Physical and mechanical properties of die-cast zinc alloy
As a commonly used metal material, die-cast zinc alloy’s physical and mechanical properties play a decisive role in industrial applications, directly affecting product quality, service life, and application range. A thorough understanding of these properties of die-cast zinc alloy is crucial for rational material selection, optimized production processes, and guaranteed product performance.
In terms of physical properties, die-cast zinc alloy exhibits many unique features. First, it has a low density, usually between 6.6 and 7.0g/cm³. This property makes the parts made of it relatively light, which helps to achieve lightweight design of products and has significant advantages in weight-sensitive fields such as automobiles and aerospace. Secondly, the melting point of die-cast zinc alloy is low, generally around 380 to 420℃, which is much lower than that of metal materials such as steel. This not only reduces energy consumption in the die-casting process, but also simplifies the production process, shortens the molding cycle, and improves production efficiency. In addition, die-cast zinc alloy has good thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity. Although not as good as pure copper and pure aluminum, it can meet basic usage needs in some scenarios with certain requirements for thermal and electrical conductivity, such as electronic component housings and heat dissipation components. At the same time, its linear expansion coefficient is moderate, and its dimensional stability is good when the temperature changes, reducing the deformation or damage of parts due to temperature stress.
Mechanical properties are one of the core advantages of die-cast zinc alloys, which have led to their widespread application. They possess high tensile strength, typically between 200 and 400 MPa, allowing them to withstand certain tensile loads and resist breakage during use. Yield strength is also considerable, typically between 100 and 200 MPa. This allows the material to resist plastic deformation to a certain extent when subjected to external forces, maintaining the original shape and dimensions of components. Elongation is an important indicator of a material’s plasticity. The elongation of die-cast zinc alloys is typically between 1% and 10%. While not as high as some metals with excellent plasticity, it is sufficient to meet the requirements of most structural components and provides a certain degree of cushioning against shock or vibration. Regarding hardness, the Brinell hardness of die-cast zinc alloys is generally between 60 and 100 HB, ensuring sufficient wear resistance and extending the service life of components. For example, the high hardness of die-cast zinc alloys is fully demonstrated in components that are subject to frequent friction, such as automotive door locks and zipper pulls.
The mechanical properties of die-cast zinc alloys also have good stability and consistency. During the production process, by strictly controlling the alloy composition, smelting process and die-casting parameters, the mechanical properties of batch-produced zinc alloy die-castings can maintain small fluctuations, ensuring the reliability of product quality. This stability is crucial for large-scale industrial production, as it can reduce product scrap rates due to performance differences and lower production costs. At the same time, the mechanical properties of die-cast zinc alloys vary relatively little under different temperature environments. Within the temperature range of -50°C to 100°C, the attenuation of its tensile strength, hardness and other indicators is relatively small, making it adaptable to a wider range of working environments and expanding its scope of application.
It is worth noting that the physical and mechanical properties of die-cast zinc alloys are affected by a variety of factors. Changes in alloy composition are one of the most critical factors. For example, adding an appropriate amount of copper can improve the strength and hardness of zinc alloys, but excessive addition will reduce their plasticity and toughness. Adding magnesium can improve the corrosion resistance of zinc alloys, but it will also have a certain impact on their casting properties. The smelting process also plays a significant role in performance. Excessively high or low smelting temperatures, excessively long holding times, etc. will lead to coarse alloy grains and increased inclusions, thereby reducing its mechanical properties. Die-casting process parameters, such as injection speed, injection pressure, and mold temperature, will also affect the density and internal structure of the die-casting, thereby changing its physical and mechanical properties. Therefore, during the production process, these factors need to be strictly controlled to ensure that the die-cast zinc alloy can perform at its best.
With the continuous advancement of industrial technology, higher requirements are being placed on the physical and mechanical properties of die-cast zinc alloys. Through alloying modifications and process optimization, researchers and companies are continuously improving the performance of die-cast zinc alloys. For example, they are developing new high-strength, high-toughness zinc alloys to meet the demands of high-end applications such as aerospace. Surface treatment technologies are also being used to further enhance the wear and corrosion resistance of zinc alloys, expanding their applications in harsh environments. These efforts have led to the continuous optimization of the physical and mechanical properties of die-cast zinc alloys, expanding their application areas, and providing strong support for the development of industrial production.
