Zinc Alloy ZA-27 · finish state
Zinc Alloy ZA-27 Die Cast
Properties of the Die Cast condition, compared with the other ZA-27 tempers.
Only for high-volume thin-wall parts run on cold-chamber machines; wide freezing range makes ZA-27 the hardest ZA alloy to die cast.
What is ZA-27 Die Cast?
ZA-27 Die Cast is ZA-27 supplied in the Die Cast condition — only for high-volume thin-wall parts run on cold-chamber machines; wide freezing range makes ZA-27 the hardest ZA alloy to die cast. ZA-27 Die Cast has a yield strength of 371 MPa (53.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 426 MPa (61.8 ksi) — stronger than 107% of zinc alloy grades. Elongation at break is 2.5% and the elastic modulus is 78 GPa (11.3 Msi). ZA-27 Die Cast has a density of 5 g/cm³ (0.181 lb/in³), lighter than 100% of zinc alloy grades. It melts at 375°C (707 °F). As Cast is the default condition FabDigit quotes; Die Cast is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- High strength — 371 MPa (53.8 ksi), better than 107% of zinc alloy grades
- High service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), better than 107% of zinc alloy grades
- Lightweight — 5 g/cm³ (0.181 lb/in³), better than 100% of zinc alloy grades
Limitations
- Low stiffness — 78 GPa (11.3 Msi), worse than 100% of zinc alloy grades
- Limited formability — 10/100, worse than 96% of zinc alloy grades
- Limited ductility — 2.5%, worse than 93% of zinc alloy grades
- Difficult to machine — 65/100, worse than 86% of zinc alloy grades
ZA-27 Die Cast properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZA-27 Die Cast — 33 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every ZA-27 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the zinc alloy grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
ZA-27 Die Cast has a density of 5 g/cm³ (0.181 lb/in³), lighter than 100% of zinc alloy grades. It melts at 375°C (707 °F).
Mechanical12
ZA-27 Die Cast has a yield strength of 371 MPa (53.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 426 MPa (61.8 ksi) — stronger than 107% of zinc alloy grades. Elongation at break is 2.5% and the elastic modulus is 78 GPa (11.3 Msi).
Thermal6
ZA-27 Die Cast is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 125 W/m·K (72.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 100% of zinc alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 26 µm/m·K (14.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZA-27 Die Cast conducts electricity at 29.7 % IACS, better than 100% of zinc alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (45/100), better than 82% of zinc alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZA-27 Die Cast takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — more than 71% of zinc alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability8
ZA-27 Die Cast's machinability is good (65/100, worse than 86% of zinc alloy grades); weldability poor (20/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other ZA-27 tempers and conditions
ZA-27 is also supplied in 4 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the ZA-27 overview.
- As CastDefaultStandard stocked condition for gravity, permanent-mold and centrifugal ZA-27 castings; highest strength and hardness.370 MPa yield · 118 HB
- Die CastOnly for high-volume thin-wall parts run on cold-chamber machines; wide freezing range makes ZA-27 the hardest ZA alloy to die cast.371 MPa yield · 119 HB
Working with ZA-27 Die Cast
Is ZA-27 easy to machine?
Machines very freely with sharp carbide or HSS tools, high speeds, light feeds and no coolant needed for many operations; avoid built-up edge by using polished rake faces.
Can ZA-27 be welded?
Not practically weldable — the wide freezing range and Zn vapour cause cracking and porosity; repair by mechanical fastening, adhesive or zinc-base solder-braze only on non-critical parts.
Can ZA-27 be formed, bent or molded?
Foundry alloy: pour at ~600–650 °C into sand, graphite or permanent molds with generous feeders (high shrinkage, hot-tear prone); cold-chamber die casting only, hot-chamber machines are unsuitable.
What surface finishes work on ZA-27?
Take chromate/phosphate conversion coats, e-coat, powder paint and electroless/electroplated Ni or Cr well after proper etch; do not anodize, and allow for natural aging dimensional change before precision finishing.
ZA-27 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Al | 25 – 28 | 27 |
| Cu | 2 – 2.5 | 2.25 |
| Mg | 0.01 – 0.02 | 0.02 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.08 | — |
| Pb | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Cd | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Sn | ≤ 0 | — |
| Simax, where specified | ≤ 0.02 | — |
| Znspecial high grade base | balance | — |
ZA-27 Die Cast — frequently asked
What is ZA-27 Die Cast used for?
ZA-27 Die Cast is typically used for gears, industrial bushings and bearings. In short: premium ZA bearing alloy.
What is the yield strength of ZA-27 Die Cast?
ZA-27 Die Cast has a typical yield strength of 371 MPa (53.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 426 MPa (61.8 ksi) — stronger than 107% of zinc alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is ZA-27 Die Cast easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (65/100, worse than 86% of zinc alloy grades). Machines very freely with sharp carbide or HSS tools, high speeds, light feeds and no coolant needed for many operations; avoid built-up edge by using polished rake faces.
Can ZA-27 Die Cast be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (20/100). Not practically weldable — the wide freezing range and Zn vapour cause cracking and porosity; repair by mechanical fastening, adhesive or zinc-base solder-braze only on non-critical parts.
What surface finishes work on ZA-27 Die Cast?
Take chromate/phosphate conversion coats, e-coat, powder paint and electroless/electroplated Ni or Cr well after proper etch; do not anodize, and allow for natural aging dimensional change before precision finishing.
Can ZA-27 Die Cast be formed, bent or molded?
Foundry alloy: pour at ~600–650 °C into sand, graphite or permanent molds with generous feeders (high shrinkage, hot-tear prone); cold-chamber die casting only, hot-chamber machines are unsuitable.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZA-27 Die Cast?
ZA-27 Die Cast is rated for continuous use to about 120°C (248 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between ZA-27 As Cast and ZA-27-PM?
As Cast is the default condition — standard stocked condition for gravity, permanent-mold and centrifugal ZA-27 castings; highest strength and hardness. PM: best strength and hardness of the ZA-27 conditions; use for bushings, gears and load-bearing housings in medium volumes. Yield strength is 370 MPa in As Cast versus 375 MPa in PM.
Can FabDigit make parts in ZA-27 Die Cast?
Yes — ZA-27 Die Cast is available for CNC machining with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM B669 — Zinc-Aluminum (ZA) Alloys in Ingot Form for Foundry and Die Castings — ASTM International (2020)
- ASTM B791 — Zinc-Aluminum (ZA) Alloy Foundry and Die Castings — ASTM International (2019)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys (Zinc and Zinc Alloys) — ASM International (1990)
- ZA-27 Zinc Alloy Datasheet — Eastern Alloys Inc. (2022)
- ZA Alloy Design and Engineering Guides — ILZRO / International Zinc Association (1995)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.