Zinc is one of the most versatile die casting metals. It offers greater precision and lower tooling costs than other die-cast metals such as aluminum or magnesium. Zinc die castings also offer a wide range of excellent physical and mechanical properties, finishing characteristics, and are the easiest to cast.
Benefits of Using Zinc
One of the most notable advantages of zinc is that it reduces processing costs. Die casting tooling is often a significant cost factor, so it is important to save as much as possible. Due to the low melting temperature of zinc, the tool life is 10 times longer than aluminum die casting tooling and about 5 times longer than magnesium casting tooling. That means fewer repairs, less downtime, and more parts produced over the life of the tool. Small zinc parts can use the high speed 4-slide micro zinc die casting process, which significantly reduces upfront tooling costs compared to aluminum or magnesium. Click here to learn more about the process.
The advantages of zinc die casting include:
longer tool life
Lower tooling costs (especially if it can use the micro zinc die casting process)
The ability to cast near-net-shape complex geometries with thinner walls and lower draft angles reduces the need for machine capabilities compared to castings produced from other metals.
Excellent balance of mechanical and physical properties, including higher yield strength and elongation compared to aluminum or magnesium.
Good shock absorption compared to aluminum
Extensive finishing options
faster production time
Zinc's many benefits make it useful in a wide variety of industries and applications.

Zinc Die Casting Process
Zinc is cast using a rapid-cycle hot-chamber die-casting process that utilizes a component called a gooseneck submerged in a furnace filled with molten metal. The metal automatically enters the firing chamber through a hole in the gooseneck. A vertical plunger then seals the hole and uses high pressure to push the metal into the back of the mold. The part solidifies quickly (within seconds) and the part pops out of the tool.