Jul 30 2013
Topics Covered
Introduction
Chemical Composition
Physical Properties
Mechanical Properties
Other Designations
Applications
Introduction
Die cast alloys have a variety of uses and zinc casting alloys are much stronger than reinforced molded polymers. The hardness, dimensional stability, self lubrication and high modulus of zinc metal are incorporated in its alloys. Zinc also exhibits good thermal and electrical conductivity. Zinc can be cast easily at moderate temperatures as the casting tolerances are precise.
These alloys are die cast in a hot chamber according to the European Standard – EN12844 and ZP3 and ZP5 are most widely used. These alloys are mainly composed of aluminum and zinc. The alloy number used to designate ZP3 alloy is ZP0400.
This datasheet will look into the chemical composition, properties and applications of zinc die casting alloy – ZP3.
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of zinc die casting alloy – ZP3 is given in the following table.
| Element |
Content (%) |
| Zinc, Zn |
Remainder |
| Aluminum, Al |
4.3-3.7 |
| Copper, Cu |
0.1 |
| Magnesium, Mg |
0.05-0.025 |
| Iron, Fe |
0.05 |
| Silicon, Si |
0.03 |
| Nickel, Ni |
0.02 |
| Lead, Pb |
0.005 |
| Cadmium, Cd |
0.005 |
| Tin, Sn |
0.002 |
Physical Properties
The following table discusses the physical properties of zinc die casting alloy- ZP3.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Density |
6.6 gm/cm3 |
0.24 lb/in3 |
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of zinc die casting alloy – ZP3 are tabulated below.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Tensile strength |
308 MPa |
44.6 ksi |
| Yield strength |
268 MPa |
38.8 ksi |
| Elongation at Break |
5.80% |
5.80% |
| Poissons Ratio |
0.29 |
0.29 |
Other Designations
Some of the designations used to denote zinc die casting alloy –ZP3 are listed below:
- UNS Z33520
- SAE903
- ASTM B240/ASTM B669 – AG41A
Applications
The zinc die casting alloy – ZP3 is used in the following applications:
- Door, window and bath fittings
- Office equipment
- Automotive equipment
- Electronic components.