Zinc Alloy Zamak 3 vs Zn99.5
Zinc Alloy · grade comparison
Zinc Alloy Zamak 3 and Zn99.5 are both zinc alloy grades. Zamak 3 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 221 MPa (32.1 ksi) against 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) for Zn99.5, about 133% more; tensile strength follows at 283 MPa (41 ksi) vs 140 MPa (20.3 ksi). In exchange, Zn99.5 is the more ductile: elongation 40% versus 10% for Zamak 3, and Zamak 3 is harder (82 HB vs 38 HB). Zamak 3 is lighter (6.6 g/cm³ vs 7.14 g/cm³ for Zn99.5). On the shop floor, Zamak 3 machines more easily (excellent vs very good), Zn99.5 welds better (fair vs poor), and Zamak 3 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than Zn99.5 (premium, $$$).
Zamak 3Choose 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 3 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
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: Shear Modulus 38 GPa5.5 Msi · 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.
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 113 W/m·K65.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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 Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 53 MJ/kg22,786 BTU/lb · 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 3 | Zn99.5 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Casting & forging | Yes | — |
| Default condition | As Cast | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$$ 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 3 vs Zn99.5 — frequently asked
Is Zamak 3 stronger than Zn99.5?
Yes. Zamak 3 has a typical yield strength of 221 MPa (32.1 ksi) against 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) for Zn99.5 — about 133% more. Tensile strength is 283 MPa (41 ksi) vs 140 MPa (20.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Zamak 3 or Zn99.5?
Zamak 3 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget 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 3 or Zn99.5?
Zamak 3. Its machinability rates excellent (90/100) against very good (75/100) for Zn99.5; for welding the order is Zn99.5 first (fair, 40/100) then Zamak 3 (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Zamak 3 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.