Zinc Alloy Kirksite vs ZA-8
Zinc Alloy · grade comparison
Zinc Alloy Kirksite and ZA-8 are both zinc alloy grades. ZA-8 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) against 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) for Kirksite, about 53% more; tensile strength follows at 374 MPa (54.2 ksi) vs 227 MPa (32.9 ksi). ZA-8 is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 3% for Kirksite. ZA-8 is lighter (6.3 g/cm³ vs 6.7 g/cm³ for Kirksite) and Kirksite is stiffer (96 GPa vs 85.5 GPa). On the shop floor, Kirksite welds better (30 vs 20 out of 100) and ZA-8 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than Kirksite (premium, $$$).
KirksiteChoose it when it will be welded.
ZA-8Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Kirksite vs ZA-8: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all zinc alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all zinc alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Hardness, Brinell 100 HB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 100°C212 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every zinc alloy grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | Kirksite | ZA-8 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | As Cast |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Chrome Plating | — | Yes |
| E-Coating | — | Yes |
| Nickel Plating | — | Yes |
| Painting | — | Yes |
| Powder Coating | — | Yes |
They share 1 finish: Copper Plating.
Kirksite vs ZA-8 — frequently asked
Is ZA-8 stronger than Kirksite?
Yes. ZA-8 has a typical yield strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) against 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) for Kirksite — about 53% more. Tensile strength is 374 MPa (54.2 ksi) vs 227 MPa (32.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Kirksite or ZA-8?
ZA-8 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while Kirksite is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, Kirksite or ZA-8?
Kirksite. Its machinability rates excellent (85/100) against very good (80/100) for ZA-8; for welding the order is Kirksite first (poor, 30/100) then ZA-8 (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Kirksite and ZA-8 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.