[mikeb1958]

Originally Posted by DADoser

What is "the price of zinc in China?" (humorus and serious question)

Actually our "ONE CENT" coin here in the USA has been made of copper-coated zinc since mid-1982. So, melt down some of these worthless cents and for about 75 or 100 or so 'pennies', you will have enough zinc to make a 1/72 Spitfire or a P-51 in diecast. Well, there has been a offical Government BAN on melting OR exporting of US cents and nickels since Decemeber 2006. It actually cost the US Mint 1.9 cents to produce a penny and 7.4 cents to produce a regular nickel (or 5 cents for you folks in different countries). Soooooo go figure. The US government is loosing money while Corgi, Dragon and others overcharge. What's the deal?

[Migmauler]

Originally Posted by SKUNKY

Loose translation: Bend over!.....

Yeah, I like your translator Skunk. My immediate reaction to "...please hold tight." was to firmly grab my ankles!

[pulqui]

The price of Zinc was $1,420/ metric ton on April of '05, $2,100 on February of '06, $4,650 on December of '06 and it is $3,511 today. It is expected to come down a little by the end of the year. We are in for persistent price increases on our "recreational drug" of choice.

[KG_Jag]

Exactly what quantity of zinc is used in each model and more importantly what the percentage of the product cost that is attributable to this raw material? What is the real cost per unit to manufacture each plane/AFV?

Based on what a friend of mine who is having his patented fishing leaders made in China, the production cost per unit is very low.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by bsmith13

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSdxqIBfEAw

Vat are you zincing about?

LOL!!! That's a good one, bsmith!

[pulqui]

Originally Posted by KG_Jag

Exactly what quantity of zinc is used in each model and more importantly what the percentage of the product cost that is attributable to this raw material? What is the real cost per unit to manufacture each plane/AFV?

Based on what a friend of mine who is having his patented fishing leaders made in China, the production cost per unit is very low.

The sad truth is that, from a commercial standpoint, it is not what the percentage of Zinc content costs on the finished model at a retailer. The original manufacturer of the casting will raise his price according to the price of Zinc and every body else down the price chain will raise their prices based on percentages. So we are stuck with the bill to pay for their increased profits.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by pulqui

The sad truth is that, from a commercial standpoint, it is not what the percentage of Zinc content costs on the finished model at a retailer. The original manufacturer of the casting will raise his price according to the price of Zinc and every body else down the price chain will raise their prices based on percentages. So we are stuck with the bill to pay for their increased profits.

Looking at this statement from another point of view (at least my own), everyone seems to be using the same model by the Oil Industry as justification
to raise prices and gouge us unsuspecting consumers. It's pure highway robbery from a simplistic point of view/analogy. Just sucks!!!

[KG_Jag]

Originally Posted by pulqui

The sad truth is that, from a commercial standpoint, it is not what the percentage of Zinc content costs on the finished model at a retailer. The original manufacturer of the casting will raise his price according to the price of Zinc and every body else down the price chain will raise their prices based on percentages. So we are stuck with the bill to pay for their increased profits.

Precisely, but that's what is trotted out to mollify the customers. Off course we have the choice of not buying their stuff at inflated prices.

At great risk of showing my age, the first new car I bought was a 1978 Chevy Monte Carlo. There was a significant price increase from the 1977 model year. The 1978 Monte Carlo was the year that GM drastically downsized not only the Monte Carlo, but many other vehicles. I will never forget a salesman justifying the price increase on the increased cost of steel and glass.

All of these guys must take us for fools.

[DADoser]

Now I'm curious.

Is solid 100% zinc used in diecast models (for the metal parts)? Is it used as a % of an alloy mix? (if so, what else is it mixed with for diecast production?)

Is the "zinc" used by diecast manufacturers consistent throughout the industry? - i.e metal used by Corgi/Hobby Master/Franklin mint/etc. the same? Or is there a difference - i.e. Corgi may use an alloy that has a 50% zinc component, where Gemini may use an alloy with a 40% zinc component?

Does this base material difference manifest itself in the "heft" difference between models - i.e. an IXO Avenger vs. a Hobby Master Avenger???

(So many meaningless questions - - but I'd still like to know................)

[skidmarksdiecast]

Originally Posted by DADoser

Now I'm curious.

Is solid 100% zinc used in diecast models (for the metal parts)? Is it used as a % of an alloy mix? (if so, what else is it mixed with for diecast production?)

Is the "zinc" used by diecast manufacturers consistent throughout the industry? - i.e metal used by Corgi/Hobby Master/Franklin mint/etc. the same? Or is there a difference - i.e. Corgi may use an alloy that has a 50% zinc component, where Gemini may use an alloy with a 40% zinc component?

Does this base material difference manifest itself in the "heft" difference between models - i.e. an IXO Avenger vs. a Hobby Master Avenger???

(So many meaningless questions - - but I'd still like to know................)

Diecast models are made from ZAMAK, an alloy of zinc, aluminum, magnesium, and copper. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZAMAK