Overview
Zamak 7 is a high-purity zinc die-casting alloy developed from Zamak 3, offering improved fluidity, ductility, surface finish quality, corrosion resistance, and dimensional accuracy. With tighter impurity controls and reduced magnesium content, Zamak 7 is specifically designed for precision die casting applications requiring thin walls, complex geometries, and premium surface appearance.
Compared with Zamak 3, Zamak 7 provides better casting performance and improved plating characteristics while maintaining similar mechanical properties.
Zamak 7 is widely used in:
- Precision Die Cast Components
- Decorative Hardware
- Consumer Electronics
- Automotive Trim Parts
- Cosmetic Packaging
- Electrical Components
- Furniture Hardware
- High-End Consumer Products
Because of its excellent castability and superior surface finish, Zamak 7 is often selected for decorative and cosmetic applications where appearance is critical.
Material Specification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Material Designation | Zamak 7 |
| UNS Number | Z33522 |
| ASTM Standard | ASTM B86 |
| Material Family | High-Purity 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) | 0.005–0.02 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤0.03 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤0.02 |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤0.003 |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤0.003 |
| Tin (Sn) | ≤0.001 |
The lower magnesium and impurity levels improve casting fluidity and surface quality.
Mechanical Properties
As-Cast Condition
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 260–290 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 200–230 MPa |
| Elongation | 12–20% |
| Hardness | 80–95 HB |
| Elastic Modulus | 83 GPa |
Typical Mechanical Performance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Fatigue Resistance | Good |
| Impact Strength | Good |
| Ductility | Excellent |
| Dimensional Stability | Excellent |
Mechanical properties are similar to Zamak 3, with slightly improved ductility.
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 7 | 6.6 | 280 MPa |
| Zamak 3 | 6.6 | 283 MPa |
| Zamak 5 | 6.6 | 330 MPa |
| Aluminum A380 | 2.73 | 325 MPa |
Zamak 7 prioritizes castability and appearance over maximum strength.
Corrosion Resistance
| Environment | Performance |
|---|---|
| Indoor Environment | Excellent |
| Dry Atmosphere | Excellent |
| Humid Environment | Good |
| Industrial Atmosphere | Good |
| Outdoor Exposure | Moderate |
| Salt Spray Environment | Fair |
The high-purity composition provides slightly improved corrosion resistance compared with standard Zamak grades.
Recommended surface treatments:
- Chrome Plating
- Nickel Plating
- Copper-Nickel-Chrome Plating
- Powder Coating
- Painting
- Passivation
Surface Finish Quality
| Property | Rating |
|---|---|
| Surface Smoothness | Outstanding |
| Decorative Appearance | Outstanding |
| Plating Adhesion | Excellent |
| Cosmetic Quality | Excellent |
Zamak 7 is often preferred for decorative applications due to its superior surface characteristics.
Castability
| Property | Rating |
|---|---|
| Die Fill Capability | Outstanding |
| Thin Wall Casting | Outstanding |
| Complex Geometry Casting | Outstanding |
| Dimensional Accuracy | Excellent |
Zamak 7 exhibits better fluidity than Zamak 3, making it ideal for highly detailed castings.
Machinability
| Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Turning | Excellent |
| CNC Milling | Excellent |
| Drilling | Excellent |
| Tapping | Excellent |
| Grinding | Good |
Machinability Comparison
| Material | Machinability |
|---|---|
| Brass C360 | Excellent |
| Zamak 7 | Excellent |
| Zamak 3 | Excellent |
| Aluminum 6061 | Excellent |
Secondary machining requirements are often minimal.
Heat Treatment
Heat Treatment Characteristics
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Heat Treat Hardening | Not Recommended |
| Structural Stability | Excellent |
| Aging Resistance | Excellent |
| Dimensional Stability | Excellent |
Like other Zamak alloys, Zamak 7 is not normally heat treated.
International Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| ASTM (USA) | Zamak 7 |
| UNS | Z33522 |
| DIN (Germany) | ZnAl4 Special Purity |
| EN (Europe) | ZL0400HP |
| ISO | Zamak 7 |
| JIS (Japan) | High Purity Zinc Alloy |
| GB/T (China) | High Purity Zinc Die Casting Alloy |
Available Forms
| Product Type | Availability |
|---|---|
| Die Cast Components | Yes |
| Precision Cast Parts | Yes |
| Decorative Castings | Yes |
| Ingots | Yes |
Typical Applications
Consumer Electronics
- Mobile Device Housings
- Camera Components
- Wearable Device Parts
- Electronic Enclosures
Decorative Hardware
- Door Handles
- Cabinet Hardware
- Furniture Fittings
- Architectural Hardware
Automotive Industry
- Interior Trim Components
- Decorative Components
- Emblems
- Control Knobs
Cosmetic Industry
- Perfume Caps
- Cosmetic Packaging
- Luxury Product Components
Electrical Industry
- Connector Housings
- Precision Electrical Components
- Decorative Electrical Hardware
Consumer Products
- Premium Household Products
- Decorative Accessories
- Precision Hardware
Manufacturing Characteristics
| Manufacturing Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| High Pressure Die Casting | Outstanding |
| CNC Machining | Excellent |
| Electroplating | Outstanding |
| Polishing | Outstanding |
| Surface Finishing | Outstanding |
Advantages
Superior Castability
Excellent flow characteristics for thin-wall and complex castings.
Outstanding Surface Finish
Ideal for decorative and cosmetic applications.
Excellent Plating Performance
Provides exceptional adhesion for chrome and nickel plating.
High Dimensional Accuracy
Suitable for precision die-cast components.
Good Corrosion Resistance
Performs well in indoor and commercial environments.
Excellent Ductility
Improved elongation compared with many zinc alloys.
Limitations
Lower Strength Than Zamak 5 and Zamak 2
Not intended for high-load structural applications.
Higher Density Than Aluminum
Less suitable for lightweight products.
Moderate Outdoor Durability
Protective coatings recommended for exterior applications.
Limited High-Temperature Performance
Not recommended for continuous use above 100°C.
Comparison with Other Zamak Alloys
| Property | Zamak 7 | Zamak 3 | Zamak 5 | Zamak 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castability | Best | Outstanding | Excellent | Excellent |
| Surface Finish | Best | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Strength | Moderate | Moderate | Higher | Highest |
| Ductility | Highest | High | Moderate | Lower |
| Plating Quality | Best | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
Comparison with Common Die Casting Materials
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Surface Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zamak 7 | 6.6 g/cm³ | 280 MPa | Outstanding |
| Zamak 3 | 6.6 g/cm³ | 283 MPa | Excellent |
| Zamak 5 | 6.6 g/cm³ | 330 MPa | Excellent |
| Aluminum A380 | 2.73 g/cm³ | 325 MPa | Good |
Available Surface Finishes
Raw Finishes
- As-Cast Finish
- Fine Cast Finish
Functional Finishes
- Precision Machined Finish
- Polished Finish
- Satin Finish
Decorative Finishes
- Chrome Plating
- Nickel Plating
- Black Nickel Finish
- Powder Coating
- Painted Finish
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Zamak 7?
Zamak 7 is a high-purity zinc die-casting alloy designed for superior castability, surface finish quality, and plating performance.
What is Zamak 7 used for?
Typical applications include:
- Decorative Hardware
- Electronics Components
- Cosmetic Packaging
- Automotive Trim
- Precision Die Cast Parts
What is the equivalent material to Zamak 7?
Common equivalents include:
- UNS Z33522
- High Purity ZnAl4 Alloy
- ZL0400HP
What is the difference between Zamak 7 and Zamak 3?
| Property | Zamak 7 | Zamak 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Finish | Better | Excellent |
| Castability | Better | Excellent |
| Ductility | Slightly Higher | High |
| Strength | Similar | Similar |
Is Zamak 7 corrosion resistant?
Yes. It provides good corrosion resistance and performs exceptionally well when plated or coated.
Can Zamak 7 be machined?
Yes. Zamak 7 offers excellent machinability and often requires minimal secondary operations.
Why choose Zamak 7?
Because it combines:
- Superior Castability
- Outstanding Surface Finish
- Excellent Plating Quality
- High Dimensional Accuracy
- Decorative Appearance
Is Zamak 7 suitable for decorative products?
Yes. Zamak 7 is specifically designed for premium decorative and cosmetic applications.
Does GCNOV provide custom manufacturing services for Zamak 7?
Yes. GCNOV provides:
- Zinc Die Casting
- Precision CNC Machining
- Chrome Plating
- Surface Finishing
- Prototype Development
- Low-Volume Production
- Mass Production
- Decorative Metal Components