Die casting is a manufacturing process that is widely used in the automotive industry for many different applications. As metal vehicle parts need to be cast into specific shapes, the best manufacturing process for producing these parts would be die casting. In terms of popularity, Aluminium is a common choice when choosing a metal for the automotive parts die casting process as it is light and strong. This is especially so in bigger vehicles, as Aluminium offers a 10 to 15% advantage in light-weighting for most shapes and designs.
However, there exists another metal with material properties that make it suitable to be die casted into various automotive parts. As a metal, Zinc is one of the easiest to cast due to its low melting point (approximately 420 degrees Celsius). In addition, it is also relatively cheaper as compared to other metals such as steel. With these two variables, Zinc is a metal that is worth considering as it offers high production efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Here’s our guide to using Zinc die casting for automotive components:
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Benefits of Zinc Die Casting
The beneficial material properties of Zinc include:
- Sustainability: Zinc die casting is environmentally friendly as it’s easy to recycle Zinc parts into new Zinc alloys.
- Better stability and finishing: In comparison to other metals, Zinc when combined with other metals to form an alloy offers a higher level of dimension stability and resistance to corrosion. It also has excellent finishing characteristics for an aesthetically appealing final product.
- Excellent conductivity: Zinc is a good conductor of electricity. This is an important point as modern car systems are highly dependent on electronics.
- Great flexibility: When melted, Zinc has great fluidity. It is easier to work with than other metals, and this gives you more options when casting parts. With Zinc, you can make parts in near net complex shapes with thinner walls.
- Strength: Zinc alloys automotive parts are naturally stronger than most metals without any special treatment.
- Faster die casting process: Zinc die casting uses the hot chamber die casting process, which permits up to four or five shots a minute. This helps save time and money.
Industrial Applications of Zinc Die Casting
There are many applications for zinc die casting in the automotive sector. One of them is a key automotive safety feature that saves lives, the seatbelt. Because of its unique material properties as mentioned above, Zinc is ideal for the manufacture of such safety components.
Another plus point would be the corrosion resistance properties of Zinc alloys. This makes Zinc an excellent metal to use when manufacturing automotive parts that are being exposed to the elements on a regular basis. Such parts would include the windscreen wiper, sunroof, and the chassis. Other automotive components that require the use of Zinc would include brake parts and systems, components within the engine bay, part of the fuel delivery system, and more.
Choose EKO for Your Zinc Die Casting Needs
For over 20 years, EKO Industries has been the expert in metal die casting. We have the technical knowledge and expertise in working with Zinc in the die casting of parts for the automotive industry. We can also discuss Zinc die casting needs for other industries, such as consumer electronics, lighting, and more. For more information about Zinc die casting or for a consultation on your company’s specific die casting needs, contact us to find out more about our manufacturing capabilities today.
