Zinc Alloy Kirksite vs Zamak 3
Zinc Alloy · grade comparison
Zinc Alloy Kirksite and Zamak 3 are both zinc alloy grades. Zamak 3 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 221 MPa (32.1 ksi) against 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) for Kirksite, about 16% more; tensile strength follows at 283 MPa (41 ksi) vs 227 MPa (32.9 ksi). Zamak 3 is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 3% for Kirksite, and Kirksite is harder (100 HB vs 82 HB). On the shop floor, Kirksite welds better (30 vs 20 out of 100) and Zamak 3 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than Kirksite (premium, $$$).
KirksiteChoose it when it will be welded.
Zamak 3Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Kirksite vs Zamak 3: 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.
Shear 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, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 96 GPa13.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi
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
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 419 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 27.4 µm/m·K15.2 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 110 J/g47.3 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 100°C212 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -1 V
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 Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 53 MJ/kg22,786 BTU/lb
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 | Zamak 3 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Casting & forging | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | As Cast |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $ Budget |
| 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 Zamak 3 — frequently asked
Is Zamak 3 stronger than Kirksite?
Yes. Zamak 3 has a typical yield strength of 221 MPa (32.1 ksi) against 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) for Kirksite — about 16% more. Tensile strength is 283 MPa (41 ksi) vs 227 MPa (32.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Kirksite or Zamak 3?
Zamak 3 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget 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 Zamak 3?
Zamak 3, by a small margin. Both rate excellent for machinability — 90/100 against 85/100 for Kirksite; for welding the order is Kirksite first (poor, 30/100) then Zamak 3 (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Kirksite and Zamak 3 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.