Zinc Alloys in Ingot Form for Slush Casting

ASTM B792-15: Standard Specification for Zinc Alloys in Ingot Form for Slush Casting

For engineers and manufacturers involved in producing intricate hollow metal components, ensuring material consistency and performance is paramount. ASTM B792-15 provides an essential and authoritative framework for specifying zinc alloys destined for the unique demands of slush casting, offering a proven method to achieve reliable results. This comprehensive standard is a cornerstone for quality in industries where precision and material integrity are non-negotiable.

What is B792-15?

ASTM B792-15 is the industry-leading standard that defines the chemical composition and quality requirements for zinc alloys supplied in ingot form specifically for slush casting processes. Developed by ASTM International, its primary purpose is to ensure that manufacturers receive zinc alloy ingots that are suitable for remelting and casting into the hollow forms characteristic of slush casting applications, thereby guaranteeing predictable performance and end-product quality.

Scope & Purpose

This specification governs the chemical composition, form, and acceptable quality of zinc alloys intended for slush casting. It exclusively covers alloys designated for this purpose, detailing specific compositional limits and requirements for ingots to be remelted. The standard is focused on the material in its ingot form prior to casting and does not extend to the casting process itself or the properties of the final cast product, though it lays the groundwork for achieving them.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Metallurgists, Materials Engineers, Production Managers, Quality Control Inspectors, and Foundry Technicians.
• • Industries affected: Automotive, Lighting Fixtures, Consumer Goods Manufacturing, Ornamental Metalwork, Toy Manufacturing, and other sectors utilizing hollow castings.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but highly recommended and often contractually mandated for consistent product quality.
• • Enforcement: Primarily through contractual agreements between suppliers and purchasers, and by quality assurance departments within manufacturing facilities.

Key Requirements Overview

• • The standard requires that zinc alloy ingots conform to precisely defined chemical compositions for specific slush casting alloys, such as Alloy A (UNS Z34510) and Alloy B (UNS Z30500).
• • Professionals must ensure that the ingots are free from harmful contaminants like dross and slag, and exhibit reasonable freedom from surface corrosion or foreign matter.
• • Key provisions include adherence to specified elemental limits for elements such as copper, aluminum, lead, cadmium, tin, iron, and magnesium, with zinc as the remainder.
• • The standard mandates that sampling and chemical analysis procedures align with referenced ASTM and ISO methods to verify composition, ensuring accuracy and repeatability.
• • Identification marking and packaging requirements are also stipulated to ensure traceability and proper handling of the ingots.

Related Standards & References

ASTM B792-15 works in conjunction with other critical standards. Specification B949, for General Requirements for Zinc and Zinc Alloy Products, provides overarching requirements for zinc products. Terminology B899 offers definitions crucial for understanding material properties, while Practice B908 outlines color codes for zinc casting alloy ingots, aiding in identification and preventing mix-ups. These complementary documents collectively form a robust system for material specification and quality control.