Zinc Alloy Casting

Complex Shapes & Tight Tolerances

Zinc die casting produces multi-cavity, complex shapes and within closer tolerances than many other production processes. In addition to producing high volume runs of virtually identical parts, it produces rugged heat and wear resistant parts that are dimensionally stable, while maintaining exceptionally close tolerances.

The die casting process gives designers the opportunity to save costs by consolidating components into one net-shape die casting. Thus, potentially eliminating secondary operations such as machining. Zinc die castings have successfully been designed as bearings (eliminating bronze alloys), rivets, and can have cast in threads. Due to these advantages, die castings are found in a wide variety of industries including automotive, building hardware, electronics, sporting goods, etc.

It should be noted that industry standard tolerances can be met and/or exceeded, if it is necessary to the design of the part. However, there are many factors that must be considered, such as; the shape of the part, where a feature is located within the tool, what is its position with other features of the part and if you are dimensioning across the parting line. When considering tool life and cost, it is best practice to allow generous tolerances and draft on areas with less fit, form or function and to tighten tolerances only in areas where it is necessary.