ZL104 is a Chinese cast aluminum alloy used for engineering aluminum casting projects. Key topics include its chemical composition, reference properties, casting process suitability, casting characteristics, typical applications, finishing options, and aluminum casting capabilities.
What Is ZL104 Aluminum Alloy?
ZL104 is a cast aluminum alloy frequently used in engineering contexts. In the Chinese alloy naming system, the prefix “ZL” denotes a cast aluminum alloy, which distinguishes it from zinc-based materials. It is commonly evaluated for projects where a balance of castability, moderate strength, machining adaptability, and engineering performance is required. Depending on specific part design and manufacturing requirements, it may be assessed for gravity casting, low pressure casting, or sand casting.
ZL104 Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of ZL104 is formulated to provide stable processing characteristics while maintaining adequate mechanical performance.
| Element | Reference range |
| Si | 8.0–10.5 % |
| Mg | 0.17–0.3 % |
| Fe | ≤ 1.0 % |
| Cu | ≤ 0.3 % |
| Mn | ≤ 0.5 % |
| Zn | ≤ 0.3 % |
| Pb | ≤ 0.05 % |
| Sn | ≤ 0.01 % |
| Ti | ≤ 0.15 % |
| Zr | ≤ 0.15 % |
| Al | Balance |
Silicon (Si) is included to support casting fluidity and promote effective mold filling. Magnesium (Mg) contributes to heat treatment response and overall strength development. Impurity elements must be controlled strictly according to the required standard, project specifications, and certified material reports to ensure consistent results.
ZL104 Mechanical Properties
Mechanical performance is highly dependent on the casting method, specific heat treatment condition, wall thickness, defect control, and the applicable inspection standard.
| Property | Reference value |
| Tensile strength | about 220 MPa |
| Elongation | about 2 % |
| Hardness | about 65 HB |
These values serve as reference data and should not be interpreted as guaranteed results for every production batch. Actual performance is verified through testing based on project-specific conditions.
ZL104 Physical and Thermal Properties
Physical and thermal properties are fundamental factors when calculating component mass and understanding solidification characteristics.
| Property | Reference value |
| Density | about 2.65 g/cm³ |
| Melting range | about 574–600 °C |
Casting Processes for ZL104
ZL104 can be evaluated for various casting methods depending on part geometry, wall thickness, production volume, tooling cost, and performance requirements. At Minhe foundry, we review project drawings and technical requirements to help determine the most suitable casting route.
Gravity Casting
ZL104 may be used for gravity casting or permanent mold casting when dimensional stability, production repeatability, and engineering performance are important considerations.
Low Pressure Casting
ZL104 may be evaluated for low pressure casting when stable mold filling, precise feeding control, high structural reliability, or pressure-tightness requirements are important for the part design.
Sand Casting
ZL104 may be evaluated for sand casting when part size, low-to-medium production volume, the development stage of the project, or tooling cost makes sand casting a suitable manufacturing route.
ZL104 Casting Characteristics
This alloy is widely chosen for projects that require a balance between manufacturing feasibility and structural reliability.
- Castability: Exhibits favorable fluidity, facilitating successful filling in various mold types.
- Moderate strength: Provides reliable mechanical performance for general engineering requirements.
- Machining adaptability: Compatible with post-casting precision machining when allowances are properly planned.
- Heat treatment response: Responds to thermal treatment cycles to achieve targeted material properties.
- Structural casting suitability: Ideal for components that must maintain integrity under engineering loads.
- Defect control and process stability: Performance is dependent on rigorous control of casting practices.
Common Applications of ZL104 Castings
ZL104 is evaluated for use across several sectors where engineering reliability is a priority.
- Industrial machinery components: Machinery housings and heavy-duty mechanical connectors.
- Pump and fluid equipment: Pump casings and fluid control housing components.
- Motor and power-related castings: Motor-related parts and power-distribution structures.
- General engineering parts: Mounting bases and support brackets.
- Structural aluminum casting components: Equipment covers and various load-bearing structural cast components.
Surface Finishing for ZL104 Castings
Finishing selection is determined by environmental exposure, aesthetic needs, assembly requirements, and working conditions.
- Shot blasting: Cleans and unifies the surface appearance of the raw casting.
- Powder coating: Provides protective or decorative finishing to enhance environmental durability.
- Painting: Utilized for color coding, aesthetic requirements, or additional corrosion protection.
- Machined sealing surfaces and mounting faces: Requires careful planning relative to casting tolerances and structural integrity.
- Project-specific surface preparation: Targeted treatments applied to meet unique application environments.
ZL104 Aluminum Casting Capabilities
At Minhe foundry, we support ZL104 aluminum casting projects that require suitable process selection, controlled casting quality, finishing review, machining allowance planning, and inspection support. Our team reviews project drawings, wall thickness, casting process selection, surface finishing, machining allowance, and inspection requirements before production to ensure feasibility.
- ZL104 casting production: Evaluation and production using gravity, low pressure, or sand casting based on project needs.
- Casting process evaluation: Professional review of part geometry to ensure the correct manufacturing route.
- Surface finishing support: Assistance with finishing techniques tailored to the application.
- Post-casting machining: Support for machining needs where precision surfaces or mounting features are required.
- Inspection and quality control: Systematic planning for material confirmation, dimensional validation, and defect management.
FAQ
What is ZL104 material?
ZL104 is a Chinese aluminum casting alloy. In Chinese alloy naming, “ZL” refers to cast aluminum alloy, not zinc alloy. It is commonly evaluated for aluminum casting projects where castability, moderate strength, machinability, and engineering performance are required.
What is ZL104 aluminum alloy equivalent to?
ZL104 may be compared with some aluminum casting alloys from other standards, but it should not be treated as an exact universal equivalent. Material selection must follow the drawing standard, chemical composition limits, heat treatment condition, mechanical property requirements, and certified material report.
What is the difference between ZL104 and ZL101A?
ZL104 and ZL101A are both Chinese cast aluminum alloys, but they may have different composition limits, mechanical property ranges, and application priorities. ZL101A is often compared with A356 or AlSi7Mg-type Al-Si-Mg casting alloys, while ZL104 is generally evaluated based on project-specific casting performance, strength, machinability, and part requirements. Final selection should follow the project drawing and material specification.