Components made from the zinc alloy Zamak 5 are widely found in industrial applications. This material is an established standard for zinc die casting. PROTIQ is the first 3D printer in the world to successfully develop a process for additive manufacturing of the series materials Zamak 5 that overcomes the high time and cost expenditure associated with zinc die casting. Prototypes and small series can be produced at a comparatively low cost per component.

Prototypes and series components through 3D printing

Thanks to additive manufacturing, functional prototypes using Zamak 5 that have all the properties of the series component to come can be produced at very early stages of the product development process. No expensive tools are needed for this, as production is based directly on 3D CAD data.

Pieces produced using 3D printing can be galvanically coated just like conventional objects, for example with the goal of achieve an elegant, high-gloss chrome look. In contrast to zinc die casting, which is worthwhile only for very large series production, additive manufacturing makes it possible to produce individual pieces and small series – low runners – economically.

The standardized, digital processes at PROTIQ mean that these Zamak 5 components will be ready for delivery within just a few business days. Product developers therefore save weeks in waiting times and can carry out informative tests much earlier. What’s more, every change that needs to be made to the 3D model can be quickly and cost-effectively applied to a new prototype, resulting in increased flexibility and considerable added value for product development.