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Which products are commonly made with zinc die-casting alloys?

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A labeled diagram of the periodic table entry for zinc, showing its atomic number 30, symbol Zn, atomic weight 65.38, electron configuration, name, hexagonal crystal structure, solid state at room temperature, and classification as a transition metal.
zinc

Zinc die-casting alloys are widely utilized in manufacturing due to their dimensional stability, surface quality, and suitability for high-speed automated production. These alloys, primarily based on high-purity zinc, are commonly used to create the following products:1

  • Automotive Components: Plated functional and decorative parts, trim, and carburetors.1
  • Domestic Appliances: Various internal and external components.1
  • Hardware and Fittings: Locks, door handles, and bathroom fixtures.1
  • Consumer Goods: Toys and a variety of general engineering components.1

The most frequently used alloys for these applications are designated as alloy 3 and alloy 5, which are processed via hot-chamber pressure die-casting to achieve complex shapes. Additionally, the ZA series of alloys—specifically ZA 12 and ZA 27—are employed in cold-chamber pressure die-casting for broader foundry applications.1