Overview
Zamak 3 is the most widely used zinc die-casting alloy in the world, offering an exceptional balance of strength, ductility, dimensional stability, castability, surface finish quality, and cost-effectiveness.
As the industry-standard zinc alloy for die casting, Zamak 3 contains approximately 4% aluminum and a small amount of magnesium, providing excellent mechanical performance without the additional copper found in Zamak 2 and Zamak 5. This composition delivers superior dimensional stability, excellent corrosion resistance, and outstanding casting characteristics.
Zamak 3 is widely used in:
- Precision Die Cast Components
- Automotive Parts
- Consumer Electronics
- Furniture Hardware
- Electrical Components
- Lock and Security Systems
- Decorative Hardware
- Industrial Components
Because of its outstanding casting performance and economical production cost, Zamak 3 accounts for the majority of global zinc die-casting production.
Material Specification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Material Designation | Zamak 3 |
| UNS Number | Z33520 |
| ASTM Standard | ASTM B86 |
| Material Family | Zinc-Aluminum Alloy |
| Density | 6.6 g/cm³ |
| Magnetic Property | Non-Magnetic |
| Typical Manufacturing Process | High Pressure Die Casting |
| Standard Forms | Die Cast Components, Ingots |
Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Zinc (Zn) | Balance |
| Aluminum (Al) | 3.8–4.3 |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.02–0.06 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤0.03 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤0.075 |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤0.003 |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤0.003 |
| Tin (Sn) | ≤0.001 |
The near-zero copper content provides superior dimensional stability and long-term casting reliability.
Mechanical Properties
As-Cast Condition
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 260–290 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 210–230 MPa |
| Elongation | 10–20% |
| Hardness | 80–100 HB |
| Elastic Modulus | 83 GPa |
Typical Mechanical Performance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Fatigue Resistance | Good |
| Impact Strength | Good |
| Ductility | Excellent |
| Dimensional Stability | Excellent |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 6.6 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 380–390°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 113 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 28% IACS |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.062 μΩ·m |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 27 × 10⁻⁶/K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 420 J/kg·K |
Strength-to-Weight Ratio
| Material | Density (g/cm³) | Tensile Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Zamak 3 | 6.6 | 283 MPa |
| Zamak 5 | 6.6 | 330 MPa |
| Zamak 2 | 6.6 | 410 MPa |
| Aluminum A380 | 2.73 | 325 MPa |
Although not the strongest Zamak alloy, Zamak 3 provides the best overall balance of strength and ductility.
Corrosion Resistance
| Environment | Performance |
|---|---|
| Indoor Environment | Excellent |
| Dry Atmosphere | Excellent |
| Humid Environment | Good |
| Industrial Atmosphere | Good |
| Outdoor Exposure | Moderate |
| Salt Spray Environment | Fair |
Zamak 3 generally exhibits better corrosion resistance than copper-containing zinc alloys.
Recommended surface treatments:
- Chrome Plating
- Nickel Plating
- Zinc Plating
- Powder Coating
- Painting
- Passivation
Dimensional Stability
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Long-Term Stability | Excellent |
| Distortion Resistance | Excellent |
| Precision Casting Capability | Excellent |
| Shrinkage Control | Excellent |
Zamak 3 is considered the benchmark alloy for precision zinc die casting.
Castability
| Property | Rating |
|---|---|
| Die Fill Capability | Outstanding |
| Thin Wall Casting | Outstanding |
| Surface Finish Quality | Outstanding |
| Complex Geometry Casting | Outstanding |
Zamak 3 is capable of producing highly detailed components with excellent surface quality.
Machinability
| Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Turning | Excellent |
| CNC Milling | Excellent |
| Drilling | Excellent |
| Tapping | Excellent |
| Grinding | Good |
Machinability Comparison
| Material | Machinability |
|---|---|
| Brass C360 | Excellent |
| Zamak 3 | Excellent |
| Aluminum 6061 | Excellent |
| Stainless Steel 304 | Moderate |
Most Zamak 3 parts require minimal secondary machining.
Heat Treatment
Heat Treatment Characteristics
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Heat Treat Hardening | Not Recommended |
| Structural Stability | Excellent |
| Aging Resistance | Excellent |
| Mechanical Stability | Excellent |
Zamak 3 achieves its properties through alloy composition rather than heat treatment.
International Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| ASTM (USA) | Zamak 3 |
| UNS | Z33520 |
| DIN (Germany) | ZnAl4 |
| EN (Europe) | ZL0400 |
| ISO | Zamak 3 |
| JIS (Japan) | Zinc Alloy No.3 |
| GB/T (China) | YX040 |
Available Forms
| Product Type | Availability |
|---|---|
| Die Cast Components | Yes |
| Ingots | Yes |
| Precision Cast Parts | Yes |
| Custom Castings | Yes |
Typical Applications
Automotive Industry
- Interior Trim Components
- Door Handles
- Brackets
- Mechanical Hardware
Electronics Industry
- Mobile Device Components
- Connector Housings
- Electrical Enclosures
- Consumer Electronics Parts
Furniture Industry
- Decorative Hardware
- Cabinet Handles
- Furniture Fittings
- Hinges
Security Industry
- Lock Components
- Security Hardware
- Door Accessories
Consumer Products
- Appliance Components
- Decorative Parts
- Household Hardware
Industrial Manufacturing
- Precision Mechanical Components
- Equipment Housings
- Small Structural Parts
Manufacturing Characteristics
| Manufacturing Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| High Pressure Die Casting | Outstanding |
| CNC Machining | Excellent |
| Electroplating | Excellent |
| Polishing | Excellent |
| Surface Finishing | Excellent |
Advantages
Industry Standard Die Casting Alloy
Most commonly used zinc alloy worldwide.
Outstanding Castability
Produces highly detailed and complex parts.
Excellent Surface Finish
Ideal for decorative and plated components.
Superior Dimensional Stability
Maintains tight tolerances over long service periods.
Good Corrosion Resistance
Performs well in indoor and controlled environments.
Cost Effective
Provides excellent value for high-volume manufacturing.
Limitations
Lower Strength Than Zamak 2 and Zamak 5
Not intended for high-load applications.
Higher Density Than Aluminum
Less suitable for lightweight applications.
Moderate Outdoor Corrosion Resistance
Protective coatings are recommended.
Limited High-Temperature Performance
Not suitable for elevated-temperature environments.
Comparison with Other Zamak Alloys
| Property | Zamak 3 | Zamak 5 | Zamak 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Moderate | Higher | Highest |
| Ductility | Highest | Good | Lower |
| Corrosion Resistance | Best | Good | Good |
| Dimensional Stability | Best | Very Good | Good |
| Castability | Outstanding | Excellent | Excellent |
Comparison with Common Die Casting Materials
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Castability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zamak 3 | 6.6 g/cm³ | 283 MPa | Outstanding |
| Zamak 5 | 6.6 g/cm³ | 330 MPa | Excellent |
| Aluminum A380 | 2.73 g/cm³ | 325 MPa | Excellent |
| Brass C360 | 8.5 g/cm³ | 345 MPa | Poor |
Available Surface Finishes
Raw Finishes
- As-Cast Finish
- Shot Blasted Finish
Functional Finishes
- Precision Machined Finish
- Brushed Finish
- Polished Finish
Decorative Finishes
- Chrome Plating
- Nickel Plating
- Black Nickel Finish
- Powder Coating
- Painted Finish
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Zamak 3?
Zamak 3 is the most widely used zinc die-casting alloy, offering excellent castability, dimensional stability, and surface finish quality.
What is Zamak 3 used for?
Typical applications include:
- Automotive Components
- Electronics Housings
- Furniture Hardware
- Lock Components
- Consumer Products
What is the equivalent material to Zamak 3?
Common equivalents include:
- UNS Z33520
- ZnAl4
- ZL0400
- YX040
What is the difference between Zamak 3 and Zamak 5?
| Property | Zamak 3 | Zamak 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Lower | Higher |
| Ductility | Higher | Lower |
| Corrosion Resistance | Better | Good |
| Cost | Lower | Slightly Higher |
Is Zamak 3 corrosion resistant?
Yes. Zamak 3 provides good corrosion resistance, particularly when protected with plating or coatings.
Can Zamak 3 be machined?
Yes. Zamak 3 offers excellent machinability and is easy to machine after casting.
Why choose Zamak 3?
Because it combines:
- Outstanding Castability
- Excellent Surface Finish
- Superior Dimensional Stability
- Good Corrosion Resistance
- Cost-Effective Production
Is Zamak 3 suitable for decorative components?
Yes. Its excellent surface quality makes it ideal for plated and decorative applications.
Does GCNOV provide custom manufacturing services for Zamak 3?
Yes. GCNOV provides:
- Zinc Die Casting
- Precision CNC Machining
- Electroplating
- Surface Finishing
- Prototype Development
- Low-Volume Production
- Mass Production
- Custom Precision Components