Zinc Alloys in Ingot Form for Spin Casting

B952/B952M-14: Standard Specification for Zinc Alloys in Ingot Form for Spin Casting

For engineers and manufacturers involved in intricate component production, ensuring the reliability and performance of cast parts begins with the foundational material. ASTM B952/B952M-14 provides an essential framework, offering an authoritative specification for zinc alloys destined for the demanding spin casting process. This standard is critical for procuring materials that will consistently yield high-quality, dimensionally accurate, and mechanically sound spin-cast components.

What is B952/B952M-14?

ASTM B952/B952M-14 is a comprehensive standard that precisely defines the chemical composition and quality requirements for zinc alloys supplied in ingot form specifically for spin casting applications. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures that the raw material meets the stringent criteria necessary for the centrifugal casting process, thereby guaranteeing predictable outcomes in manufacturing.

Scope & Purpose

This standard governs the procurement and use of specific zinc alloy compositions intended for remelting and subsequent spin casting. It outlines seven distinct alloy designations, each with defined chemical limits, crucial for achieving desired casting properties. The specification focuses solely on zinc alloys in ingot form for this particular casting method and does not extend to other casting processes or forms of zinc alloys.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials Engineers, Metallurgists, Foundry Operators, Quality Control Inspectors, and Manufacturing Engineers involved in or specifying spin casting processes.
• • Industries affected: Manufacturing, Metalcasting, Automotive, Aerospace, Consumer Goods, and any industry utilizing spin casting for component production.
• • Compliance nature: This standard is typically voluntary, but often becomes a de facto requirement through contractual agreements and customer specifications, making it practically mandatory for suppliers and users of spin casting zinc alloys.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is generally verified by material suppliers through internal quality control and testing, and by purchasers through incoming material inspection and verification testing.

Key Requirements Overview

• • The standard requires that zinc alloys be supplied in ingot form with specific chemical compositions tailored for spin casting.
• • Professionals must ensure that the procured ingots conform to the designated alloy composition, as detailed in the standard's tables.
• • Key provisions include adherence to maximum limits for impurity elements such as iron, lead, cadmium, and tin, which can negatively impact casting quality.
• • The specification references other ASTM standards for general product requirements, sampling, and testing methodologies, ensuring a holistic approach to material quality.
• • Suppliers are expected to provide material that is free from dross and other harmful contaminants that could compromise the integrity of the spin-cast parts.

Related Standards & References

This specification works in conjunction with several other ASTM standards to ensure comprehensive material control:

• • ASTM B240: Specification for Zinc and Zinc-Aluminum (ZA) Alloys in Ingot Form for Foundry and Die Castings, which may cover some overlapping alloy types.
• • ASTM B949: Specification for General Requirements for Zinc and Zinc Alloy Products, providing overarching requirements for marking, packaging, and delivery.
• • ASTM B908: Practice for the Use of Color Codes for Zinc Casting Alloy Ingot, which aids in the visual