ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories: Household Products and Consumer Goods
Brittle Overload Failure of Die- Cast Zinc Snowthrower Adapters
-
Published:2019
Abstract
A die-cast zinc adapter used in a snowthrower failed catastrophically in a brittle overload manner. The component had a chemical composition similar to standard zinc alloy ZA-27 (UNS Z35840), although the iron content was much higher and the copper slightly lower. The mechanical properties and alloy designation were not specified. Investigation (visual inspection, 187x SEM images, unetched 30x images, hardness testing, and chemical analysis) of both the failed adapter and an exemplar casting from known-good lot supported the conclusion that the casting failed as a result of brittle overload fracture due to excessive iron-zinc phase and gross porosity. These...
Sign in
ASM members
Member Sign InBrittle Overload Failure of Die- Cast Zinc Snowthrower Adapters, ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories: Household Products and Consumer Goods, ASM International, 2019, https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.fach.homegoods.c0090971
Download citation file:
Understanding the Basics Collection
8-Volume Digital Library Exclusive
The Understanding the Basics Collection provides comprehensive coverage of critical topics in metallurgy. These introductory guides present critical information on key topics related to materials processing, performance, and evaluation.
