Although GB/T 470-2008 and GB/T 13818-2024 both appear to be related to zinc, their actual application scenarios and product types are entirely different. The core differences primarily lie in the scope of application, the products themselves, and specific technical requirements. They can be distinguished in the following ways:
1. Scope of Application & Core Focus
The full title of GB/T 470-2008 is "Zinc Ingots." As the name implies, this standard specifically addresses zinc ingot products. It applies to zinc ingots produced using zinc concentrate or zinc-containing materials as raw materials, regardless of whether the production process involves distillation, rectification, or electrolysis. These zinc ingots primarily serve as raw materials for industries such as galvanizing, alloy manufacturing, chemicals, and electrical engineering, acting as the foundational raw material for zinc in industrial production.
In contrast, the full title of GB/T 13818-2024 is "Die-Cast Zinc Alloys," which focuses specifically on zinc alloys designed for die-casting. It is primarily used for the production and inspection of die-cast zinc alloys. Unlike zinc ingots, these products are directly used in die-casting processes for automotive components, electronic devices, and other products, adapting to various die-casting production scenarios without requiring further raw material processing.
2. Product Types & Compositional Requirements
GB/T 470-2008 — Pure Zinc Products
Specifies pure zinc products classified into five grades based on chemical composition: Zn99.995, Zn99.99, Zn99.95, Zn99.5, and Zn98.5. The standard clarifies zinc content and maximum allowable limits for impurities such as lead, cadmium, and iron. For the Zn99.995 grade, zinc content must not be less than 99.995%, and total impurities must not exceed 0.005%. This standard also removes requirements for arsenic and antimony and adjusts aluminum content limits for certain grades.
GB/T 13818-2024 — Die-Cast Zinc Alloys
Specifies zinc alloys containing alloying elements such as aluminum and copper to improve casting performance. Compared to the previous version, it introduces two new grades — YZZnAl4C and YZZnAl3Cu5 — bringing the total number of grades to nine. The standard controls effective alloying elements (aluminum, copper, magnesium) and strictly limits impurities such as lead, cadmium, and iron. It also adds explicit surface quality requirements, prohibiting defects such as bubbles, oil stains, and inclusions, while minor solidification pores and finishing marks are permitted.
3. Standard Scope & Technical Details
GB/T 470-2008 was revised to adopt ISO 752:2004, primarily standardizing requirements for zinc ingots, test methods, inspection rules, as well as marking, packaging, transportation, and storage. Test methods are primarily based on the GB/T 12689 series of standards; sampling methods do not adopt relevant ISO international standards; color marking follows the original domestic standards; and the unit weight of zinc ingots is specified between 18 kg and 30 kg.
GB/T 13818-2024 replaces the previous version, GB/T 13818-2009, and was drafted in accordance with the rules of GB/T 1.1—2020. Compared to the previous version, it adds a chapter on inspection rules, revises the test methods for chemical composition, and updates requirements for marking, packaging, transportation, and storage. Testing methods are better aligned with modern production needs, including spectroscopic methods and inductively coupled plasma-emission spectroscopy (ICP-ES). Additionally, the standard provides a comparison table between Chinese national standard grades and foreign standards to facilitate product exports.
4. Application Scenarios
Zinc ingots covered by GB/T 470-2008 serve as basic raw materials in industrial production, primarily used for subsequent processing — such as galvanizing, zinc alloy production, and as chemical feedstocks — and act as the fundamental carrier for zinc applications in industry.
The die-cast zinc alloys covered by GB/T 13818-2024 are molding materials used directly in die-casting production. They are compatible with various processes, such as hot-chamber and cold-chamber die-casting, and can meet the manufacturing requirements for high-precision, complex-shaped components. These alloys are widely used in the automotive, electronics, and hardware industries.
Summary
In simple terms, the core difference between the two is that GB/T 470-2008 governs "pure zinc raw materials (zinc ingots)," while GB/T 13818-2024 governs "zinc alloys specifically for die casting." The product forms, applications, and technical requirements differ significantly, making them suitable for different production and application scenarios.
Post time: Apr-13-2026
