Zinc Alloy ZA-12 vs Zamak 3
Zinc Alloy · grade comparison
Zinc Alloy ZA-12 and Zamak 3 are both zinc alloy grades. ZA-12 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 221 MPa (32.1 ksi) for Zamak 3, about 9% more; tensile strength follows at 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 283 MPa (41 ksi). In exchange, Zamak 3 is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 2% for ZA-12, and ZA-12 is harder (95 HB vs 82 HB). ZA-12 is lighter (6.03 g/cm³ vs 6.6 g/cm³ for Zamak 3) and Zamak 3 is stiffer (96 GPa vs 83 GPa). On the shop floor, Zamak 3 machines more easily (excellent vs very good) and Zamak 3 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than ZA-12 (standard, $$).
ZA-12Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
Zamak 3Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
ZA-12 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.
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).
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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: 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 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Casting & forging | — | Yes |
| Default condition | As Cast | As Cast |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $ Budget |
| 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 3 — frequently asked
Is ZA-12 stronger than Zamak 3?
Yes. ZA-12 has a typical yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 221 MPa (32.1 ksi) for Zamak 3 — about 9% more. Tensile strength is 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 283 MPa (41 ksi).
Which is cheaper, ZA-12 or Zamak 3?
Zamak 3 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while ZA-12 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, ZA-12 or Zamak 3?
Zamak 3. Its machinability rates excellent (90/100) against very good (80/100) for ZA-12.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZA-12 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.