Zinc has a low melting temperature and isreadily and economically diecast. In recentyears, zinc “foundry alloys” known as ZA–8,ZA–12, and ZA–27 (containing 8, 12, and 27%aluminum, respectively) have been developed.They are finding wide application as gravitycastsand and permanent mold castings as wellas diecastings. Zinc alloys can be cast in thin sections andwith tight dimensional control. The principalalloys used for diecastings contain low percentagesof magnesium, 3.9 to 4.3% aluminum, andsmall controlled quantities of impurities suchas tin, lead, and cadmium. Copper, and nickelare significant alloying additions.
