Zinc alloy

Zinc alloy refers to the alloy material synthesized by mixing zinc with other metals or non-metallic elements in a certain proportion. As one of the important metal elements, zinc has excellent physical and chemical properties, low density, high strength, corrosion resistance and other characteristics, so it is widely used in various alloy materials. Below, we will introduce in detail the composition, manufacturing process, application fields, advantages and disadvantages of zinc alloys.

The composition of zinc alloys

Zinc alloy is composed of many metallic elements and non-metallic elements. According to different proportions and mixing methods, different properties of alloy materials can be prepared. In general, the main component of zinc alloy is zinc (Zn), the proportion of more than 80%, the rest is other metallic elements and non-metallic elements mixed, common components include copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), silicon (Si) and so on.

Different components have a decisive role in the performance of zinc alloys, such as the addition of aluminum or copper can enhance the strength and hardness of zinc alloys, the addition of magnesium can improve heat and corrosion resistance, the addition of lead or tin can improve lubricity. Therefore, the composition of zinc alloys needs to be adjusted and optimized according to practical application requirements.

Manufacturing process of zinc alloy

Zinc alloy manufacturing process mainly includes melt alloy method, pressure casting method, extrusion casting method, injection die casting method, powder metallurgy method and so on.

(1) Molten alloy method: various metal or non-metallic elements are mixed in accordance with a certain proportion, and fused into alloy materials in a high temperature environment, and then formed by casting, forging and other ways.

(2) Pressure casting method: also known as die casting, is a process that uses molten alloy to fill the casting cavity under high pressure to manufacture parts. The process has the advantages of high production efficiency and high precision of finished products.

(3) Extrusion casting method: This process is an important method in the manufacture of zinc alloy, the principle is to extrude the molten alloy under high temperature conditions. The process can manufacture large and high precision zinc alloy parts.

(4) Injection die casting: also known as compression casting, it is a process in which molten alloy is injected into the cast by high pressure to make parts. The process can produce zinc alloy parts with uniform density, flat surface and high precision.

(5) Powder metallurgy method: The process is based on zinc powder as raw material, through mixing, forming, sintering and other processes to process the alloy material. The process has the characteristics of high wear resistance, high rigidity and high compound, and is often used in the manufacture of precision instruments such as locks and watches.

Application fields of zinc alloys

Zinc alloy with light weight, high strength, corrosion resistance, good formability and other excellent characteristics, so it is widely used in various fields, mainly including the following applications:

(1) Auto parts: Zinc alloy can manufacture high-precision, light weight, not easy to wear auto parts, such as automobile motor support, water pump impeller, car seat mechanism.

(2) Household appliances: The excellent properties of zinc alloy make it an ideal material for manufacturing electrical parts, such as TV housing, washing machine wheels, induction cooker base, etc.

(3) Decorative materials: Decorative materials made of zinc alloy are often used in doorknobs, window handles, furniture accessories, tourist souvenirs and so on.

(4) Building materials: Zinc alloy can manufacture high-precision, lightweight and beautiful building materials, such as Windows, door and window accessories, roof covering materials, etc.

(5) Other fields: Zinc alloy is also widely used in aerospace, electronic instruments, computer peripherals and other fields.