Which is better: aluminum alloy handles or zinc alloy handles?
1、Casting fees
When comparing zinc alloy handles and aluminum alloy handles, each has its own advantages. The key difference lies in the cost: zinc alloy handles are generally more cost-effective due to lower casting costs, while aluminum alloy handles can incur significant mold costs if cast.
2、Product pricing
Regarding the price of aluminum alloy handles, they offer advantages compared to zinc alloy handles. For handles of the same size, zinc alloy handles are more than twice the weight of aluminum alloy handles. Furthermore, electroplating and other finishing processes are more expensive than galvanization. Using aluminum profiles is the most cost-effective option.Aluminum alloy is highly malleable but has low strength. However, its high strength-to-weight ratio makes it suitable for medium-sized structural materials that require high load-bearing capacity. Both aluminum and zinc alloy handles exhibit good corrosion resistance.
3、Hardness
Zinc alloy has a higher hardness and tensile strength compared to aluminum alloy, but there is no absolute distinction. Aluminum alloys, such as the 2*** and 7*** series, also have high hardness and good tensile strength. Zinc alloy is also heavier to handle.
4、Smoothness
The aluminum alloy offers a smoother finish. For the same weight, zinc alloy is less expensive than aluminum alloy. However, due to the higher density of zinc alloy, the price difference between the same volume of zinc and aluminum alloy is not significant. Compared to high-quality 304 stainless steel and copper, it offers a better value, making it suitable for ordinary families. Aluminum alloy is resistant to oxidation, but its hardness is lower than that of zinc alloy. Zinc alloy is prone to oxidation and deterioration over time, especially in air, which can make it brittle and prone to breakage. Regarding locks, there is generally no significant difference in performance regardless of the material used, as long as the lock itself is functioning properly.
5、Density
Aluminum alloy has a low density but relatively high strength, approaching or exceeding that of high-quality steel. It has good ductility, can be processed into various profiles, and possesses excellent electrical, thermal, and corrosion resistance. It is widely used in industry, second only to steel in terms of consumption. If the structure and casting process allow, using aluminum alloy is more cost-effective.
6、Weight
Zinc alloy has a density approximately 2.5 times that of aluminum alloy, but at a similar price. Therefore, from a materials cost perspective, zinc alloy is approximately twice as expensive as aluminum alloy. Currently, many companies are seeking to replace zinc alloy with aluminum alloy to reduce costs. However, some applications cannot be replaced due to the superior strength, hardness, and workability of zinc alloy compared to aluminum alloy.
7、Polished Electroplating
If your product surface requires polishing and electroplating, and you demand a high level of surface quality, then zinc alloy is the only option. Aluminum alloy handles are difficult to achieve high surface quality requirements due to the poor casting performance of aluminum alloys, which results in many pores on the product surface. After electroplating, the surface quality is significantly compromised.