The mechanical, physical properties of the castings, lesser extent their corrosion properties, are closely linked to the specific alloy type. The casting process and quality of the castings produced the amount of ageing or service life of a component casting and the level of impurities, amongst others.

Both Cu and Mg increase strength properties reduce ductility and inhibit corrosion. Iron is present as small FeAl3 particles and doesn't influence mechanical properties unless it exceeds 0.1% When limited to the specified amounts shown in ASTM B86 and B791 Pb , Sn and Cd don't cause corrosion or the lowering of physical and mechanical properties. Other impurity elements such as Cr , Ni , Mn , Ti , Sb , In , As , Bi and Hg do not normally occur in sufficient quantities in zinc casting alloys to be of concern.

Gravity Casting Alloys
The family of Zinc foundry alloys had recent alloy development in its generation that's suitable for sand, permanent mold, plaster mold, shell mold and investment casting also they can be die cast in cold chamber machines where strength and hardness beyond the properties of AG41A are required. two alloys are finding increasing application, a 12%-Al alloy (ILZRO 12) and a 27%-Al alloy (Zn-27Al). The two gravity casting zinc alloys have been designed for structural applications and shouldn't be confused with die casting and slush casting alloys, which often are used for decorative gravity cast parts.

The mechanical properties of these zinc alloys make them attractive substitutes for cast iron and copper alloys in many structural and pressure-tight applications. Zinc alloys have a distinct cost advantage over copper-base alloys, because it's less costly than copper. The ease of machining of zinc and its inherent corrosion resistance give it advantages over cast iron.

Zinc gravity casting alloys have attractive foundry properties, cause of their low melting temperatures (below 540°C) and casting temperatures, and low energy requirements. They are readily cast in thin sections - less than 2.5 mm in sand molds. Melting and casting of these alloys are virtually pollution free, No fluxing or degassing is required, and minimal pollution from the sand mold results because of the low casting temperatures.

The 12%- Al alloy is preferred for heavy sections and is suitable for permanent mold casting in both metal and graphite molds. Its permanent mold casting characteristics are similar to those of aluminum permanent mold alloys.

The 27%-Al alloy should be specified when higher mechanical properties are required in thin section sand castings. To prevent hot spots in the mold, which contribute to underside shrinkage, Care should be taken

Where strength, hardness, wears resistance or good pressure tightness is required Zinc gravity casting alloys can be used for general industrial applications. Because of their similar properties and higher mach inability ratings Zinc alloys often are employed to replace cast iron. The good bearing and wear characteristics of zinc alloys permit them to be used for bearing bushings and flanges. Other applications in which zinc alloys have been successfully substituted for cast iron or copper alloys include fuel-handling components, pulleys, electrical fittings and hardware components.

Wrought Zinc and Zinc Alloys
Wrought zinc and zinc alloys may be obtained as rolled strip, sheet and foil, extruded rod and shapes, and drawn rod and wire. These metals exhibit good resistance to corrosion in many types of service, and other materials are not stained by them, because the corrosion products that may form on them are white.

Wrought zinc has chemical characteristics particularly adapted to certain uses, like dry batteries and photoengraver's plate, and offers combinations of desirable physical and mechanical properties at relatively low cost. In common with many other metals and alloys, wrought zinc creeps under constant loads that are substantially less than its ultimate strength. Wrought zinc doesn't have clearly defined elastic module, and hence creep data from service tests must be used in designing for strength and rigidity under conditions of continues stress.

All severe fabrication of wrought zinc should be done at temperatures above 20°C. Rolled zinc of the proper grade is readily drawn into a great variety of articles like batter cups, eyelets, meter cases, novelties, flashlight reflectors and fruit-jar caps. Suitable grades of rolled zinc are readily rolled, press formed, stamped or spun into items like plates for addressing machines, buckles, ferrules, ornaments, nameplates, gaskets, weather-stripping and lamp parts.

The ordinary grades of wrought zinc can be soldered easily by conventional methods. The usual precautions should be observed regarding proper cleaning and fluxing. The metal mustn't be overheated to the point where it melts. Pulsed-arc welding may be used for joining; gas welding of zinc is used only for repair work.

Wrought zinc is easily machined using standard methods and tools. if it is necessary to machine zinc containing exceedingly coarse grains, the metal should be heated to a temperature between 70 and 100°C in order to avoid cleavage of crystals.

The same methods are used for finishing wrought zinc and zinc alloys as are used for finishing zinc-base die castings. But in bake-enameling of wrought zinc, air-dried finishes are preferable to avoid getting temperatures high enough to impair mechanical properties.