Zinc CNC Machining
Get instant quotes on custom zinc machined parts with our online CNC machining service. And quickly prototyping and producing parts in a matter of days. Certified to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485 and AS9100D. Register with ITAR.
Zinc CNC Machining
Zinc (symbol Zn) is a relatively common non-metal. It is usually alloyed with aluminium, magnesium and copper. Zinc has good damping capacity, high ductility and dimensional stability. Die-cast zinc alloys maintain high precision and require less machining to reach tolerances.
Zinc alloy metal is one of the cheapest materials. Despite their low price, they have good mechanical strength, are easy to process and can withstand mechanical shocks well. CNC machining of zinc alloys is widely used in the automotive industry.
Zinc At a Glance
| Application | Zinc alloys are used for a range of applications including cosmetic vehicle parts, complex part housings, and fuel system components. |
| Advantages | Resistance to shock loads, Good wear resistance, Long-term dimensional stability |
| Disadvantages | Not suitable for extreme-temperature applications |
| Lead Time | Lead time is generally a minimum of 3 days. However, this can increase depending on availability or if the parts are to be internationally manufactured. |
| Price | $ |
| Tolerances | Machining tolerances depend on the zinc alloy used, but a tolerance of 0.005” (0.13mm) is generally achievable. |
| Wall Thickness | A minimum wall thickness of 0.03” (0.8mm) is achievable. This can vary depending on the ratios of wall thickness to planar dimension. The specific zinc alloy will also affect the achievable minimum wall thickness. |
| Max Part Size | The maximum size of the part is determined by the machines available and the complexity of the part. |
Zamak 3 (Zinc alloy 3)
Zamak 3 contains 4% aluminum and less than 1% copper and magnesium. Zinc alloys have similar machinability to copper, but are less abrasive to tools. Automotive parts housings and small motor housings are typical applications of this zinc.
Zamak 3 (Zinc alloy 3) Properties
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm^3) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 208 | 48 | 10 | 82 | 6.6 |
Finishes and Post-Processing Options
The reason brass is often not coated is due to its inherent conductivity, corrosion resistance and low coefficient of friction. If the application requires visual effects or partial exposure to the environment, a clear coating can be considered.
Hand sanding, automatic sanding or polishing: Brass is often used to make decorative pieces. Part of the reason is that different brass alloys naturally show different colors.
Cost-saving Design Tips
Brass is an expensive material and it is recommended to optimize its use.
Design for Production (DFM): Although brass is easy to process, parts need to be designed according to the relevant DFM principles. In addition, the design to reduce the number of processing Settings will further reduce manufacturing costs.
Design simple structure: Design simple shapes and characteristics to reduce the amount of material.