The building sector is one of the major fields of application of zinc alloy products. Die casters implement a number of surface treatments depending on the position and visibility of the component in order to improve its functionality and aesthetics.
Many experienced die casters incorporate the use of zinc die casting components across several industrial sectors because of the exceptional properties of the metal. The use of zinc allows die casting companies to produce accurate finishing metal at a comparatively lower production costs.
However, every sector needs different functional and aesthetical characteristics to their final products. The surface treatment implemented by die casting companies plays a crucial role in determining the characteristics of the finished product. Here are some of the most popular zinc die casting finishing techniques used by die casters.
Chroming
Chroming is one of the most common zinc die casting finishing technique used by die casting companies. In this process, the die caster will apply a chrome coating on the product for aesthetic and functional reasons. A copper film can also be added to the surface of the product to make it corrosion resistant. Chroming treatment considerably increases the resistance of the final product to dents, abrasion, scratches, heat, smoke and vapors.
Gilding
In this technique, the die caster will immerse the product in a galvanic bath and later they expose it to electric currents, which results in the deposition of material particles. Gilding also requires a copper plate preventive protection just as in chroming followed by a gold flash and nickel barrier, which provides the shine and color effect to the finished product.
White Zinc Plating
This surface treatment is used in components like door handles, hatches and hinges. The main aim of this process is to improve the corrosion resistance of the component. It is reported that a product or component that undergoes white zinc plating is capable of resisting 30 hours of saline mist exposure.
Painting
Alternative die casting finishes like painting is often used in order to meet the client requirements of the finished product. Painting is not galvanic, as zinc plating, gliding or chroming, but is electrostatic. The parts are exposed to a preliminary treatment of sandblasting or vibration prior to painting. This is to eliminate the sharp edges of the metal.