Zamak production
Ital Leghe Zamak production
Zamak alloys were developed for the first time in the United States in 1929. The word Zamak comes from the German acronym and represents the elements it is made of: Z for Zink, zinc, A for Aluminium, aluminium, MA for Magnesium, magnesium, and K for Kupfer, copper.
At its very beginning, Zamak was used just for decorative applications; later, the strength of this material determined its success in many other productions.
In Italy, Zamak has been produced for decades in the province of Como by Ital Leghe, a specialized company in its production through refining processes for the creation of zinc-based alloys.
DIE-CASTING ZAMAK
ZAMAK WITH HIGH ALUMINIUM GRADE
ZAMAK KAYEM
DIE-CASTING ZAMAK
Die-casting Zamak alloys are used in die-casting processes which consist of the injection of molten metal in a metal mold with high pressure. This process allows us to replace other materials and offers several advantages:
- Zamak has mechanical properties similar to aluminum and brass, but with lower fusion temperature and the process of easier casting
- Compared to aluminum and magnesium fusion, Zamak allows tighter dimensional tolerance, better finishing and thinner walls
- Compared to plastic materials, Zamak has greater strength and hardness
More die-casting Zamak pieces properties:
- Die-casting Zamak pieces have high wear resistance
- Die-casting Zamak pieces bear excellently both moderate and continuous loads (such as screw threads) and intense and short strains
- Die-casting Zamak pieces have high resistance to corrosion.
- Die-casting Zamak pieces allow to achieve products with low limits of tolerance and complex forms
Die-casting Zamak products
- ZAMA 15 ZL0410/ZL5
- ZAMA 12 ZL043/ZL2
- ZAMA 13 ZL0400/ZL3
- ZAMA 6 ZL0610/ZL6
Use of zamak alloys
Thanks to its ease of use, that is, quick cycles and low fusion temperatures, Zamak is preferred to other alloys due to its wide application in different kind of production sectors.
Automotive sector
Zamak alloys are used to produce numerous items in the sector of car components, such as carburettors, locks, antennas with electronic and mechanical internal components.
Construction sector and interior design
Thanks to Zamak alloys, products such as hinges, switch plates, handles, drawer mechanisms, fasteners, locks and roller shutters are created.
Electrical and electronic industry
Zamak components are used for computers, mobile phones, the inner part of electric engines and electronic devices in general.
Clothing and accessories sector
This sector uses Zamak alloys to produce belt buckles, zippers, buttons, even metallic decorations for shoes, leather items and clothing.
Decorations
Zamak is used for friezes, promotional and design items.
ZAMAK WITH HIGH ALUMINIUM GRADE
Thanks to the relevant physical and mechanical properties, zinc alloys with high aluminum grade are a valid alternative to cast iron, iron, brass, aluminum and copper.
The use of this kind of alloys involves several advantages, such as:
- Low fusion temperatures keep the molds intact, allowing great precision in shape and dimension of the casting
- High resistance to corrosion
- High mechanical elasticity, ductility and lightness
- Possibility of using alloys through different casting methods.
Zamak with high aluminium grade
- ZAMA 8 ZL0810/ZL8
- ILZRO 12 ZL1110/ZL12
- ITL328 ZL2720/ZL27
ZAMA KAYEM
Kayem zinc alloys (Cu Mg Pb Fe Cd Sn Zn) can be used for centrifugal casting, gravity casting or sand gravity casting.
The alloy ITL1MOD is a special mix suitable for the centrifugal production of tiny decorative details such as buttons, belt buckles, emblems and coat of arms, placing itself as an equally valid alternative, even cheaper than pewter and tin alloys.
Due to the cost-effectiveness of its process, it is also applied for tiny samplings, which will be later produced in large series in die-casting.
The alloy ITL1 is used for gravity casting to produce friezes or other mechanical pieces. However, it can also be applied to produce molds for plastics (usually for toys, heels etc.).
The alloys ITL2 are used to produce both very detailed friezes and molds for the formation of metal sheets thanks to its hardness and ease of sliding.
