What is the difference between stainless steel and zinc alloy, and which is better? Publised On:2024-03-22

Stainless steel:

Merit:

1. Good welding performance

2. Corrosion resistance: The vast majority of stainless steel products require good corrosion resistance. When the number of chromium atoms in the steel is not less than 12.5%, the electrode potential of the steel can be abruptly changed, from the negative potential to the positive electrode potential. Galvanic corrosion can be prevented.

3. Heat resistance: Heat resistance refers to the fact that stainless steel can still maintain its excellent physical and mechanical properties at high temperatures.

Shortcoming:

Stainless steel is a stable chromium-rich oxide film (protective film) that forms on its surface and is extremely thin and strong. Prevent oxygen atoms from continuing to infiltrate and continue to oxidize, and obtain anti-rust ability. If for some reason, the film is constantly damaged, and the oxygen atoms in the air or liquid will continue to precipitate out, forming loose iron oxide, and the metal surface will be constantly corroded.

Zinc alloys:

Merit:

1. Relative weight.

2. Good casting performance, can die cast complex shape, thin-walled precision parts, smooth surface of castings.

3. Surface treatment: electroplating, spraying, painting, polishing, grinding, etc.

4. No iron absorption, no corrosion, no mold sticking during melting and die casting.

5. It has good mechanical properties and wear resistance at room temperature.

6. Low melting point, melting at 385°C, easy die-casting.

Shortcoming:

The most common defect of zinc alloy die castings is surface blistering.

Defect characterization: There are protruding bubbles on the surface of the die casting. The main manifestations are: found after die-casting, exposed after polishing or processing, and after oil injection or electroplating.

Which is better, zinc alloy or stainless steel

1. In appearance, the luster of zinc-aluminum alloy is very weak, while the delicate stainless steel wire drawing still has a certain gloss.

2. In terms of hardness, the overall hardness and strength of stainless steel are better.

3. Zinc alloy material, its strength and anti-rust ability are inferior to stainless steel, but its advantage is that it is easy to make complex parts, especially pressure casting, and the locks with more complex patterns seen on the market are mostly made of zinc alloy.