Zinc Alloy Zamak 2 Gravity Cast
Heat-treated state
ASTM Zamak 2 · UNS Z35541
Pick for cast-to-shape sheet-metal press dies, blow-mould and prototype tooling machined from cast slabs; coarser grain gives lower strength than die cast.
Values for the Gravity Cast condition
Other Zamak 2 tempers and conditions
Zamak 2 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at Zamak 2.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gravity CastThis page sand or permanent-mould cast tooling stock | Pick for cast-to-shape sheet-metal press dies, blow-mould and prototype tooling machined from cast slabs; coarser grain gives lower strength than die cast. | 180 | 235 | 2 | 90 HB | 25 % IACS |
Aged/Stabilized | Use these de-rated values for long-service or dimensionally stabilized parts, where the metastable cast structure has decomposed. | 255 | 296 | 2 | 98 HB | 26 % IACS |
As CastDefault hot-chamber die cast, as-manufactured | Standard supply condition for pressure die-cast Zamak 2 parts; highest strength and hardness of the Zamak family. | 283 | 359 | 7 | 100 HB | — |
What is Zamak 2 Gravity Cast?
Zamak 2 Gravity Cast is Zamak 2 heat treated to Gravity Cast — pick for cast-to-shape sheet-metal press dies, blow-mould and prototype tooling machined from cast slabs; coarser grain gives lower strength than die cast. Zamak 2 Gravity Cast has a yield strength of 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) — stronger than 50% of zinc alloy grades. Elongation at break is 2% and the elastic modulus is 96 GPa (13.9 Msi). Zamak 2 Gravity Cast has a density of 6.6 g/cm³ (0.238 lb/in³), lighter than 64% of zinc alloy grades. It melts at 379°C (714 °F). As Cast is the default condition FabDigit quotes; Gravity Cast is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Readily welded — 35/100, better than 86% of zinc alloy grades
Limitations
- Limited ductility — 2%, worse than 100% of zinc alloy grades
- Limited formability — 12/100, worse than 77% of zinc alloy grades
Zamak 2 Gravity Cast properties
Typical room-temperature values for Zamak 2 Gravity Cast; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are Zamak 2 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among zinc alloy grades.
Physical3
Zamak 2 Gravity Cast has a density of 6.6 g/cm³ (0.238 lb/in³), lighter than 64% of zinc alloy grades. It melts at 379°C (714 °F).
Mechanical12
Zamak 2 Gravity Cast has a yield strength of 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) — stronger than 50% of zinc alloy grades. Elongation at break is 2% and the elastic modulus is 96 GPa (13.9 Msi).
Thermal6
Zamak 2 Gravity Cast is rated for continuous service to 100°C (212 °F). It conducts heat at 105 W/m·K (60.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 100% of zinc alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 27.8 µm/m·K (15.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
Zamak 2 Gravity Cast conducts electricity at 25 % IACS, worse than 100% of zinc alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (38/100), worse than 71% of zinc alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of Zamak 2 Gravity Cast takes about 56 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — more than 79% of zinc alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability8
Zamak 2 Gravity Cast's machinability is excellent (85/100, better than 89% of zinc alloy grades); weldability fair (35/100); formability not recommended (12/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with Zamak 2 Gravity Cast
Is Zamak 2 easy to machine?
Cuts very freely with sharp carbide or HSS tools at high speed, little or no coolant, excellent surface finish and tight tolerances.
Can Zamak 2 be welded?
Not a structural welding alloy; only zinc-alloy TIG/torch repair of castings, and soft soldering with zinc-compatible flux.
Can Zamak 2 be formed, bent or molded?
Hot-chamber die casting at ~415–430 °C with thin walls and fine detail; also gravity cast into slabs for press/blow-mould tooling.
What surface finishes work on Zamak 2?
Buffs to a bright finish; typical routes are Cu-Ni-Cr electroplating, chromate/phosphate conversion plus paint or powder coat — do not anodize.
Zamak 2 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 | 3.9 – 4.3 | 4.1 |
| Cu | 2.7 – 3.3 | 3 |
| Mg | 0.03 – 0.05 | 0.04 |
| Feimpurity max (die casting) | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Pbimpurity max | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Cdimpurity max | ≤ 0 | — |
| Snimpurity max | ≤ 0 | — |
| Znspecial high grade zinc, 99.99% base | balance | — |
Zamak 2 Gravity Cast — frequently asked
What is Zamak 2 Gravity Cast used for?
Zamak 2 Gravity Cast is typically used for door hardware, padlock bodies, lock cylinders and latch housings, wear-resistant bushings and sleeves, gravity-cast slabs for press and blow-mould tooling and hand-tool bodies and handles. In short: high-strength die-cast zinc.
What is the yield strength of Zamak 2 Gravity Cast?
Zamak 2 Gravity Cast has a typical yield strength of 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) — stronger than 50% of zinc alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is Zamak 2 Gravity Cast easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (85/100, better than 89% of zinc alloy grades). Cuts very freely with sharp carbide or HSS tools at high speed, little or no coolant, excellent surface finish and tight tolerances.
Can Zamak 2 Gravity Cast be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (35/100). Not a structural welding alloy; only zinc-alloy TIG/torch repair of castings, and soft soldering with zinc-compatible flux.
What surface finishes work on Zamak 2 Gravity Cast?
Buffs to a bright finish; typical routes are Cu-Ni-Cr electroplating, chromate/phosphate conversion plus paint or powder coat — do not anodize.
Can Zamak 2 Gravity Cast be formed, bent or molded?
Hot-chamber die casting at ~415–430 °C with thin walls and fine detail; also gravity cast into slabs for press/blow-mould tooling.
What is the maximum service temperature of Zamak 2 Gravity Cast?
Zamak 2 Gravity Cast is rated for continuous use to about 100°C (212 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between Zamak 2 As Cast and Zamak 2 Aged?
As Cast is the default condition — standard supply condition for pressure die-cast Zamak 2 parts; highest strength and hardness of the Zamak family. Aged: use these de-rated values for long-service or dimensionally stabilized parts, where the metastable cast structure has decomposed. Yield strength is 283 MPa in As Cast versus 255 MPa in Aged.
Can FabDigit make parts in Zamak 2 Gravity Cast?
Yes — Zamak 2 Gravity Cast is available for CNC machining with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM B86 — Zinc and Zinc-Aluminum (ZA) Alloy Foundry and Die Castings (alloy AC43A) — ASTM International (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys (Zinc Alloys) — ASM International (1990)
- Zinc Die Casting Alloys Engineering Properties — ILZRO / IZA (2010)
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.