Zinc Aluminum Alloys
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Basics
- Zinc Aluminum Alloys are alloys that melt at low temperature (431C) [1] and have 60ksi tensile strength. They display the low melting point slightly smaller than that of zinc, with strength significantly greater than that of aluminum (45 ksi). [2].
- Majority of composition is Zinc - commonly - 8, 12, 27%
- ZA alloys not only show the best melt/strength properties of each component metal. They show IMPROVED melt point (430 compared to 660C for Aluminum) - strength (30% stronger)properties compared to their components.
- As such, ZA are magical ingredients for the Desktop Foundry.
Machinability
- ZA 12 is machinable and 120 Brinell Hardness, same as mild steel
Links
- Stovetop production of ZA alloy - [3]
- Wikipedia - [4]]
- ZA Alloy Bushings
- Melting temperatures, hardness, and other properties - [5]
Sourcing
- $5/lb [6]
3D Printing and Housing Applications
- Zinc and ZA alloys melt readily at around 420C, as low as 375C - and can possibly be 3D printed through a melting nozzle.
- Zinc is also the materials of galvanizing - a critical ingredient of lifetime design with metals.
For Hot Dip Galvanizing
- ZA alloy with a very small concentration of aluminum is used in galvanizing to reduce the thickness of the intermetallic alloy layer [7]
Internal Links
External Links
- The Wikipedia Page on Zinc Aluminum Alloys
- [The BEST Metal Casting Alloy That Everyone Ignores A Video by the YouTube Channel "Paul's Garage" Titled "The BEST Metal Casting Alloy That Everyone Ignores" ] ( ~9 Minute Watch )