JAFFREY, NHGraphicast’s ZA-12 rapid molding process is ideal for manufacturing high-precision components for electromechanical and electro-optical applications. The process uses graphite molds to produce parts from ZA-12, which is a zinc-aluminum alloy. For production quantities from 300 to 20,000 parts per year, rapid molding is an economical alternative to die casting, investment casting and sand casting with machining, and computer numerical control machining of complete parts.
Castings can include contours, variations in surface elevations, holes and other precise features. Parts are cast to near net shape and require no machining to meet tolerances.
Graphicast’s LTA auto-pour technology produces castings with dimensional stability, low porosity and good consistency. No heat-treating is required. Typically, graphite mold castings can be produced in volume with critical dimensional tolerances of ±0.003 inch per inch for the first inch and ±0.001 inch per inch for additional inches and surface finishes better than 125 microinches.
Parts from the mold have a lustrous and bright finish that usually requires no preparation or coating for corrosion protection. Parts can be painted, powder coated or finished with electrocoated acrylic or epoxy to simulate black anodized aluminum.
