Casting Study: Planter Handler

The planter handle is used to adjust spring force to a pair of closing wheels. It is important for the handle to be durable, easily accessible, and very comfortable to grip. To accent product appearance, designers chose a die cast over a welded fabrication. Die cast ZA-12 alloy was specified for its strength and hardness–58,500 psi ultimate tensile strength and 98 Bhn hardness. The handle is cast as a net shape component, limiting secondary operations to trimming and painting.