As an element zinc occurs naturally in the foods we eat. It is the second most common trace metal, after iron, found in the human body.

It is the third most used nonferrous metal after aluminum and copper. The United States consumes more than one million metric tons annually.

With the combination of good casting design and properly engineeried secondary tooling, zinc alloys possess the ductility necessary for forming operations such as bending, staking, and crimping.   Assemblies joining two castings or attaching other components to a casting are commonly done.   Numerous component designs utilize formed or roll-crimped edges to secure assemblies.

Zinc castings are easily finished. Commercial chrome plating over a well polished casting produces a durable and attractive finished part. Nickel plating, brass, chromates, E-coats, and paints are also commonly applied.

See the ABCO Powder Coating page for more information on coating.

Zinc castings are also easily machined.  While many details such as external threads can be cast,  when a machined thread is required, both external threads and tapped holes can be readily performed on zinc with good consistency and minimal tool wear.

Milling operations to surface or add non-castable undercuts, for example, are routine.   Reaming and boring to close tolerances are also common operations.