Zinc Alloy Zamak 3 vs Zamak 5
Zinc Alloy · grade comparison
Zinc Alloy Zamak 3 and Zamak 5 are both zinc alloy grades. Zamak 5 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 268 MPa (38.9 ksi) against 221 MPa (32.1 ksi) for Zamak 3, about 21% more; tensile strength follows at 328 MPa (47.6 ksi) vs 283 MPa (41 ksi). In exchange, Zamak 3 is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 7% for Zamak 5, and Zamak 5 is harder (91 HB vs 82 HB).
Zamak 3Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Zamak 5Choose it when strength drives the design.
Zamak 3 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.
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: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 96 GPa13.9 Msi · Shear Modulus 38 GPa5.5 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.27
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
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 419 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 27.4 µm/m·K15.2 µin/in·°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
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Formability (cold) 20 / 100 · Polishability 85 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 53 MJ/kg22,786 BTU/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 14.5 MN·m/kg
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 3 | Zamak 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | As Cast | As Cast |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both are offered for CNC machining and Casting & forging. Both take the same 6 finishes: Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, E-Coating, Nickel Plating, Painting, Powder Coating.
Zamak 3 vs Zamak 5 — frequently asked
Is Zamak 5 stronger than Zamak 3?
Yes. Zamak 5 has a typical yield strength of 268 MPa (38.9 ksi) against 221 MPa (32.1 ksi) for Zamak 3 — about 21% more. Tensile strength is 328 MPa (47.6 ksi) vs 283 MPa (41 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Zamak 3 or Zamak 5?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($, budget); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Zamak 3 or Zamak 5?
Zamak 3, by a small margin. Both rate excellent for machinability — 90/100 against 85/100 for Zamak 5; for welding the order is Zamak 3 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 3 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.