Zinc die casting in mechanical engineering is versatile
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.

zinc die casting
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.

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.

Casting is free of burrs

The areas of application for zinc die casting in mechanical engineering are diverse. Connecting elements are typical areas of application for zinc die casting. In the example of an element of a pneumatic maintenance unit, a pressure-tight structure is required. The casting is carried out without burrs, as burrs that might come loose later would cause the machine to malfunction. In addition, thin wall thicknesses should limit the component weight.

Zinc die casting in drive technology

Zinc die casting allows near-net-shape casting largely without reworking. The gearbox of a high-pressure cleaner for home and garden demonstrates that the cost-effectiveness of proven cast parts can also be improved by redesigning them: the new design reduces the weight by 22 per cent while retaining the same function. However, cost-effectiveness is not only achieved through material savings, but also through optimised casting technology.
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Initiative Zink

Initiative Zink