In recent years, aluminum alloys have been favored by the automotive industry for their lightweight properties and lower cost. But zamak may be entering the race.
A new study recommends that automotive companies switch from aluminium to zinc alloys. The study, conducted by researchers at Cranfield University, compared three different alloys: Aluminium-A380, Magnesium-AZ91D and Zinc-ZA8. In recent years, aluminium alloys have been favoured by the automotive industry for their lightweight properties and lower cost.
By comparing durability against traditional factors such as time, cost and flexibility, Cranfield's research has shown that zinc alloys, rather than aluminium or magnesium alloys, offer the best choice for car manufacturers.
ZAMAK, AN ECONOMICAL AND SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
Zamak was found to be a more sustainable and better performing option, especially considering the environmental impact caused by the extraction of the metal and the quality of the parts it produces. Although aluminium alloy is a lower cost option, the study found that zinc alloy also offered better value for money as Zamak parts have a much longer life than other alloys.
