Zinc-Aluminum (ZA) 27 alloy comprises the highest amount of Al content of all other ZA and Zamak family alloys. The name of the alloy signifies that it has approximately 27 percent Al content in it. It helps overcome some of the shortcomings of zinc and enhances its properties.
ZA 27 Alloy Characteristics
The high Al content in ZA 27 alloy imparts some unique characteristics to it. ZA-27 has the highest mechanical strength out of all Zinc-Aluminum alloys. The aluminum content also significantly raises the melting point and is the highest among all ZA group alloys.
Pure Zinc or Zamak alloys can be easily cast using hot chamber die casting. However, the ZA 27 requires a cold chamber environment due to the higher casting temperature. ZA 8 is the only alloy in the ZA group that supports hot chamber die casting.
Advantages
The ZA 27 alloy combines some benefits of zinc and aluminum to meet special manufacturing needs. Let’s have a look at some advantages of this alloy.
- Outstanding bearing properties
- Almost three times stronger aluminum castings
- Alloy is dense yet very lightweight
- Lightest out of all zinc alloys
- High yield and tensile strength
- Allows easier machining
- Good resistance to wearing
- Excellent hardness
- Non-sparking properties
- Great Castability
Applications
The ZA 27 shines most in applications where conventional aluminum die casting metals are unable to meet the strength requirements. The alloy is ideal for various types of bearing applications thanks to its anti-sparking properties. It also requires fewer bushings and wear inserts.
Moreover, it can be easily machined and given surface finishing to accommodate different needs. So, the alloy is commonly used in the automotive industry. Various industries such as agriculture, aerospace, construction, textile machinery, etc. also have uses for this alloy.
Mechanical Properties
| Parameters | Value |
| Brinell Hardness | 119HB |
| Ulimate Tensile Strength | 425MPa |
| Yield Strength | 376MPa |
| Shear Strength | 325MPa |
| Fatigue Strength | 117MPa |
| Impact Strength | 12.8J |
| Elongation | 3% in 50mm |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 77.9GPa |
Physical Properties
| Parameters | Value |
| Melting Point(Average) | 431℃ |
| Density | 5.02g/m³ |
| Electrical Conductivity | 29.7% IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | 123W/mK |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 26μm/m°K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 0.525J/Kg.K |
Alloy Composition
| Contents | Value |
| Zinc(Zn) | Balance |
| Aluminum(Al) | 25-28% |
| Copper(Cu) | 2.0-2.5% |
| Iron(Fe) | 0.0075% |
| Magnesium(Mg) | 0.01-0.02% |
| Lead(Pb) | 0.006% |
| Cadmium(Cd) | 0.006% |
| Tin(Sn) | 0.003% |
Limitations of ZA 27 Alloy
The main limitation of the alloy is that it requires cold chamber die casting, unlike most other zinc alloys. However, with proper equipment and expertise, cold chamber dies casting can also be done cost-effectively and efficiently.
Sunrise Metal is a leading aluminum and zinc die casting manufacturer with a long history in the industry. We have advanced hot and cold chamber die cast equipment to address your diecast requirements. For any advice on die casting or to get a quote, feel free to contact our support team.