Zinc alloys are a common material in machine shops. They are compatible with a variety of machining operations, some of which are briefly explained below.
Milling
Milling is the most widely recognized machining process for zinc machining. With advanced capabilities like 5-axis CNC machining, it is a top-of-the-line process to manufacture irregular, prismatic shapes.
Turning
Turning is helpful in machining cylindrical-shaped objects on lathe machines. Modern lathes offer multi-axis capabilities with high accuracy, including turn-milling operations. Turning zinc, as with milling, is easy but may have some problems with the softening (gumminess) of the material.
Drilling
Drilling is the standard hole-making machining process, using drill bits of various length-to-radius ratios with helical flutes. Drilling of zinc alloys is better done with flood cooling and sharpened drill bits to minimize heat accumulation in the cutting zone. Otherwise, zinc alloys can be machined with generous cutting parameters, allowing for high material removal rates.
Die casting
Die casting is a highly efficient and popular manufacturing process for producing zinc components with intricate shapes and tight tolerances. Unlike traditional machining processes, die casting involves the use of molds or dies to create the desired part.
Electro-Discharge Machining (EDM)
EDM is not a classic machining operation but is still a very useful and regular method for producing prismatic parts in machine shops. The good electrical conductivity of zinc makes it an EDM-compatible material.
