Zinc Diecasting Alloys

We can supply a wide range of Zinc Diecasting Alloys produced by a first-class manufacturer that is based in UK at competitive prices and terms.

The Zinc Alloys conform to EN 1774 1998 and are manufactured from primary or virgin zinc conforming to SHG (Super High Grade) or Zn1 grades with 99.995% purity.

PRESSURE DIE CASTING ALLOY

ZL5 is a zinc base pressure die casting alloy which conforms to EN 1774 1997 Ingot Specification and is one of a family of versatile high grade zinc alloys:

Application

ZL5 is generally used for castings produced on a hot chamber pressure die casting machine where a slightly stronger and harder alloy than ZL3 is required and dimensional stability in the as cast condition is not such an important criterion. ZL5 has slightly better castability than ZL3 and therefore tends to be used for small intricate castings or when surface preparation of a ZL3 casting is difficult prior to electroplating. Due to its higher Copper content the alloy is more expensive than ZL3 therefore its application should be restricted to its correct use.

ZL5 is easily machined, buffed, polished, lacquered and electroplated for decorative or functional purposes.

National Specifications

The composition of ZL5 conforms to the current EN 1774 Standard, which is now common to all EU countries.

When designing a stressed component using ZL5 further reference should be made to the alloys properties, at elevated temperatures, after natural or artificial ageing and the alloys creep properties.

Alloy Composition:
Min Max
Aluminium 3.80% 4.20%
Copper 0.70% 1.10%
Magnesium 0.04% 0.06%
Zinc Remainder
Impurities:
Iron 0.02%
Lead 0.003%
Cadmium 0.003%
Tin 0.001%
Nickel 0.001%
Silicon 0.020%
Typical as cast physical and mechanical properties
Casting Temperature 405-425
Freezing Range 379-388
Specific Heat J/gk 0.4187
(0.10)
Solidification Cm/m 1.17
Shrinkage (in/ft) (0.14)
Casting Shrinkage Mm/mm 0.006
(in/in) (0.006)
Thermal Conductivity W/m℃ 108.9
at 18℃ (C.G.S) (0.26)
Thermal Expansion 28×106
Linear per ℃
Electrical conductivity at 20℃ %age IACS 26
Specific Gravity 6.7
Density Kg/m3 6,700
(lb/in3) (0.24)
Tensile Strengh N/mm2 328-270
at 20℃ (lbf/in2) (47,000)
Elongation at 20℃ %in 2in 7-13
impact strength at 20℃ J 54-65
(unnotched samples) (ft.obf) (43)
Hardness BHN 92-80

Pressure Die Casting Foundry Alloy

ZL12 is a 12% Aluminium- Zinc alloy which  conforms to EN 1774 1997. It has been developed for use as a general­ purpose foundry  alloy. Its unique properties enable it to be cast using any of the conventional gravity  casting processes. ZL12 is a strong, sound  alloy capable of casting  thin sections and intricate details. The economical ZL12 has low initial and conversions costs. It can be cold  chamber pressure die cast using a similar  process to that used for making  Aluminium pressure castings.

The casting properties of ZL12  enable it to compete favourably  with other cast metals such as Iron, Brass, Bronze and Aluminium Alloys. ZL12 has excellent  machining characteristics, good corrosion resistance  and requires only the minimum of surface preparation for easy electroplating or painting. The original specification for this alloy was developed by the International Lead Zinc Research Organisation Inc. New York USA. ZL12  was known  as Kayem 12 and ZA12 in the past. ZL12 is the EN 1774 equivalent  of these alloys.

Advantages
  • Economical alloy cost with clean low-cost melting & low metal loss.
  • Insensitive to different cooling rates allowing it to be cast by all gravity casting processes.
  • Excellent castability giving pressure tightness, thin sections, intricate detail.
  • Low shrinkage & gas porosity, high sand reclamation.
  • Existing pattern equipment and gravity dies can be used.
  • Excellent machining.
  • Excellent buffing and polishing characteristics.
  • Easily electroplated, painted or lacquered.
  • Good corrosion resistance.
  • Excellent tensile strength and hardness at ambient temperatures.
  • Non-sparking alloy suitable for hazardous environments.
  • Good bearing and wear properties for lightly loaded applications.
Mechanical
Mechanical Sand Cast Permanent Mould (Gravity Die)
Tensile N/mm2 276-310 345-380
(lbf/in2x103) (40-45) (50-55)
Elongation % in 2 in 3-4 4-7
Impact Strength J 5.4-10.8 17.6
(unnotched samples) (ft.lbf) (4-8) (13)
Harness BHN 105-125
Physical
Density g/cm3 603
(lb/in3 (0.218)
Pattern Makers
Shrinkage
cm/m
(in/ft)
1.30
3/32
1.04
(1/8)
Electrical Conductivity %age IACS 25
Thermal
Melting Range 380-430
Casting Temperature 475-520
Thermal Conductivity at 24 ℃ W/m℃ 0.21-0.22
Comparison of typical properties
ZL12 Brass BS 1400 SCB3 Aluminium Alloy LM6 Grey Cast Iron
Tensile Strengh N/mm2 276-380 185-250 160-185 165-345
Elongation % 3-7 15-30 5-7 <0.5
Hardness BHN 105-125 45-65 55-60 200-250
Density g/cm3 6.03 8.5 2.65 7-7.5
Melting Range 380-430 920-1000 580-640 1090-1260
Thermal Conductivity W/m℃ 0.21 0.26 0.34 0.1-0.12
Electrical Conductivity %age IACS 25 25 37
Machinability Rating Very Good Very Good Fair Fair
Finishing Characteristics Very Good Very Good Fair Poor

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