Zinc alloy is a material commonly used in furniture for its casting properties, durability, and aesthetics. In furniture applications, zinc alloys are often utilized for hardware components such as handles, knobs, and decorative elements, rather than for structural parts.
Composition and Properties: Zinc alloys are composed of zinc as their base metal, and they are typically combined with other metals such as aluminum, copper, and magnesium to improve characteristics like strength, ductility, and impact resistance. The most common zinc alloy used in furniture is Zamak, a family of alloys that follow a standard set of compositions, ZAMAK 3 being the most frequently used due to its good balance between mechanical properties and castability.
Casting and Molding: One of the main advantages of zinc alloys is their excellent castability. They can be precision-cast into intricate shapes and fine details, which is why they are ideal for ornate furniture hardware. Zinc alloys have a low melting point compared to other metals like steel or aluminum, which allows for lower energy requirements during casting and reduces tool wear. They also have good fluidity, enabling them to fill complex molds without creating casting defects.
Surface Finishing and Appearance: Zinc alloy components can receive a wide range of finishes, such as chrome plating, brass plating, powder coating, antiquing, or painting. These finishes can be applied to achieve a look that complements the overall design of the furniture and to provide additional resistance to corrosion and wear. The versatility in finishing allows designers and manufacturers to match hardware with the predominant materials and style of the furniture piece.
