Zinc Bars and Ingots are solid, rectangular or specially cast blocks of high-purity zinc metal used across various industrial applications. Produced through smelting and refining processes, these forms of zinc serve as primary raw materials for galvanizing, alloy production, die casting, chemical manufacturing, and corrosion control systems.
Zinc is valued for its excellent corrosion resistance, moderate strength, and ability to form protective coatings on steel and iron, making it one of the most important non-ferrous metals in modern industry.
Chemical Composition
Typical Zinc Bar / Ingot Composition
| Element | Typical Content |
|---|---|
| Zinc (Zn) | 99.9% – 99.995% |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 0.003% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.002% |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤ 0.002% |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.001% |
| Aluminum (Al) | Trace |
Common Commercial Grades
SHG Zinc (Special High Grade) – ≥ 99.995%
Prime Western Zinc (PW) – ≥ 99.9%
Galvanising-grade zinc – controlled alloying additions
Key Mechanical Properties
Zinc bars and ingots are not structural materials, but their mechanical properties influence handling and remelting behavior.
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 100–150 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 30–50 MPa |
| Elongation | 10–30% (temperature dependent) |
| Hardness | ~30–40 HB |
| Modulus of Elasticity | ~108 GPa |
| Creep Resistance | Low |
Mechanical Behavior Notes
Brittle at room temperature
Ductile between 100–150°C
Easily remelted; mechanical properties are secondary in use
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.13 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 419.5°C |
| Boiling Point | 907°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~116 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~28% IACS |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 30.2 µm/m·°C |
| Crystal Structure | Hexagonal Close-Packed (HCP) |
| Appearance | Bluish-silver metallic |
Strengthening & Metallurgical Behavior
Metallurgical Structure
Pure zinc exhibits an HCP crystal lattice
Limited slip systems → brittleness at room temperature
Uniform grain structure in electrolytic zinc
Strengthening Behavior
Zinc bars and ingots:
Cannot be heat-treated
Cannot be precipitation hardened
Strength improvement occurs only through:
Grain refinement during solidification
Minor work hardening (limited)
Alloying (primary route for strength)
In most industries, zinc bars and ingots are melted and alloyed, not used directly as finished parts.
Key Characteristics
1. High Purity & Consistency
Controlled chemistry
Minimal impurities
Predictable melting and reaction behavior
2. Excellent Corrosion Resistance
Forms protective zinc oxide/carbonate layer
Stable during storage and transport
3. Low Melting Point
Energy-efficient remelting
Ideal for casting and alloy production
4. Electrochemical Activity
Acts as sacrificial metal
Used in cathodic protection systems
Refining & Processing Properties
Refining Route
Zinc ore roasting
Leaching and purification
Electrolytic deposition
Cathode melting
Casting into bars or ingots
Processing Advantages
Low oxidation losses during melting
Excellent fluidity in molten state
Easy alloying with aluminum, copper, magnesium
Compatible with continuous and batch furnaces
Handling & Storage
Non-hazardous
Long shelf life
Easy stacking and transport
Available Forms
Zinc is commercially supplied as:
Standard zinc ingots (20–25 kg)
Jumbo ingots (500–1,000 kg)
Zinc bars
Zinc slabs
Zinc pigs
Custom cast shapes
High-purity laboratory ingots
Applications of Zinc Bars & Ingots
1. Galvanizing Industry
Hot-dip galvanizing baths
Continuous galvanizing lines
Alloyed galvanizing zinc formulations
2. Alloy Manufacturing
Brass (Cu–Zn)
ZAMAK die-casting alloys
ZA alloys
Zinc-magnesium alloys
3. Chemical Industry
Zinc oxide
Zinc sulfate
Zinc chloride
Pigments and catalysts
4. Battery & Energy
Zinc-carbon batteries
Alkaline batteries
Zinc-air battery anodes
5. Metallurgy
Cementation processes
Precious metal recovery
Smelting additives
Advantages of Zinc Bars & Ingots
✔ High purity and consistent quality
✔ Easy to melt and process
✔ Low energy requirement
✔ Excellent corrosion resistance
✔ Fully recyclable
✔ Cost-effective primary metal
Limitations
❌ Low mechanical strength
❌ Not suitable for direct structural use
❌ Brittle at room temperature
❌ Performance degrades at high temperatures
Why Choose Zinc Bars & Ingots?
Zinc bars and ingots are chosen when reliability, purity, and processing efficiency are critical.
Industries prefer zinc bars & ingots because they:
Serve as a universal zinc feedstock
Ensure predictable alloy and coating quality
Reduce process contamination
Support large-scale industrial production
Meet international standards (ASTM, ISO, EN, IS)
Zinc bars and ingots represent the foundation of the global zinc supply chain. While mechanically soft, their high purity, low melting point, corrosion resistance, and electrochemical behavior make them indispensable for galvanizing, alloy production, chemical processing, and energy applications.
They are not final-use structural products—but they are the essential building blocks behind many of the world’s most durable and corrosion-resistant materials.