Zinc Alloy Composition and Properties Table
| Country | Grade | Method | Chemical Composition (%) (Top: Min / Bottom: Max) | Material Properties (Top: Min / Bottom: Max) | Remarks | Similar Alloys | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al | Cu | Mg | Fe | Pb | Cd | Sn | Ni | Si | Mn | Ti | Others | Zn | Tensile (MPa) | Yield (MPa) | Elong. (%) | Hardness (HB) | Shear (MPa) | Fatigue (MPa) | Density (g/cm³) | Melt (°C) | |||||
| ISO | ZnAl4 | Die casting | – 3.9 | – 0.03 | – 0.06 | 0.03 – | – 0.003 | – 0.001 | – 0.003 | – | – | – | – | – | Bal | – – | – – | – – | – – | – | – | – | – | ZDC2, 3#ZnDC | |
| ZnAl4Cu1 | Die casting | – 3.9 | – 1.25 | 0.03 0.06 | – – | – 0.003 | – 0.003 | – 0.001 | – | – | – | – | – | Bal | – – | – – | – – | – – | – | – | – | – | ZDC1, 5#ZnDC | ||
| Japan | ZDC1 | Die casting | 3.5 4.3 | 0.75 1.25 | 0.02 0.06 | – 0.1 | – 0.005 | – 0.003 | – 0.004 | – | – | – | – | – | Bal | 325 – | 160 – | 7 – | 91 – | – | – | – | – | Good mechanical properties, corrosion resistant. Used for auto pistons. | 5#ZnDC, ZnAl4Cu1 |
| ZDC2 | Die casting | 3.5 4.3 | – 0.25 | 0.02 0.06 | – 0.1 | – 0.005 | – 0.003 | – 0.004 | – | – | – | – | – 0.004 | Bal | 285 – | 140 – | 10 – | 82 – | – | – | – | – | Good casting and plating properties. | 3#ZnDC, ZnAl4 | |
| USA | 2#ZnDC (Zamak2) | Die casting | 3.9 4.3 | 2.6 2.9 | 0.025 0.05 | – 0.075 | – 0.004 | – 0.002 | – 0.003 | – | – | – | – | – – | Bal | – | – | 7 – | 100 – | 317 – | 58.6 – | 6.6 – | 379 390 | AC43A equivalent. High corrosion resistance, good platability. | |
| 3#ZnDC (Zamak3) | Die casting | 3.9 4.3 | – 0.1 | 0.025 0.05 | – 0.08 | – 0.003 | – 0.002 | – 0.003 | – | – | – | – | – 0.003 | Bal | 283 – | 221 – | 10 – | 82 – | 215 – | 47.6 – | 6.6 – | 381 387 | AG40A equivalent. Good fluidity and corrosion resistance. | ZDC2, ZnAl4 | |
| 5#ZnDC (Zamak5) | Die casting | 3.9 4.3 | 0.75 1.25 | 0.03 0.06 | – 0.08 | – 0.003 | – 0.002 | – 0.003 | – | – | – | – | – 0.003 | Bal | 328 – | 269 – | 7 – | 91 – | 260 – | 56.5 – | 6.7 – | 380 386 | AC41A equivalent. Good corrosion resistance. | ZDC1, ZnAl4Cu1 | |
| ZA-8 | Die casting | 8.2 8.8 | 0.8 1.3 | 0.02 0.03 | – 0.075 | – 0.005 | – 0.005 | – 0.002 | – | – | – | – | – 0.005 | Bal | 283 296 | – | 6 10 | 100 106 | 276 | 103 | 6.3 | 375 404 | High strength. Suitable for auto, electric, appliance parts. | ||
| ZA-12 | Die casting | 10.8 11.5 | 0.5 1.2 | 0.02 0.03 | – 0.075 | – 0.005 | – 0.005 | – 0.002 | – | – | – | – | – 0.005 | Bal | 310 330 | – | 4 7 | 95 105 | 296 | – | 6.03 | 377 432 | High strength. Suitable for bearings. | ||
Composition Element Effects (Alloying Elements in Zinc)
Note: Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), and Tin (Sn) are harmful impurities that can cause intergranular corrosion and dimensional instability; they must be strictly controlled.
- Aluminum (Al): Reduces interaction with Iron (prevents sticking to the die), refines grain, increases strength and improves fluidity. Too little Al (<3.5%) can lead to soldering; too much can lead to brittleness.
- Copper (Cu): Increases tensile strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. However, it can reduce impact strength and dimensional stability over time (aging).
- Magnesium (Mg): Added in small amounts to counteract the harmful effects of impurities (like Pb, Sn, Cd) and improve corrosion resistance. It also hardens the alloy but reduces fluidity and ductility if excess is present.
- Impurities (Fe, Pb, Cd, Sn): Even trace amounts can lead to catastrophic intergranular corrosion, swelling, and cracking, especially in humid environments.
