ZINC ALLOYS: ZAMAK

Zamak is the most significant family of zinc-based alloys. They are inexpensive, easy to manufacture/mold, and environmentally friendly. Although the name is of Germanic origin, it was developed in the United States by the New Jersey Zinc Company in 1929. Even today, the initial formula has not changed much, and it is widely used. It is a cheap, easily recyclable, and versatile alloy. 

The name comes from its chemical composition: Z for Zinc, A for Aluminum, Ma for Magnesium, and K for Copper (from the German Kupfer), as these are the three main alloying elements.

Although the product is North American (the company is, and the alloy was developed there), the inventors were either German or direct descendants of Germans. It's important to remember that the United States, like other nations in the New World, is primarily composed of immigrants. Even so, the name still strikes me as curious, though it shouldn't surprise me: the knowledge of metallurgy among Germans, as well as the English and Nordic peoples (Scandinavians), is among the most extensive in the world. They have been major contributors to this branch of materials science, even to this day.

Leaving aside nationalities (though it's important to credit everyone if we want to be respected ourselves later), I will continue by saying that there is not just one grade of Zamak, but several modifications, although the amount of Aluminum is constant (4%). These are hot plastic alloys and therefore easily deformable: they are easily molded (similar to pure Tin and Lead or their combinations), which allows for the relatively easy stamping of high-quality parts. The chemical composition of Zamak has not varied much to this day, as it exhibits the ideal properties: more alloying elements would be detrimental, just as a percentage below the minimum required does not yield the same result. This is why Zamak, at least to date, can be said to be the pinnacle of alloys where Zinc forms the base, almost always being the main alloying element.

If you've ever played with "affordable" toy cars like Hot Wheels, I have good news for you: they are made of Zamak. That was the first example that came to mind, as if recalling my childhood. Something similar occurs with models not only of cars, but also motorcycles, tanks, et cetera, which are not strictly toys but collectible models, or rather high-fidelity miniatures that imitate the real appearance of the actual vehicle in a reduced volume.

It has many more uses, but none in particular to the point where I could tell you: "it is mainly used for this." Zamak is the first choice when there is a need to create a metallic object that is easy to hot-mold under pressure: unlike Pewter, it is harder (and unfortunately, brittle), which allows for the production of more elaborate parts than with Tin, or Tin/Lead, which tend to have a more "rustic" appearance. Zamak is used to make plates, buttons, zippers (not to be confused with the lighter brand Zippo), clips, staples (for staplers), automobile parts (excluding the chassis and bodywork), weapon parts, among others.

It has good corrosion resistance (better than common Steel), so it does not require expensive treatments or frequent or intensive maintenance.

Earlier I said, "they are safe." By this, I mean that Zamak, unlike "white" or "pot" metal alloys with high lead content (like Babbitt used for bearings), is non-toxic. It is therefore preferred over combinations of "heavy" metals, of which Lead is the most famous but not the only one: Cadmium and Mercury (curiously both belong to Zinc's group, 12) are also poisonous, and to a much lesser extent Bismuth and Antimony. Neither Zinc nor its combinations are toxic and therefore pose no danger. Furthermore, they are easily recycled.