cut Pieces, Shot, Mossy.
from Matexcel
Storage: Store at room temperature. Purity: 0.999. Size: 3um; 10um; 200mesh; 325mesh [See More]
- Nonferrous: Zinc
- Shape / Form: Powder, Granule or Flake
- Specialty / Other Types: Pure, Unalloyed or Very Low Alloy Additions
- Length: 1.18E-4 to 3.94E-4
from Chemical Strategies, Inc.
Chemical Strategies offers all Krylon products. If you are unable to locate a paint or coating you need, our sales department can custom source any needed materials for you directly. [See More]
- Nonferrous: Zinc
from Belmont Metals, Inc.
White Metals. Featuring Aluminum, Lead, Pewter, Solders, Jewelry, Sculpture, Tin, Zinc Alloys in a variety of forms for many applications. White metals are any of several light-colored alloys used as a base for plated silverware, ornaments or novelties, as well as any of several lead-based or... [See More]
- Nonferrous: Zinc
- Specifications: ICI, ASTM, or Other Casting Grade
- Specialty / Other Types: LightAlloy
- Shape / Form: Flats / Rectangular Bar
from Chemical Strategies, Inc.
Chemical Strategies offers over 3,000 products by Chempax. If you are unable to locate a chemical you need, our sales department can custom source any needed materials for you directly. [See More]
- Nonferrous: Zinc
from Belmont Metals, Inc.
Powdered Metals. Featuring Holtite Alsil Grit, Iron Powder, High Grade Zinc, Tin, and Copper-Aluminum Applications. Belmont Metals offers a vast amount of non-ferrous metals in Powder form as a pure metal instead of an alloy of various elements. A powder is a dry, bulk solid composed of a large... [See More]
- Nonferrous: Zinc
- Applications: Welding, Sintered Components, Additive Manufacturing, and Surface Coating
- Shape / Form: Powder, Granule or Flake
from Chemical Strategies, Inc.
Chemical Strategies offers over 3,000 products by JT Baker. If you are unable to locate a chemical you need, our sales department can custom source any needed materials for you directly. [See More]
- Nonferrous: Zinc
from Belmont Metals, Inc.
Jewelry Alloys. Featuring Art Caster ’s Brass, Beryllium Copper, Brittania, Electrolytic Copper, Everdur, Jeweler ’s Manganese Bronze, Nickel-Silver, Pewters, Superdie Zinc Alloys, and White Bronze. Brass, Bronze, and White Metal alloys have been used in the manufacture of Non Precious... [See More]
- Nonferrous: Zinc
- Applications: Non Precious Metal Fashion Jewelry and additions to Gold for Karat Gold alloying
- Shape / Form: 2-14 Mesh Shot
from Belmont Metals, Inc.
Zinc Sheet. Zinc sheets were originally designed for industrial applications such as water resistance, roof flashing, chemical resistance, cathode protection, engraving, sound deadening and scientific applications. Over the years Zinc sheets became popular in commercial establishments including bar... [See More]
- Nonferrous: Zinc
- Thickness: 0.0270
- Shape / Form: Semi-finished, Mill Stock or Near Net Shapes; Sheet
- Width / OD: 39.37 to 120