Zamak 5 castings are marginally stronger and harder than Zamak 3. However, these improvements are tempered with a reduction in ductility which can affect formability during secondary bending, riveting, swaging or crimping operations. Zamak 5 contains an addition of 1% copper which accounts for these property changes. The zinc die casting alloy is widely die cast in Europe and does exhibit excellent castability characteristics, as well as, improved creep performance over Zamak 3. Because of Zamak 3's wide availability, material specifiers often strengthen components by design modifications instead of using Zamak 5. However, when an extra measure of tensile performance is needed, Zamak 5 alloy castings are recommended. The alloy is readily plated, finished and machined, comparable to Zamak 3 alloy.
Typical Mechanical Properties
UTS: ksi (MPa) | Yield Strength: ksi (MPa) | Elongation: % | Hardness: Brinell | Modulus of Elasticity: psi x 10^6 |
48 (328) | 39 (269) | 7 | 91 | 12.4 |
Typical Physical Properties
Density: lb/in^3 (g/cc) | Melt Range: deg F (deg C) | Electrical Conduct: %IACS | Specific Heat: BTU/lb/deg F | Die Shrinkage: in/in |
0.240 (6.6) | 717-727 (380-386) | 26 | 0.10 | 0.007 |
Chemical Analysis
| Al | Mg | Cu | Fe | Pb | Cd | Sn | Ni | Zn |
Ingot (ASTM B240) | 3.9-4.3 | .03-.06 | .1-1.1 | 0.035 max | 0.0040 max | .0030 max | .0015 max | - | balance |
Die Cast (ASTM B86) | 3.7-4.3 | .02-.06 | .7-1.2 | .05 max | .005 max | .004 max | .002 max | - | balance |
Recommended Downloads
For additional properties of Zamak 5 and other zinc die casting alloys, please visit our technical library.