Zinc alloy is an alloy composed of zinc as the base metal and other elements as alloying elements.
Here are some key aspects of zinc alloys:
Composition and classification of zinc alloys
Zinc alloys are alloys consisting of zinc combined with other metal elements, usually including low-temperature alloying elements such as aluminum, copper, magnesium, cadmium, lead and titanium.
As a base metal, zinc can significantly improve its physical, chemical and mechanical properties by combining it with other elements, making it widely used in several industries.
Common alloying elements:
Elements such as aluminum, copper, magnesium, and tin are often added to zinc. For example, in the zinc – aluminum alloy system, aluminum can be present in varying amounts.
A typical zinc – aluminum alloy might have 3 – 5% aluminum. The addition of aluminum improves the strength and hardness of the alloy.
Classification based on composition:
- Ordinary zinc alloys:
These are relatively simple in composition, mainly consisting of zinc with small amounts of other elements.
They are widely used in general applications such as casting small parts like door handles and decorative items.
- High – strength zinc alloys:
These contain a more complex combination of alloying elements.
For instance, some high – strength zinc alloys may have a combination of copper, magnesium, and titanium.
These alloys are designed to have higher mechanical properties such as tensile strength and fatigue resistance, making them suitable for more demanding applications like automotive components that need to withstand higher loads and stresses.
Properties of zinc alloys
Mechanical properties:
- Strength:
Zinc alloys can have a wide range of strength levels.
Ordinary zinc alloys typically have a tensile strength in the range of 200 – 300 MPa. High – strength zinc alloys can reach tensile strengths of 400 – 500 MPa or even higher, depending on the specific alloy composition and heat treatment process.
For example, a well – designed zinc – copper – magnesium alloy, after proper heat treatment, can achieve a high tensile strength suitable for structural parts.
- Hardness:
The hardness of zinc alloys also varies.
Some decorative zinc alloys have a relatively low hardness (around 70 – 90 HB) to facilitate easy machining and finishing processes like polishing and plating.
In contrast, high – strength zinc alloys used in wear – resistant applications may have a hardness of 120 – 150 HB or more.
Physical properties:
- Density:
The density of zinc alloys is generally around 6.5 – 7.0 g/cm³.
This makes them heavier than some other common engineering materials like aluminum alloys (which have a density of around 2.7 g/cm³), but lighter than many steel alloys.
The relatively high density can be advantageous in applications where weight is not a critical concern but where the material needs to provide a certain level of mass for stability or damping purposes.
- Melting point:
The melting point of zinc alloys is relatively low, typically in the range of 380 – 450°C. Low melting point makes them easy to cast using processes such as die casting and sand casting.
It allows for the production of complex – shaped parts with thin walls and intricate details, which is why zinc alloys are widely used in the manufacturing of small – to – medium – sized parts with complex geometries.
Haichen zinc alloy die casting machine
Haichen is a die casting machine factory located in Ningbo, China, mainly supplying cold chamber die casting machine and hot chamber die casting machine. Besides machines, we also supply die casting auxiliary equipments, including temperature control equipment, ladles and extractors and so on.
Haichen zinc alloy die casting machine offers a combination of high efficiency, precision, energy efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making it an excellent choice for manufacturers looking to produce high-quality zinc alloy parts.
Zinc alloy is a versatile metal material that plays an important role in modern industry due to its unique properties and wide range of applications.
