Supporting > Casting
CASTING PARTS FROM TIN OR ZINC?
ddmckee54:
Myfordboy has used ZL12 to cast several parts for his projects. He's usually using an inexpensive, and SMALL, electric jeweler's furnace when he does it though. ZL12 melts at a relatively low temperature compared to brass so at those lower temperatures zinc fumes are almost non-existent. If you've got an electric furnace with PID control of the temperature, melting zinc alloys should produce minimal zinc fumes.
Dick Morris:
I've used ZA-27, 27% aluminum and the remainder mostly zinc. It casts and machines nicely. It's lighter and, I believe, has a higher strength than the alloys with less aluminum, but the reason I used it was that was the type of ingots I could buy.
I believe the zinc alloys have a strength comparable with cast iron.
I don't remember boiling off the zinc as a problem for me with the zinc alloys but it has been with brass which melts at a much higher temperature.
One thing to beware of with the zinc alloys, just trace amounts of lead in the alloy can cause corrosion and cracking over the long term. This has given it a bad name. Be careful what goes into the pot and with using the same crucible for for zinc and lead containing alloys.
Kegan:
Thank you everyone.
Your contributions are most helpful.
Kegan
Kegan:
Hello all
What type of crucible can I use for zinc and ZA27 etc? I know you need graphite or similar for the higher temperature metals like copper or cast iron. I understand that stainless steel is good for Aluminium and lead as they have lower melting temperatures. Is this true for all metals of low melting temperatures?
Thanks
Alyn Foundry:
Hi Kegan.
If you’re not concerned about metal contamination you can use just about anything that will take both heat and hold the molten metal.
:cheers: Graham.
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