Конференция по литью под давлением цинка прогнозирует рост отрасли на 4–7% ежегодно

New market opportunities, technological innovations, and a shifting global economic outlook served as the top takeaways from the International Zinc Association’s 2026 Zinc Die Casting Conference, the only die casting conference focused exclusively on zinc. The two-day event held August 26-27th in Montreal provided participants with many reasons for optimism during current tariff uncertainties. Strong Growth Predictions for Zinc Die Castings Zinc die castings are projected to grow 4–7% annually, with renewable energy applications surging at nearly 12% CAGR, which is the strongest expansion in the sector, according to a presentation from the North American Diecasting Association, which cited electric vehicles, drones, data centers, and energy storage as sectors of increasing demand for zinc alloys. However, this outlook was tempered by keynote speaker Professor Santiago Carmen of McGill University, who cautioned that tariff uncertainty continues to delay investment in production upgrades and capacity expansions. New Hot Runner System and the Growing Role of Simulation Software The Die Casting Conference also delved into game-changing technologies, such as the hot runner system, which enables metal to stay hot in feed channels as it flows into the mold, preventing rework. This new technology offers several benefits, including enhancing efficiency by reducing cycle time and waste materials and improving quality through porosity prevention as well as elevated structural integrity and precision. Cast Products Inc.’s Bill Pankiw also emphasized the growing role of simulation software and 3D printing in identifying manufacturing issues early in the design process, enabling faster planning cycles and more reliable production outcomes. NADCA reinforced this theme with updates on several AI‑driven research initiatives, including defect‑mapping and automated quality classification systems under development at Purdue University, as well as an AI‑based porosity trial at Ohio State. The association is applying machine learning to synthesize its technical database of more than 15,000 research articles, helping die casters access relevant insights more quickly. Zinc Diecasting Excellence Award Ceremony The die casting conference concluded with the awarding of the 2026 Zinc Diecasting Excellence Award, which was given posthumously to industry leaders Douglas Karl Gross and Derek L. Cocks. Gross, a metallurgist who spent nearly five decades at Teck (formerly Cominco), was widely respected for his technical expertise and long‑standing volunteer leadership within NADCA. Cocks, formerly of Eastern Alloys, was honored for his influential work on zinc alloy development and gating/runner system design, contributions that continue to shape modern die casting practice. IZA’s Die Casting Conference, held every three years in North America, will next convene in Europe in the summer of 2028, continuing its role as a forum for innovation, technical exchange, and global collaboration for the zinc die casting industry. Beyond the technological advancements, the conference highlighted IZA’s leadership in quantifying the environmental performance of zinc alloys through its recent Life Cycle Assessment reports, which quantify the sustainability of zinc alloys both in ZAMAK and other recycled die castings. Full reports are available for download on IZA's life cycle assessment webpage. About the International Zinc Association The International Zinc Association (IZA) is the only organization dedicated exclusively to the interests of zinc and its users. IZA provides a forum for the zinc industry to analyze and anticipate issues affecting zinc globally and to ensure a timely and appropriate response. IZA coordinates positive initiatives for zinc that are best done collectively, undertaken either directly or through involvement and support of customer groups and related stakeholders on the local, regional, and global levels.