Zinc Alloy Zamak 2 vs Zamak 5
Zinc Alloy · grade comparison
Zinc Alloy Zamak 2 and Zamak 5 are both zinc alloy grades, both high strength zn. Zamak 2 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 283 MPa (41 ksi) against 268 MPa (38.9 ksi) for Zamak 5, about 6% more; tensile strength follows at 359 MPa (52.1 ksi) vs 328 MPa (47.6 ksi). Zamak 2 is harder — 100 HB against 91 HB for Zamak 5 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. On the shop floor, Zamak 5 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than Zamak 2 (standard, $$).
Zamak 2Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
Zamak 5Choose it when cost is the deciding factor.
Zamak 2 vs Zamak 5: 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.
Shear Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 96 GPa13.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Elongation at Break 7%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 6.6 g/cm³0.24 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 419 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 110 J/g47.3 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 100°C212 °F · 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 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 25%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 14.5 MN·m/kg · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 14
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 | Zamak 2 | Zamak 5 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Zamak 2 vs Zamak 5 — frequently asked
Is Zamak 2 stronger than Zamak 5?
Yes. Zamak 2 has a typical yield strength of 283 MPa (41 ksi) against 268 MPa (38.9 ksi) for Zamak 5 — about 6% more. Tensile strength is 359 MPa (52.1 ksi) vs 328 MPa (47.6 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Zamak 2 or Zamak 5?
Zamak 5 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while Zamak 2 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, Zamak 2 or Zamak 5?
Zamak 5. Its machinability rates excellent (85/100) against very good (80/100) for Zamak 2; for welding the order is Zamak 2 first (poor, 20/100) then Zamak 5 (poor, 15/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Zamak 2 and Zamak 5 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.