ZAMAK is a zinc alloy that is widely used in carburettors. In our workshop we see every day how decisive this material is during an overhaul. Thanks to its good castability and low cost, ZAMAK has been the standard for complex, thin-walled parts such as carburettor bodies for more than a century.
What is ZAMAK?
The name ZAMAK comes from the first letters of its constituents in German: Zink, Aluminium, MAgnesium and Kupfer (German for copper). It is a non-ferrous metal, as it contains no iron. The alloy consists largely of zinc (around 90 percent), topped up with small amounts of aluminium, copper and magnesium. It is precisely these small additions that give ZAMAK its unique properties, such as good castability and strength.
Why ZAMAK in carburettors?
ZAMAK is a popular choice for carburettors for a number of reasons:
- A low melting temperature, so complex shapes cast well.
- Good flow, for accurate casting of thin walls.
- Cost-effective, ideal for mass production.
- Suitable for chrome plating and finishing work.
Drawbacks of ZAMAK
ZAMAK offers many advantages, yet it also has a few weak points:
- Air bubbles can form during casting, which affect the strength of the material.
- It is temperature-sensitive and can deform at high temperatures.
- Without protection it is prone to corrosion in damp conditions.
The history of ZAMAK
ZAMAK was developed at the start of the twentieth century and soon found its way into technical and decorative objects. Because it was cheaper than bronze, it quickly became widely used for mass production.
Where you find ZAMAK today
We still come across ZAMAK in many places. Think of:
- Parts of model cars.
- Door and window fittings such as handles.
- Wheel-balancing weights.
- And of course carburettors.
ZAMAK and Carburateur Service Nederland
At Carburateur Service Nederland · your carburettor specialists in the Netherlands · we regularly work with ZAMAK carburettors. During an overhaul we pay close attention to the weak points of this material, such as air bubbles in the casting or early corrosion, and we make sure the finishing is spot on. That way we get the best out of a part that was cast decades ago.
Curious how we can overhaul or repair your carburettor? Fill in our request form and we'll gladly take a look with you.