ASTM B327 : 13

Standard Specification for Master Alloys Used in Making Zinc Die Casting Alloys

Standard Details

1.1 This specification covers aluminum–base and zinc–base master alloys used to make zinc die-casting alloys. Alloy compositions specified for aluminum–base master alloys (hardeners) are designated as shown in Table 1. Alloy compositions specified for the zinc-base master alloys are designated as shown in Table 2.

TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements for Aluminum-Base Master Alloys

Note 1—The following applies to all specified limits in this table: For purposes of determining conformance with this specification, the observed value or calculated value obtained from analysis shall be rounded off “to the nearest unit” in the last right hand place of figures used in expressing the specified limit, in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.

ASTM
Alloy
(UNS)

Composition, percent

Usage

Alu-
minum,
min

Copper

Iron, max

Silicon, max

Manga-
nese,
max

Magnesium^A

Zinc

Chro-
mium,
max

Nickel, max

Tin, max

Lead, max^A

Cad-
mium,
max^A

ZG71A
(A07131)

87.0

1.7 max

0.8

0.7

0.50

0.65–1.05

6.5–7.5

0.20

0.02

0.020

0.010

1 part by weight of ZG71A, 21 parts by weight of Special High Grade zinc^B to make ASTM zinc Alloy Z33524 (AG40A)

^A Carried to one additional decimal place to ensure proper control in the final alloy.

^B ASTM Specification B6, for Zinc.

TABLE 2 Chemical and Color Code Requirements for Zinc-Base Master Alloys^A^,^B^,^C

Common (UNS)	Color Code^D	Aluminum	Magnesium	Iron max.	Copper max.	Lead max.	Cadmium max.	Tin max.	Zinc
V12-3 (Z33730)	Pink	11.7–12.6	0.090–0.16	0.070	0.25†	0.005	0.004	0.003	Remainder

V12–5 (Z35740)	Pink/Black	11.7–12.6	0.090–0.16	0.070	2.1–3.3	0.005	0.004	0.003	Remainder

^A Zinc-base master alloys V12-3 (Z33730) and V12-5 (Z35740) used for producing die casting alloys may contain nickel, chromium, silicon, and manganese up to 0.02, 0.02, 0.035 and 0.05 %, respectively. No harmful effects have ever been noted due to the presence of these elements in up to these concentrations in die casting alloys and, therefore, analyses are not required for these elements, except that nickel analysis is required when producing die casting alloy Z33526 or Z35532.

^B The UNS assignations were established in accordance with Practice E527.

^C For purposes of determining conformance with this specification, the observed value or calculated value obtained from analysis shall be rounded off “to the nearest unit” in the last right hand place of figures used in expressing the specified limit, in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.

^D Refer to Practice B908. (Note: Color Codes indicated are for North American applications.)

1.2 Aluminum alloy hardeners are added to Special High Grade zinc (per Specification B6) in the proper alloying ratios, as shown in Table 1, to produce zinc alloys for die casting.

1.3 Zinc-base master alloy is added to Special High Grade zinc (per Specification B6) in the proper alloying ratio, as shown in Table 3, to produce zinc alloy for die casting.

TABLE 3 Weight Requirements for Zinc-Base Master Alloy Jumbo Ingots

Note 1—These requirements are based on the use of nominal 2400 lb or 1200 lb jumbo ingots of V12 (Z33730).

Nominal Weight, lb	Weight Range, lb^A		Usage
Nominal Weight, lb	Minimum	Maximum	Usage
2400	2325	2475	1 part by weight of V12-3 (one 2400 lb jumbo ingot), 2 parts by weight (two 2400 lb jumbo ingots) of Special High Grade zinc to make zinc alloy 3 (Zamak 3, UNS Z33524, AG40A)
			or
			1 part by weight of V12-5 (one 2400 lb jumbo ingot), 2 parts by weight (two 2400 lb jumbo ingots) of Special High Grade zinc to make zinc alloy 5 (Zamak 5, UNS Z35532, AC41A)

1200	1150	1250	1 part by weight of V12-3 (one 1200 lb jumbo ingot), 2 parts by weight (one 2400 lb jumbo ingot) of Special High Grade zinc to make zinc alloy 3 (Zamak 3, UNS Z33524, AG40A)
			or
			1 part by weight of V12-5 (one 1200 lb jumbo ingot), 2 parts by weight (one 2400 lb jumbo ingot) of Special High Grade zinc to make zinc alloy 5 (Zamak 5, UNS Z35532, AC41A)

^A Jumbo ingots outside the above weight limits may be acceptable depending upon the chemistry, if mutually agreed upon between the producer and purchaser.

1.4 Master alloys may be supplied in the form of shot, bar, ingot or jumbo ingot as specified by the purchaser.

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety and health practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

Status : Historical

Standard Type: Main

Document No: ASTM B327 : 13

Document Year: 2013

Pages: 4

Section Volume:
02.04 Volume 02.04 Nonferrous Metals - Nickel, Titanium, Lead, Tin, Zinc, Zirconium, Precious, Reactive, Refractory Metals and Alloys: Materials for Thermostats, Electrical Heating and Resistance Contact, and Connectors