What is Zinc Die Casting?

Zinc die casting is a process that involves melting a zinc alloy (hence the name zinc alloy die casting) and injecting it into a die casting mold that is already ready.

Zinc alloys are suitable for part manufacturing due to their ductility, impact strength and low melting point. In addition, due to the low melting point of the material, the casting process takes place at a lower temperature. Hence the name "hot chamber die casting process".

In addition, the hot chamber process can extend the service life of the mold, the time required to replace the mold, and reduce costs compared to other materials compatible with die casting.  

Steps of the zinc die casting process

Generally speaking, zinc alloy die casting is a hot chamber die casting process. While the process changes depending on the part size and machine type, there is a general mechanism as follows:

Step #1: Prepare the mold  

Clean the diecasting mold to remove impurities. Then, the mold is lubricated for better mold release of the casting after cooling. The first step is concluded by clamping the mold with high pressure.

Step #2: Injection

Melt the zinc alloy and pour it into the injection chamber of the injection machine. Please note that the injection chamber will be hot because zinc castings are hot chamber die castings. Then, the molten zinc material is injected into the diecasting mold under high pressure.

Step #3: Cool and eject

Allow the zinc to cool in the diecasting mold to form the mold shape. Loosen the mold and eject the solid zinc casting out of the mold.

Note: Make sure the casting cools and solidifies before demolding.

Step #4: Trim

Along with other finishing processes, trimming involves removing excess metal that occurs due to diecasting defects. Trimming can be done using dressing molds, saws, or other programs.

Note: Trimmed zinc castings are recyclable and reusable.