Zinc Alloy Prime Western Zinc vs Zamak 3
Zinc Alloy · grade comparison
Zinc Alloy Prime Western Zinc and Zamak 3 are both zinc alloy grades. Zamak 3 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 221 MPa (32.1 ksi) against 20 MPa (2.9 ksi) for Prime Western Zinc, about 11 times as much; tensile strength follows at 283 MPa (41 ksi) vs 35 MPa (5.08 ksi). Zamak 3 is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 5% for Prime Western Zinc, and Zamak 3 is harder (82 HB vs 32 HB). Zamak 3 is lighter (6.6 g/cm³ vs 7.14 g/cm³ for Prime Western Zinc). On the shop floor, Zamak 3 machines more easily (excellent vs very good) and Zamak 3 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than Prime Western Zinc (standard, $$).
Zamak 3Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Prime Western Zinc 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.
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 96 GPa13.9 Msi · Shear Modulus 38 GPa5.5 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
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.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 27 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 6.4×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.52 µΩ·in
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 %)
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Weldability 20 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 53 MJ/kg22,786 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.6 kg CO₂/kg
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 | Prime Western Zinc | Zamak 3 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Casting & forging | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | As Cast |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $ 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.
Prime Western Zinc vs Zamak 3 — frequently asked
Is Zamak 3 stronger than Prime Western Zinc?
Yes. Zamak 3 has a typical yield strength of 221 MPa (32.1 ksi) against 20 MPa (2.9 ksi) for Prime Western Zinc — about 11 times as much. Tensile strength is 283 MPa (41 ksi) vs 35 MPa (5.08 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Prime Western Zinc or Zamak 3?
Zamak 3 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while Prime Western Zinc is standard ($$). 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, Prime Western Zinc or Zamak 3?
Zamak 3. Its machinability rates excellent (90/100) against very good (75/100) for Prime Western Zinc.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Prime Western Zinc 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.