Author Archive

CASTING CALL: PARTS MADE OF ZINC. Die casting has been a way of manufacturing parts for over a century. This technique of making parts of various sizes by melting nonferrous metals and injecting them into molds have been found to be especially useful in mass production. Historically, die casting is used for the production of printer’s type. Die casting of other shapes soon followed as various applications for the production method were discovered. What started out as a production method using predominantly tin and lead, the die casting method eventually found zinc, aluminium, magnesium, and copper to be workable materials.

Zinc is the more popular metal to die cast. It is a material that is strong and hard with high thermal conductivity. It is also inexpensive as a raw material that is why it is preferred by most manufacturers of all types of zinc parts. It also has an excellent thin wall capability that lessens the occurrence of incomplete parts due to molten metal not flowing through thin walls fast enough before hardening. Zinc is also highly resistant to corrosion making for die cast parts that are durable.

There are various types of zinc parts that are manufactured using the die casting process. Die casting of these types of zinc parts are popular production options for a number of industries. Among those parts that are manufactured through zinc die casting are: electronic connectors, chassis and frames, mobile phone antennae, mechanical gears, switches, fasteners, automotive components, and golf clubs. There are a lot more parts that are made from zinc die casts. While a number of parts have already been replaced with plastic moldings due to reasons of cost and practicality, zinc die casting parts still remain to be the choice of materials for most industries requiring strength and durability.

To get a price for zinc die casting parts or zinc die casting tooling, call toll free 800-524-8083 and ask for sales. Or email us at
sales@diecastingzinc.com for a fast response on a price quote.

What You Should Know About the Zinc Part Types. Due to its ductility and versatility, zinc (especially zinc alloys) has become a primary choice of manufacturers for die casting processes. Zinc parts types that come from zinc die castings are very useful for making new objects in various kinds of industries. Even golfers make use of zinc part types, since majority of golf clubs are produced from zinc die castings. Automobile parts and home hardware parts like lock housings used for security purposes also uses the zinc die casting process. Its durability is tried and tested, the main reason why all these industries make use of zinc part types for die casting. With the help of new and modern technological innovations and equipment, the products of the zinc die casting process give satisfactory results like perfect dimensions, right texture of surface and precise form even if the shapes are complex. Finishing touches for the surface of the zinc die casting include processes like polishing, powder coating, chrome plating and brass coating. Nickel plating can also be done to the zinc die cast. Normally, nickel plating is applied to give the zinc part types a smooth and shiny surface.

Examples and types of zinc part types include automotive castings, bathroom faucets, handles, hooks, aerospace parts, die-cast cars, die cast toys, fire alarms, faucets, covers, carburetors, heat sinks, kitchen hardware, door handles, decorations, flanges, motorcycle grips, knobs, pumps and pump handles, pump valves, pump rotors, fishing lures, golf club putters, power tools and so much more. All these are manufactured from one common process – zinc die casting.

The Advantages of Die Casting Using Zinc. The concept of die casting is basically the process of forcing molten metal into mold cavities using high pressure. Most of the die casting done in the market are made from metals that are non-ferrous including but not limited to zinc. However, it is also possible to do die casting with the use of ferrous metals, but this is seldom done. Other non-ferrous metals that are used for die casting are copper, lead, tin, etc. Zinc is a popular metal for die casting due mainly to the zinc alloy’s favorable characteristics and advantages over other materials and processes.

One advantage of zinc die casting is the metal’s high strength and its hardness. Zinc die castings are famous for their great impact strength compared to other materials. It may not be stronger than steel but stronger than “steel weldment”. Another preferred advantage of zinc die casting is its castability feature. This is due to the fact that zinc has a fluid nature that beats other metals. Likewise, zinc has a longer die life. In zinc die casting, the die life is 1 million shots before the need for replacement occurs. This is 10 times longer that what is found in other materials like aluminum die casting. The possibility of easier parts consolidation in zinc die casting due mainly to its higher fluidity makes it another advantageous feature of the metal. Lastly, zinc is not expensive compared o other metals and therefore the practical choice for many die caste. It is also readily available. More advantages can be found when die casting zinc. Online sites can provide the information readily.

Die Casting – Different Zinc Parts Types. The Zinc Die Casting has been very popular around the world for a very long time simply because it gives lots of benefits. Additionally, the three methods of Zinc Die Casting make various Zinc Parts Types.

The first and the oldest Zinc Die Casting method is the customary die casting. This method creates Zinc Die Cast Parts which have the most remarkable fine veneer and maximum tolerance. Die Casting Method is suggested for the creation of tiny to average Zinc Die Cast Parts.

The second method called Sand Casting is suggested to be used for the creation of big Zinc Die Cast Parts which need unrefined surface.

The gravity-fed casting is the third method of Zinc Die Casting parts. It is the most common choice that’s why it is mostly used for the creation of Zinc Parts Types in any sizes.

Nowadays, many industries have been using Zinc Parts Types out of Zinc Die Castings. At times, golf clubs and zinc automotive parts are made with the use of zinc die casting method in addition to zinc home hardware parts like zinc lock cases which are used for security system.

Here is a list of the few Zinc Parts Types that are used in our everyday lives:

1. Fishing lures
2. Golf club putters
3. Pump valves
4. Pumps
5. Pump handles
6. Pump rotors
7. Power tools
8. Zinc door knobs
9. Kitchen hardware
10. Frames and cases
11. Heat sinks
12. Handles, Door handles
13. Motorcycle grips
14. Flanges
15. Faucets
16. Fire alarm case
17. Die-cast toys
18. Die cast cars
19. Carburetors
20. Hooks

What is Zinc Die Casting? Die Casting is a method wherein the molten metal is pressed down in high pressure into the mold cavities. It can be done in two ways, the hot chamber process and the cold chamber process. Die castings are mostly made out of non-ferrous metals like tin-based alloys, lead, magnesium, aluminum and copper. But the most popular non-ferrous metal used is zinc.

Because it is very easy to cast and the fact that zinc has numerous functional and decorative applications, no other methods or materials in die casting will match the economics and properties of Zinc Die Casting. Zinc alloys are more durable compared to strengthened molded polymers. The zinc is appropriate for working mechanical parts like pinions and gears because of its high modulus, dimensional stability, hardness and self-lubricating properties.

Zinc Die Casting has many advantages over other manufacturing procedures.

1. Compared to plastic molding, zinc die cast creates tougher parts through closer endurance to have better stability, plus it can withstand extreme temperatures.

2. Compared to sand castings, zinc die casts create parts with smoother surfaces, thinner walls and closer dimensional limits. The production is also faster with zinc die cast.

3. Compared to screw machine products, zinc die cast needs lesser operations and decrease scrap and waste. It can also produce figures that are hard to make like tubular stock and bar, while sustaining tolerances with no tooling changes.

From automotive and limitless electronic components to office equipment, tools and window hardware as well as doors and bathroom fixtures, there’s no doubt that Zinc Die Casting has definitely made a great impact in our lives.