Zinc metal is used in a multitude of applications. Since zinc has a relatively high place in the galvanic series of metals and consequently demonstrates excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion, the major application of zinc is in galvanizing (a zinc coating on steel to prevent corrosion).

Zinc’s relatively low melting point and good tensile strength characteristics account for its use as a die-casting alloy. Because zinc is soluble in copper, zinc is combined with copper to produce different types of brasses. The inherent ductility and malleability of zinc accounts for its use in wrought zinc applications such as the zinc penny.

ZA casting alloys are a family of new high strength zinc-aluminum engineered materials called zinc foundry alloys. Alkaline batteries are manufactured from atomized granular zinc (zinc powder).

Zinc, a blue-to-gray metal widely used throughout the world, ranks behind only aluminum and copper in order of consumption among non-ferrous metals.

BIG RIVER ZINC produces four grades of zinc metal which are commonly used in the industry; Special High Grade, High Grade, Continuous Galvanizing Grade and Prime Western Grade. These grades differ in the composition of lead, aluminum, cadmium and iron. They conform to appropriate ASTM specifications as listed below. Other compositions specified by the purchaser may be produced to meet unique applications.