Ultra Thin Zinc Die Casting Alloys - International Zinc Association

14Saving Weight, Costs, & ResourcesThe ultra thin zinc die casting alloys offer the potential of saving material, weight, time, energy and costsrelative to other engineering alloys. Their unique technical properties are being recognized by somedesigners and users and will impact the market.The GDSL alloy has demonstrated its exceptional castability in the manufacturing of a bevel gear usedin fully retractable arm awnings that provide shade to balconies and terraces (Fig. 13). This fine gear partresides in the awning’s case and serves to extend and retract the awning. Due to its mechanical propertiesthe copper-rich GDSL is ideal for the thin section filling of this complex-shaped bevel gear (Fig. 14).Figure 13: photo courtesy of Geiger/JenersFigure 14: photo courtesyof Geiger/JenersAnother example is a religious communion wafer dispenser originally designed in the Al A360 alloy. Therequirement for a high quality gold surface finish made the casting excessively expensive. Casting in thenew HF Alloy allowed for a decrease in section thickness from 2.54 to 1.27 and significant reduced thecost. The resulting zinc casting had nearly the same weight as its aluminum predecessor and, as shown inFigure 15, improved cast-in interior features. It also met a key requirement, which was to survive withoutdamage a drop of 1 meter (3.2 ft) onto a stone floor.Figure 15