Zinc Alloy Zamak 2 vs Zn99.5
Zinc Alloy · grade comparison
Zinc Alloy Zamak 2 and Zn99.5 are both zinc alloy grades. Zamak 2 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 283 MPa (41 ksi) against 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) for Zn99.5, about 198% more; tensile strength follows at 359 MPa (52.1 ksi) vs 140 MPa (20.3 ksi). In exchange, Zn99.5 is the more ductile: elongation 40% versus 7% for Zamak 2, and Zamak 2 is harder (100 HB vs 38 HB). Zamak 2 is lighter (6.6 g/cm³ vs 7.14 g/cm³ for Zn99.5) and Zn99.5 conducts electricity better (28 % IACS vs 25 % IACS). On the shop floor, Zn99.5 welds better (fair vs poor) and Zamak 2 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than Zn99.5 (premium, $$$).
Zamak 2Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
Zn99.5Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
Zamak 2 vs Zn99.5: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear 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, Vickers
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi
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
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 100°C212 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
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 Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.6 kg CO₂/kg
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 | Zamak 2 | Zn99.5 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Default condition | As Cast | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Chrome Plating | Yes | — |
| E-Coating | Yes | — |
| Nickel Plating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Powder Coating | Yes | — |
They share 1 finish: Copper Plating.
Zamak 2 vs Zn99.5 — frequently asked
Is Zamak 2 stronger than Zn99.5?
Yes. Zamak 2 has a typical yield strength of 283 MPa (41 ksi) against 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) for Zn99.5 — about 198% more. Tensile strength is 359 MPa (52.1 ksi) vs 140 MPa (20.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Zamak 2 or Zn99.5?
Zamak 2 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while Zn99.5 is premium ($$$). 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 Zn99.5?
Zamak 2, by a small margin. Both rate very good for machinability — 80/100 against 75/100 for Zn99.5; for welding the order is Zn99.5 first (fair, 40/100) then Zamak 2 (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Zamak 2 and Zn99.5 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.