Zinc Alloy ZA-12 vs Zamak 2
Zinc Alloy · grade comparison
Zinc Alloy ZA-12 and Zamak 2 are both zinc alloy grades. Zamak 2 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 283 MPa (41 ksi) against 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) for ZA-12, about 18% more; tensile strength follows at 359 MPa (52.1 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi). Zamak 2 is the more ductile: elongation 7% versus 2% for ZA-12, and Zamak 2 is harder (100 HB vs 95 HB). ZA-12 is lighter (6.03 g/cm³ vs 6.6 g/cm³ for Zamak 2) and Zamak 2 is stiffer (96 GPa vs 83 GPa).
ZA-12Choose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
Zamak 2Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZA-12 vs Zamak 2: 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
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: Poisson's Ratio 0.29
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).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -1 V · Corrosion Resistance 40 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 80 / 100 · Weldability 20 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.6 kg CO₂/kg · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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 | Zamak 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | As Cast | As Cast |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
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 Zamak 2 — frequently asked
Is Zamak 2 stronger than ZA-12?
Yes. Zamak 2 has a typical yield strength of 283 MPa (41 ksi) against 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) for ZA-12 — about 18% more. Tensile strength is 359 MPa (52.1 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi).
Which is cheaper, ZA-12 or Zamak 2?
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 Zamak 2?
Pick ZA-12 when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat. Pick Zamak 2 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 Zamak 2 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.