Zinc Alloy ZA-12 vs ZA-27
Zinc Alloy · grade comparison
Zinc Alloy ZA-12 and ZA-27 are both zinc alloy grades. ZA-27 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 370 MPa (53.7 ksi) against 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) for ZA-12, about 54% more; tensile strength follows at 425 MPa (61.6 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi). ZA-27 is the more ductile: elongation 3% versus 2% for ZA-12, and ZA-27 is harder (118 HB vs 95 HB). ZA-27 is lighter (5 g/cm³ vs 6.03 g/cm³ for ZA-12) and ZA-12 is stiffer (83 GPa vs 78 GPa).
ZA-12Choose it when the part sees heat.
ZA-27Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZA-12 vs ZA-27: 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, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
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
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: 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 %)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Weldability 20 / 100 · Formability (cold) 10 / 100
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 | ZA-12 | ZA-27 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | As Cast | As Cast |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | — | Ra 1.6 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining. Both take the same 6 finishes: Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, E-Coating, Nickel Plating, Painting, Powder Coating.
ZA-12 vs ZA-27 — frequently asked
Is ZA-27 stronger than ZA-12?
Yes. ZA-27 has a typical yield strength of 370 MPa (53.7 ksi) against 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) for ZA-12 — about 54% more. Tensile strength is 425 MPa (61.6 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi).
Which is cheaper, ZA-12 or ZA-27?
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.
When should I choose ZA-12 over ZA-27?
Pick ZA-12 when the part sees heat. Pick ZA-27 when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZA-12 and ZA-27 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.