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Zinc Alloy

Zamak 3 (Zinc Die Cast)

Zamak 3 is the standard zinc die-casting alloy and the baseline against which other zinc alloys are measured. Its low melting point enables fast cycle times, long die life, and exceptionally fine detail and thin walls. At 268 MPa tensile with a smooth surface that plates beautifully, it dominates small, intricate, decorative, and functional die-cast parts.

How Zamak 3 (Zinc Die Cast) machines

Rated 4.5/5, Zamak 3 machines easily for secondary operations like drilling, tapping, and facing, with low tool wear and good finishes. Most features come straight from the die, so machining is usually limited to critical tolerances and threaded holes rather than bulk material removal.

Manufacturing & processing

A die-casting-only alloy, Zamak 3 excels at hot-chamber casting with its low melt temperature, giving rapid cycles and intricate net shapes. Its standout trait is platability: it accepts bright chrome, nickel, and other decorative or functional finishes readily, which is a primary reason it is specified.

Typical applications

Used across automotive trim and brackets, plumbing and hardware, locks, connectors, zippers, toys, and decorative consumer hardware. Best for detailed plated die castings where fine features, smooth surfaces, and a high-quality plated finish matter more than maximum strength or service temperature (limited to 90C).

When to choose it

Choose Zamak 3 as the default zinc die-casting alloy for detailed, plated, or decorative parts in volume. Step up to Zamak 5 when you need more strength and hardness and can accept slightly lower ductility. For lighter weight at similar detail, compare against AZ91D magnesium.

Suitable surface finishes

Common finishes for Zamak 3 (Zinc Die Cast): chrome plating, powder coating, zinc plating. Use the finish selector →

FAQ

What is the difference between Zamak 3 and Zamak 5?
Zamak 5 adds about 1% copper, raising tensile from 268 to 328 MPa and hardness from 82 to 91 HB, but lowering elongation from 10% to 7%. Zamak 3 is the detail-and-plating default; Zamak 5 is chosen when extra strength and hardness justify slightly reduced ductility.
Why is Zamak 3 so good for plated parts?
Its low-temperature hot-chamber casting produces smooth, dense, fine-detail surfaces that accept bright chrome, nickel, and other finishes cleanly. This combination of crisp detail and excellent platability is the main reason it dominates decorative hardware, trim, and consumer fittings.
What limits Zamak 3 in service?
Its maximum service temperature is only about 90C, and zinc alloys can creep under sustained load and lose properties at elevated temperature. Keep Zamak 3 to room-temperature and mild applications; for hot or high-load duty, choose aluminum or steel instead.

Property values are typical/nominal for early guidance and vary by temper, grade, supplier and heat treatment. Confirm critical specs against a certified datasheet or with an mfgiq engineer.