One of the main fields where zinc alloys are being used nowadays is the building sector. Based on the position of the zinc component and application several surface treatments are required to improve the aesthetics and functionality of zinc alloys on a building. Below explains four zinc die casting treatments being applied on the key components in the building sector.
Chrome Plating
Surface finish is used by die casting companies to create products with thin dimensions and curb appeal via galvanic chroming with a chrome flash. For the components needing an aesthetic finish and corrosion resistance, die casters exert 30/40 micron of copper in chroming. On a zinc die cast part, chroming will add 60 to 70 microns. Chroming exerts a thicker surface film increasing the resistance to heat, dents, vapors, corrosion, abrasion, scratches and smoke.
Gliding
The die casting companies limit the use of gliding to parts where an aesthetical value is high like in zinc parts. The final dimensions of the product will increase by 60 to 70 micron in gliding. In gliding, the part gets immersed into a galvanic path and be exposed to an electric current which put material particles on the part. Like in chroming, gliding requires a coating by copper plating followed by a nickel barrier and a gold flash, to provide the color effect and the shine as needed.
White Zinc Plating
The goal of white zinc plating is to better the corrosion resistance of the product when exposed to atmospheric agents. White zinc plating would typically resist 30 hours of saline mist exposure. This surface treatment for the building sector is applied to parts such as door hinges hatches and handles. Moreover, die casting companies will employ zinc plating especially to improve corrosion resistance than to make the product aesthetically appealing.
Painting
Alternate treatments such as painting are also employed by die casting companies based on the project nature and client requirements. Obviously, exerting a paint film on zinc won’t be as galvanic like chrome plating, gliding or zinc plating, but make it electrostatic. Before painting, the parts will be exposed to a pre-treatment of vibration to eliminate flash, which would sharpen the edges and improve adherence of the paint. The powdered paint will polymerize on the component at a temperature of 200 Degree Celsius on an approximate.