Zinc Alloy Zamak 3 · finish state · default condition
Zinc Alloy Zamak 3 As Cast
Properties of the As Cast condition, compared with the other Zamak 3 tempers.
Default condition for virtually all Zamak 3 parts: as-ejected hot-chamber die castings, trimmed and optionally plated.
What is Zamak 3 As Cast?
Zamak 3 As Cast is Zamak 3 supplied in the As Cast condition — default condition for virtually all Zamak 3 parts: as-ejected hot-chamber die castings, trimmed and optionally plated. Zamak 3 As Cast has a yield strength of 221 MPa (32.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 283 MPa (41 ksi) — stronger than 64% of zinc alloy grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 96 GPa (13.9 Msi). Zamak 3 As Cast has a density of 6.6 g/cm³ (0.238 lb/in³), lighter than 64% of zinc alloy grades. It melts at 381°C (718 °F).
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 90/100, better than 100% of zinc alloy grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 85/100, better than 89% of zinc alloy grades
Zamak 3 As Cast properties
Typical room-temperature values for Zamak 3 As Cast — 12 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every Zamak 3 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the zinc alloy grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
Zamak 3 As Cast has a density of 6.6 g/cm³ (0.238 lb/in³), lighter than 64% of zinc alloy grades. It melts at 381°C (718 °F).
Mechanical12
Zamak 3 As Cast has a yield strength of 221 MPa (32.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 283 MPa (41 ksi) — stronger than 64% of zinc alloy grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 96 GPa (13.9 Msi).
Thermal6
Zamak 3 As Cast is rated for continuous service to 100°C (212 °F). It conducts heat at 113 W/m·K (65.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 57% of zinc alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 27.4 µm/m·K (15.2 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
Zamak 3 As Cast conducts electricity at 27 % IACS, worse than 57% of zinc alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (40/100), better than 50% of zinc alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of Zamak 3 As Cast takes about 53 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 68% of zinc alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability8
Zamak 3 As Cast's machinability is excellent (90/100, better than 100% of zinc alloy grades); weldability poor (20/100); formability poor (20/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other Zamak 3 tempers and conditions
Zamak 3 is also supplied in 2 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the Zamak 3 overview.
- As CastDefaultDefault condition for virtually all Zamak 3 parts: as-ejected hot-chamber die castings, trimmed and optionally plated.221 MPa yield · 82 HB
Working with Zamak 3 As Cast
Is Zamak 3 easy to machine?
Very easy: high speeds, sharp positive-rake carbide or HSS, light feeds; long free-machining chips and excellent surface finish, minimal tool wear.
Can Zamak 3 be welded?
Fusion welding is impractical; use soft soldering with zinc-suitable flux, mechanical fasteners/heat staking or adhesives; repair by filling/plating.
Can Zamak 3 be formed, bent or molded?
Ideal hot-chamber die-casting alloy — 380–390 °C metal, thin walls down to ~0.5 mm, fine detail, long die life; keep Fe low and hold Mg to avoid hot cracking and inter-granular corrosion.
What surface finishes work on Zamak 3?
Not anodizable; standard route is Cu/Ni/Cr bright plating, or chromate/passivate plus powder coat or paint; polishes and buffs well but avoid deep grinding into porosity.
Zamak 3 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Al | 3.5 – 4.3 | 4 |
| Mg | 0.02 – 0.05 | 0.04 |
| Cutypically held below 0.10 % in Zamak 3 | ≤ 0.25 | 0.03 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Pb | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Cd | ≤ 0 | — |
| Sn | ≤ 0 | — |
| Nimax (informational) | ≤ 0.02 | — |
| Znspecial high grade zinc (99.99 %) base | balance | — |
Zamak 3 As Cast — frequently asked
What is Zamak 3 As Cast used for?
Zamak 3 As Cast is typically used for toys, cosmetic cases and decorative hardware. In short: workhorse die-cast zinc.
What is the yield strength of Zamak 3 As Cast?
Zamak 3 As Cast has a typical yield strength of 221 MPa (32.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 283 MPa (41 ksi) — stronger than 64% of zinc alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is Zamak 3 As Cast easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (90/100, better than 100% of zinc alloy grades). Very easy: high speeds, sharp positive-rake carbide or HSS, light feeds; long free-machining chips and excellent surface finish, minimal tool wear.
Can Zamak 3 As Cast be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (20/100). Fusion welding is impractical; use soft soldering with zinc-suitable flux, mechanical fasteners/heat staking or adhesives; repair by filling/plating.
What surface finishes work on Zamak 3 As Cast?
Not anodizable; standard route is Cu/Ni/Cr bright plating, or chromate/passivate plus powder coat or paint; polishes and buffs well but avoid deep grinding into porosity.
Can Zamak 3 As Cast be formed, bent or molded?
Ideal hot-chamber die-casting alloy — 380–390 °C metal, thin walls down to ~0.5 mm, fine detail, long die life; keep Fe low and hold Mg to avoid hot cracking and inter-granular corrosion.
What is the maximum service temperature of Zamak 3 As Cast?
Zamak 3 As Cast is rated for continuous use to about 100°C (212 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Can FabDigit make parts in Zamak 3 As Cast?
Yes — Zamak 3 As Cast is available for CNC machining and casting & forging with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM B86 — Zinc and Zinc-Aluminum Alloy Foundry and Die Castings (Alloy AG40A / UNS Z33520) — ASTM (2018)
- JIS H 5301 — Zinc alloy die castings (ZDC2) — JIS (2009)
- EN 12844 / EN 1774 — Zinc and zinc alloys, castings and alloys for casting (ZL0400) — CEN (1998)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys (Zinc and Zinc Alloys) — ASM International (1990)
- NADCA Product Specification Standards for Die Castings — zinc alloy property tables — NADCA (2018)
- Zinc die-casting alloy property sheets (ILZRO / Eastern Alloys Zamak 3) — ILZRO / Eastern Alloys (2020)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.