Casting Study: Modular Base Plate

The part : Modular base plate working in a pneumatic environment. Its function is to transport air between an air distributor and a jack. The manufacturing : Modular base plates are made of pressure die cast Zamak 5 (ZA4UIG). The excellent fluidity of zinc alloys provides in particular : – a surface condition suitable for being coated, – an excellent dimensional precision, – air tightness at a pressure of 10 bars. The part is chromated after machining, and provides a 96 hour resistance to salt spray. The specifier’s choice :Zamak was selected for the following reasons : – pressure die casting to ensure consistent complex shapes and thin walls, – machinability (tapping), – possibility of surface treatment, – attractive manufacturing cost compared with aluminium. The repeatability of the excellent properties of Zamak 5 provides a constant quality for a part which directly or indirectly affects the reliability of controlled mechanical devices and the safety of persons and machines. Part supplied by AMI Fonderie.