The Intercontinental Hotel in Chicago, the Wyndham in Orlando and the Trump Castle in Atlantic City. What do all these luxurious hotels have in common? They are all adorned by premium zinc die-cast address markers of impeccable quality and sophistication. Now, you too can experience the luxury and opulence of a zinc address plaque – right at home.

Zinc is the perfect material for the manufacturing of address plaques as its malleability and strength allow greater detail, flawless finishes and superior durability.

Little Known Zinc Facts

Zinc ores are mined in over 50 countries, but Peru, Canada, China, Australia and America are the leading producers of zinc ore. Zinc is essential for all life, human, plant or animal. Every living cell requires zinc to multiply and maintain proper functioning. A few of the major uses of zinc include galvanizing coatings, brass (zinc is used as an alloy), pharmaceuticals and die-casting (manufacturing of precision components).

Zinc and the Die-Cast Method

By utilizing the die-cast method, zinc address plaques have a detail and finish that can’t be matched. Simply put, die casting is a process of forming molten metal with meticulous precision. It’s this exact representation that is evident in die-cast zinc address plaques.

The molten zinc alloy is injected into a steel die with a machined formed cavity for precise and complex casting. Another of zinc’s valuable characteristics is its ability to maintain “uniform shrinkage.” This means that the casting doesn’t get warped by inconsistent cooling. Erratic shrinkage can cause misshapen castings and faulty, blurred details.

Once the zinc casting has been formed, it is allowed to cool and then is etched, engraved, painted, etc. For address plaques, once the final decorative finishes have been completed, the plaque is then coated with a UV-resistant polyurethane and baked for an almost impenetrable surface. This complex process is what sets zinc address plaques apart. Evident details, faultless finishes, the enviable look of prosperity – a true metropolitan indulgence brought home.

Research taken from the following sources:

Bess, Michael. http://www.iza.com. Accessed June 14, 2006.

http://chinese-school.netfirms.com/Zinc-information.html. Accessed June 14, 2006.

Copyright 2006. www.OutdoorDecor.com
Kay Stone, OutdoorDecor.com Staff Writer