Zamak is not one metal but an alloy of four metals to make an even better product. An alloy is when several metals are combined to create something even better. The name “Zamak” comes from the first letter of the metals used in its making: Zinc, Aluminum, Magnesium, and Kupfer (the German word for copper).
Zamak is one very special kind of metal, really strong and shiny. All sorts of items are made from it, including toys, jewelry, car, parts, zippers, and even door handles. So, what is Zamak exactly? What is it that makes it so uniquely special? Well, let’s dive to find out all you wanted about Zamak – even if it can rust.
Metals That Make Up Zamak
Here’s a closer look at each metal that makes up Zamak and what they do:
- Cadmium: Zinc, thus, is the primary metal in Zamak. It provides Zamak with an overall configuration and easily melts into any shape desired. Zinc also gives Zamak strength while remaining soft enough to create pieces with fine details.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is added to Zamak to make Zamak lighter and more elongation-resistant; it helps to give Zamak its smooth, shiny surface. This is for that reason Zamak often looks so nice once polished. Aluminum also protects the Zamak from rusting and other types of corrosion.
- Magnesium: Magnesium makes Zamak even stronger. This makes it more resistant to scratching, as well as tarnishing. In addition, the shape of this material does not easily get altered or distorted even after huge consumption. It has a lesser tendency to break or even crack.
- Copper: Copper lends Zamak the strength and hardness. It enhances the hardness level of the metal while allowing the Zamak products to work perfectly under routine usage without bending or breaking very easily.
Why Is Zamak So Popular?
Zamak gained popularity because of special ingredients in the metals. Here are some of the reasons why Zamak is used in so many products:
- Forgiving to Mold: Zamak has a melting point that is much lower comparatively. So, it easily accepts the form of making many products to be produced. This makes it ideal for many small and detailed things.
- Rough and Long Lasting: Zamak is strong in its way, as it can be of service and take part in daily use without breaking. The material is tough yet pretty light, making it appealing for all forms of products.
- Glossy Finish: Zamak gives a silvery soft finish, pretty shiny as if polished. This is why people love using Zamak for jewelry and other decorative items.
- Cheap: Zamak is relatively cheap compared to silver or brass from the other available metals. This has always proven Zamak to be an excellent material for mass production of items that only need to look good but do not necessarily cost much.
- Rusting Resistant: The metals that have been used in Zamak, like aluminum as well as magnesium, give it a very pleasing resistance to rusting that includes protection against corrosion, making Zamak look new for many years.
Does Zamak Rust?
Rust is one of those common problems with many metals, particularly those which contain iron. It reacts with water and oxygen to create rust. Rust is reddish-brown, flaky, and can weaken, not to mention uglify metal items. However, the good thing about Zamak is that it doesn’t rust! Zamak does not contain any iron, the ingredient needed for rust.
Unlike all the other metals, Zamak is likely to tarnish and not rust. Tarnish occurs when the surface of a metal reacts to air, moisture, or chemicals which make it lose shine or be colored. Tarnish does not resemble rust since it does not eat away the metal nor cause flakes off the metal surface. It’s a surface infection that can generally be removed by cleaning.
What Causes Zamak to Rust
Zamak does not rust but can tarnish for several reasons. The following article will discuss the causes that led to the tarnishing of Zamak:
- Humidity: Water, especially salty water, makes Zamak tarnish. Hence, you should keep your Zamak items dry.
- Skin Contact: Skin oils and sweat tarnish Zamak jewelry or other items over time.
- Chemicals: Chemicals in the cleaning agents or the perfumes/sprays accelerate the tarnish. One should warn people to remove their Zamak ornaments before they spray perfume or apply any lotions on them.
- Air Pollution: The air in big cities is chemical-filled, so it is likely that this will accelerate the tarnish because of the chemical content of polluted air.
Prevention Against the Tarnishing of Zamak
Here are some guidelines for keeping Zamak new and shining.
- Dry: Zamak products should always be dry. If wet, dry them as soon as possible with a soft cloth.
- Store: You should place Zamak products in a cool, dry place without exposing it directly to the sunlight. A jewelry box or airtight plastic bag can also minimize exposure to air and moisture.
- Mild Cleaning: You should clean Zamak occasionally using a soft cloth, removing oils or dirt and dust deposited on the Zamak
- Chemicals Avoidance: Avoid Harsh chemicals, including many household cleaners, for Zamak.
- Protective Coating: Some apply clear varnish or protective coating over Zamak objects to prevent them from tarnishing. It provides additional protection.
Conclusion
Zamak is quite an excellent metal alloy since it is zinc, aluminum, magnesium, and Copper. It is quite tough and versatile with an excellent presentation, making it perfect for jewelry to car parts.
If you own a retail business and want to buy Zamak in bulk, buy it from Farzam Tejarat. We offer Zamak in bulk at our Wholesale Zamak exporters. We supply Zamak in bulk at wholesale rates without compromising on the premium quality. If you keep your Zamak items dry, take off aggressive chemicals and clean them off gently, your Zamak items can remain shiny and new for years.
