Casting Study: Structural Components

The KitchenAid mixer utilises zinc die castings for all of its structural components–the 4-1/2-quart pedestal model incorporates seven zinc castings and the 5-quart bowl support model incorporates eight zinc castings. Zinc castings provide a number of design advantages. One is weight and vibration dampening. This provides the mixer with stability and prevents the appliance from walking away. Zinc castings enhance the quality image of the mixers through surface finish–smooth surface and ease of finishing. The exterior mixer components are polished and powder coated for a smooth, rich look. Details are designed and cast in zinc, minimising and sometimes eliminating, machining. Currently, machining for all the die cast components is limited to mounting surfaces, bearing surfaces, drilling and tapping. Costs are further contained because zinc produces minimal die wear. Tool life is over 1,000,000 shots per die.