Jones & Wilkinson
Zinc Diecasting
Zinc Diecasting
The zinc die casting department runs six Frech Diecasting Machines ranging from 20t, 50t, 80t to 125t locking force. This enables a spread across the component range from 6g casting weight up to 600g casting weight.
We have invested in automated robots take off using ABB robots giving us the ability to trim and separate parts without any manual handling. All our operators have undergone training at the home of Frech in Germany and ‘in house’ ABB robot training.
As an alternative to the robots, we have automated sprue removal and separation using rotating drums. This method separates the components from the sprue and deposits the hot sprue back into the machine melting pot.
Quality Materials
Some 30% of our zinc diecasting components are destined for decorative plated applications and require a suitable cast quality finish. This is achieved by a combination of the die setters experience, the controllable functions of the frech machines and the die design.
Many of the dies Jones and Wilkinson run are based on the unit die philosophy which allows lower cost dies to be run on a common bolster. This facilitates quicker changeovers and thus smaller batch runs, nominally 500/1000 shot runs.
Jones and Wilkinson currently diecast in ZL5 zinc or ZL2 zinc dependant on customer requirements.
Zinc Diecasting
All zinc used conforms to EN1774 1997 ingot specification and is primarily supplied by the Reazn UK Ltd. ZL5 zinc alloy is generally used for castings where a moderately stronger and harder alloy is required.
It is suitable for small intricate diecastings or where surface preparation needs to be achieved prior to electroplating.
ZL2 zinc alloy is used selectively for castings where improved tensile strength or hardness are required above that achieved by ZL5.