Can Zamak castings be safely worn against skin or plated with hypoallergenic metals?
Can Zamak Castings Be Safely Worn Against Skin or Plated with Hypoallergenic Metals?
Skin Safety and Contact Considerations for Zamak
Zamak, a family of zinc-based alloys like Zamak 3 and Zamak 5, is widely used in jewelry, fashion accessories, and wearable hardware. While Zamak itself is non-toxic, its surface may oxidize over time if left uncoated, which can cause discoloration or minor skin irritation for sensitive users. Direct skin contact with raw Zamak is generally not recommended for prolonged use unless surface-protected.
Use of Hypoallergenic Plating on Zamak
Zamak castings are highly compatible with hypoallergenic metal plating. Proper surface treatments eliminate direct contact with the base alloy and improve both appearance and wear safety. Common hypoallergenic plating options include:
Nickel-free coatings: Trivalent chromium, palladium, or rhodium finishes offer a bright metallic look without nickel exposure.
Gold plating: Often used for high-end fashion jewelry; when applied over a nickel-free underlayer, it is safe for sensitive skin.
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition): A durable, nickel-free coating method for wear-resistant decorative finishes in watches, accessories, and smart device components.
Epoxy or clear lacquer coatings: Transparent protective layers that isolate Zamak from the skin and prevent tarnishing.
All plating is typically applied after surface preparation processes like tumbling, polishing, or a base copper strike to ensure adhesion and surface smoothness.
Regulatory and Industry Compliance
Hypoallergenic finishes used in Zamak fashion castings can be designed to comply with:
EU REACH and RoHS regulations (limiting nickel, lead, and cadmium content)
California Proposition 65 for lead-free consumer goods
ISO 10993 (optional) for biocompatibility testing in close-contact components
Neway sources and applies plating materials that meet global safety and compliance standards for skin-worn products.
Neway’s Capabilities for Wearable-Grade Zamak Components
Neway delivers skin-safe and fashion-ready Zamak castings with:
High-precision zinc die casting for wearables and accessories
Hypoallergenic plating services including nickel-free, gold, and trivalent chrome
Surface prep including polishing, brushing, and CNC machining
Custom assembly and small-batch finishing for brand-specific designs
