FabDigitFabDigit

Zinc Alloy SHG Zinc vs Slush Metal

Zinc Alloy · grade comparison

Zinc Alloy SHG Zinc and Slush Metal are both zinc alloy grades. Slush Metal is the stronger of the two: yield strength 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 20 MPa (2.9 ksi) for SHG Zinc, about 6.5 times as much; tensile strength follows at 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) vs 30 MPa (4.35 ksi). In exchange, SHG Zinc is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 3% for Slush Metal, and Slush Metal is harder (70 HB vs 30 HB). Slush Metal is lighter (6.6 g/cm³ vs 7.14 g/cm³ for SHG Zinc) and SHG Zinc is stiffer (96 GPa vs 85 GPa). On the shop floor, Slush Metal machines more easily (very good vs good) and SHG Zinc welds better (fair vs poor).

SHG ZincChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.

Slush MetalChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.

SHG Zinc vs Slush Metal: properties

SHG ZincSlush Metal

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

96 GPa13.9 Msi
85 GPa12.3 Msi

Shear Modulus

38 GPa5.5 Msi
33 GPa4.8 Msi

Bulk Modulus

70 GPa10.2 Msi
68 GPa9.9 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.25
0.29

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

30 MPa4.4 ksi
180 MPa26.1 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

20 MPa2.9 ksi
130 MPa18.9 ksi

Elongation at Break

20%
3%

Compressive Strength

60 MPa8.7 ksi
250 MPa36.3 ksi

Shear Strength

25 MPa3.6 ksi
140 MPa20.3 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

20 MPa2.9 ksi
45 MPa6.5 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

3 J2.2 ft·lbf
6 J4.4 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

30 HB
70 HB

Hardness, Vickers

33 HV
73 HV

Reduction in Area

—
4%

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

—
18 MPa·√m16.4 ksi·√in

Hardness, Rockwell B

—
35 HRB

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

7.14 g/cm³0.26 lb/in³
6.6 g/cm³0.24 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

420°C787 °F
380°C716 °F

Liquidus Temperature

420°C787 °F
420°C788 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

116 W/m·K67 BTU/hr·ft·°F
110 W/m·K63.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

388 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F
420 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

30.2 µm/m·K16.8 µin/in·°F
27.4 µm/m·K15.2 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

112 J/g48.2 BTU/lb
110 J/g47.3 BTU/lb

Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 100°C212 °F · Min Service Temperature -20°C-4 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

28.3 % IACS
27 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

5.9×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.32 µΩ·in
6.4×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.52 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-1.03 V
-1 V

Corrosion Resistance

35 / 100
40 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

60 / 100
78 / 100

Weldability

40 / 100
15 / 100

Formability (cold)

60 / 100
10 / 100

Castability

90 / 100
95 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

85 / 100
75 / 100

Polishability

55 / 100
85 / 100

Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 70%

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

53 MJ/kg22,786 BTU/lb
55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

3.7 kg CO₂/kg
3.4 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

180 L/kg21.6 gal/lb
250 L/kg30 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

10%
45%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

4 kN·m/kg
27 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

13.4 MN·m/kg
12.9 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

2 kJ/m³
99 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

41.9 mm²/s
39.7 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

1
9

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.

205010020055.566.57Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleSlush MetalSHG Zinc

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilitySHG ZincSlush Metal
Default condition—As Cast
Relative cost$$ Standard$$ Standard
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Both take the same 1 finish: Copper Plating.

SHG Zinc vs Slush Metal — frequently asked

Is Slush Metal stronger than SHG Zinc?

Yes. Slush Metal has a typical yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 20 MPa (2.9 ksi) for SHG Zinc — about 6.5 times as much. Tensile strength is 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) vs 30 MPa (4.35 ksi).

Which is cheaper, SHG Zinc or Slush Metal?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$, standard); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

Which is easier to machine, SHG Zinc or Slush Metal?

Slush Metal. Its machinability rates very good (78/100) against good (60/100) for SHG Zinc; for welding the order is SHG Zinc first (fair, 40/100) then Slush Metal (poor, 15/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in SHG Zinc and Slush Metal 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.