12/29/2023
Technology & Processes
Basic knowledge
Zinc die casting in mechanical engineering is versatile
Modern mechanical engineering places high demands on the materials and components that are used. Choosing the right material is not always easy: materials should be versatile and at the same time improve economic efficiency. Zinc die casting should fulfil these requirements.
The dissipation of heat can be an important factor in the choice of material. Oil-tightness is a good argument for hydraulic drives. And since machines are predominantly electronically controlled, electrical and electromagnetic shielding properties are required. A machine should also look good – especially the visible surfaces.
But what good is the perfect material that has been processed into the perfect component or machine if the costs get out of hand? This is why cost-effectiveness plays a decisive role in the choice of material. Zinc die casting is an option for many tasks in mechanical engineering that is more than just technically sensible and often fulfils the requirements of design engineers.
Jochen Leibbrand, Executive Director Sales Hot Chamber Die Casting Machines at Oskar Frech GmbH + Co. KG, emphasises the importance of zinc die casting for the company's products: "Our casting machines are modern precision systems. Every single part must function reliably and flawlessly - every time. In addition, we only use zinc die casting parts that have been cast on casting machines manufactured by us. That way, we are sure to get the best possible castings."
New alloys and casting techniques offer prospects for thin-walled castings or the casting of parts with an intact surface and a foam casting core inside. What's more, zinc die casting parts can be recycled at the end of the service life of the machine in which they were used.
But what good is the perfect material that has been processed into the perfect component or machine if the costs get out of hand? This is why cost-effectiveness plays a decisive role in the choice of material. Zinc die casting is an option for many tasks in mechanical engineering that is more than just technically sensible and often fulfils the requirements of design engineers.
Cast components impress with their cost-effectiveness
In mechanical engineering, cast components are key elements in the overall design of machines. Zinc die casting components are less impressive because of their size than because of the combination of properties that are important to machine manufacturers - for example, high cost-effectiveness thanks to very short cycle times and long mould life at a low melting temperature, near-net-shape production by adhering to the tightest tolerances, good mechanical material properties, electrical and electromagnetic shielding, very good thermal conductivity and excellent conditions for surface finishing.Jochen Leibbrand, Executive Director Sales Hot Chamber Die Casting Machines at Oskar Frech GmbH + Co. KG, emphasises the importance of zinc die casting for the company's products: "Our casting machines are modern precision systems. Every single part must function reliably and flawlessly - every time. In addition, we only use zinc die casting parts that have been cast on casting machines manufactured by us. That way, we are sure to get the best possible castings."
New alloys and casting techniques offer prospects for thin-walled castings or the casting of parts with an intact surface and a foam casting core inside. What's more, zinc die casting parts can be recycled at the end of the service life of the machine in which they were used.