In-depth analysis and application practice of zinc alloy die-casting process
In modern industry, zinc alloy die-casting (also known as die-cast zinc) is a particularly important precision molding technology. Simply put, it is to pour molten zinc alloy into a precision mold quickly under high pressure to efficiently manufacture parts with complex structures. This die-casting zinc alloy service is particularly suitable for manufacturing small precision parts on automobiles and protective shells for electronic equipment, which require particularly high dimensional accuracy. Let's take a closer look at its technical system.
Analysis of the whole process of zinc alloy die-casting service
1.Mold design and manufacturing
We use high-strength steel such as H13 to manufacture high-temperature resistant composite molds. The mold adopts a split mold frame design to meet any of your customized needs. The cavity size accuracy inside the mold can be controlled at the micron level.
2.Alloy smelting process
When smelting zinc alloy, the temperature must be precisely controlled within the range of 380-420℃. Why? Because only at this temperature, the fluidity of the zinc alloy material is optimal, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of subsequent die-casting, and the die-cast zinc alloy products are less likely to have problems such as sand holes and pores.
3.High-pressure forming stage
Next, the molten zinc alloy solution is quickly injected into the mold cavity using a pressure of 800-1200bar. Under such high pressure, very small and complex structures in the mold can be perfectly die-cast, which is particularly effective for making complex curved surfaces on zinc alloy die-cast shells.
4.Intelligent temperature control system
There are multiple cooling pipes in the mold to control the temperature of different areas. Through the PID temperature control module, combined with the spraying of cold demolding liquid, the demolding time of the parts can be shortened to less than 10 seconds, greatly improving production efficiency.
5.Automated post-processing
The production line is equipped with a machine operating arm to accurately remove parts. Zinc alloy die-castings are not truly finished products after being removed, and they need to go through a series of post-processing processes, such as deburring, polishing, grinding, CNC finishing, and surface treatment (such as electroplating, PVD, painting, etc.). After these treatments, zinc alloy die-castings or shells can present a variety of textures from mirror to frosted.
The core value of zinc die-casting technology
Ultra-precision forming capability
Zinc alloy has the characteristic of low melting point (only 385℃), which makes it possible to manufacture ultra-thin parts with a wall thickness of only 0.3 mm, and the part size error is particularly small, which can be stably controlled at ±0.05 mm. For example, those particularly precise parts in medical equipment can be well formed by zinc alloy die-casting; for example, some on-board charger parts inside the car can achieve their complex shape and precision requirements after zinc alloy die-casting.
Economical mass production solution
Normally, it only takes 20 seconds to complete a zinc alloy die-casting, and the mold service life can reach more than 10,000 times. Therefore, if the order volume is large, using customized zinc alloy die-casting services can save a lot of time and project costs.
Diversified surface treatment
Zinc alloy die-casting housings can be directly subjected to more than 10 different surface treatments, such as electroplating, anodizing, painting, etc. In this way, the appearance of the products produced is more diverse and more in line with the needs of more markets, unlike traditional metal processing, where the processing range is limited.
Excellent mechanical properties
Generally speaking, the raw materials for zinc alloy die-casting are 3#, 4#, 5# and other grades of zinc alloy. There is an alloy called Zamak5, which can withstand an ultra-large tensile force of 358MPa after die-casting zinc process, and has good toughness and an elongation of up to 10%. This performance is even catching up with some forged steels.
Industry application
New energy vehicle field
Zinc alloy die-casting can be used for on-board charger housing (zinc alloy die-casting housing), electronic control unit bracket, smart cockpit structural parts, seat belt buckles on seats, and buckles for fixing luggage boxes.
Consumer electronics innovation
Microphone housing, headphone charging compartment, Bluetooth speaker housing and internal parts, smart wearable device middle frame, micro heat dissipation module base, these consumer electronic products, zinc alloy die-casting can also be seen.
Industrial equipment manufacturing
In industrial equipment manufacturing, zinc alloy die-castings are also widely used in pneumatic actuator bodies, precision instrument protective covers, and fluid control valve bodies.
Key points of customized zinc alloy die-casting service
Material selection strategy
Different use environments require different materials. If it is a general structural part, use Zamak3; if corrosion resistance is required, choose ZA-8 alloy; if the strength requirement is particularly high, use ZA-27.
Mold engineering optimization
We will use Flow-3D software to simulate the flow of zinc alloy solution in the mold. We have also developed a special conformal cooling water system that can reduce the probability of defects such as shrinkage inside the part to less than 0.3%.
Process parameter matrix
We have established a three-dimensional parameter model that takes into account the three key factors of temperature, pressure and speed. Then, through machine learning algorithms, these parameters are dynamically adjusted during the zinc die-casting process to achieve a product yield of more than 98%.
Horizontal technology comparison
Compared with aluminum alloy die-casting
Zinc alloy die-casting can fill the mold cavity more fully, and the filling rate is 28% higher than that of aluminum alloy die-casting. And the surface is smoother, and the surface roughness can be increased by 2 levels. Therefore, if you want to manufacture a miniature zinc alloy die-casting shell and achieve mass production, zinc alloy die-casting has more advantages.
Compared with plastic injection molding
The thermal conductivity of zinc alloy die-casting products is 15 times higher than that of plastic injection molding products, and the anti-electromagnetic interference effect is better, and the electromagnetic shielding efficiency can be improved by 20dB. Therefore, in 5G communication equipment, zinc alloy die-casting is an ideal structural solution.
Zinc alloy die-casting services are changing the landscape of precision manufacturing through material improvements, mold design innovations and intelligent manufacturing technologies. Whether it is small microelectronic components or heavy machinery parts, customized zinc alloy die-casting services have their unique process advantages. It not only ensures the reliable quality of products, but also controls costs, especially in the field of zinc alloy die-casting housings, creating a new situation in metal forming technology.
Precision Zinc Alloy Die Casting Servcies-Selection Hardware
Selection Hardware focuses on providing a full range of die-cast zinc alloy services, covering the entire value chain solutions from material research and development to finished product delivery. Relying on intelligent die-casting production lines and CAE simulation systems, we provide:
① High-precision customized zinc alloy die-casting services, supporting 0.3-50kg parts manufacturing, tolerance control ±0.03mm, and monthly production capacity exceeding 2 million pieces;
② Innovative zinc alloy die-casting shell engineering, achieving 0.5mm ultra-thin wall thickness and nano-level surface treatment;
③ Full-scenario application development, covering new energy vehicle electric drive housings, medical equipment shielding covers, 5G base station heat dissipation modules and other high-end fields. Through the IATF16949 certification system and the full-process traceability system, we ensure that each die-cast zinc product has both structural strength and aesthetic value, providing global customers with manufacturing services with both cost advantages and technical barriers.