Zinc alloy casting and molding

Foundry zinc alloys can be divided into four main classes:

• Z-A4 G, Z-A4 U1 G and Z-A4 U3 G alloys, the most widely used for decorative and functional parts. They are processed mainly by pressure die-casting and, to a very limited extent, by gravity die-casting;

• Kayem-type alloys, used in the manufacture of press tools (stamping, deep-drawing) and molds for injection, blow molding and plastic forming;

• ZA-type alloys differ from the above in that they have a higher aluminum content; ZA 8, ZA 12 (or IIzro 12) and ZA 27 alloys can be processed using all three casting techniques: sand, gravity die and pressure die; their excellent properties make them ideal for mechanical part applications;

• friction alloys such as Main Metal, Alzen and Béric.

The composition and characteristics of these alloys are given in the article [M 670] Forming zinc and its alloys in this treatise.