The Difference Between Zinc Alloys and Aluminum Alloys
Author: Robby
I. Material Composition
1. zinc alloy:
Zinc alloy is an alloy based on zinc, which is usually alloyed with other metals (e.g., aluminum, copper, magnesium, etc.) to change its properties and performance. Common zinc alloys are Zamak series alloys and Zinc series alloys. Zinc alloys have good melting properties and are easily alloyed with other metals.
2. Aluminum Alloys:
Aluminum alloys are aluminum-based alloys with common elemental additives such as copper, magnesium, manganese and silicon. By adding different elements, the mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity and other characteristics of aluminum alloys can be changed. Aluminum alloy is widely used in many fields due to its low density, high strength, good thermal conductivity and renewability.
II. Comparison of Characteristics and Properties
1. Strength:
Zinc alloys have relatively low strength and are usually used to make low load and easily machined parts. Aluminum alloys have higher strength and can be used under higher loads.
2. Density:
Zinc alloys have a higher density of about 6.8 g/cm³, which is slightly higher than the density of aluminum alloys, which is about 2.7 g/cm³. Therefore, the weight of zinc alloy is heavier than aluminum alloy in the same volume.
3. Corrosion resistance:
Zinc alloy has good corrosion resistance, especially for atmospheric humidity and carbon dioxide has good resistance. Aluminum alloys also have good corrosion resistance, but perform poorly in corrosive media such as strong bases and acids.
4. Thermal conductivity:
Zinc alloy has a relatively low thermal conductivity of about 113W/(m-K), while aluminum alloy has a higher thermal conductivity of about 204W/(m-K). Therefore, aluminum alloys have better heat dissipation properties.
5. Electrical conductivity:
Aluminum alloys have good electrical conductivity and are widely used in the electronics and power industries. Zinc alloys have relatively poor electrical conductivity and are not suitable for demanding conductivity applications.
III. Processing
1. zinc alloy:
Zinc alloy has good fluidity and castability, suitable for die casting, injection molding and other heat treatment processes. The heat treatment temperature range of zinc alloys is narrower, and once the temperature range is exceeded it will lead to changes in the organization and properties of the alloy.
2. aluminum alloy:
Aluminum alloy has good processing performance and can be formed by die-casting, forging, extrusion and other processes. Aluminum alloys can also be heat treated (such as annealing, aging, etc.) to improve their organization and mechanical properties.
IV. Scope of application
1. zinc alloy:
Zinc alloy is widely used in automobile manufacturing, electronic industry, building decoration, household appliances and other fields. For example, automobile engine parts, door and window hardware fittings, telephone shells and so on.
2. aluminum alloy:
Aluminum alloy has a wide range of applications, including aerospace, automobile manufacturing, construction, electronics industry, etc.. Such as aircraft fuselage, automobile body, building structural materials, electronic equipment shells, etc.