Zamak 5
Zamak 5 is Zamak 3 with roughly 1% copper added to boost strength and hardness. It raises tensile to 328 MPa and hardness to 91 HB while keeping the same low-melt castability and fine detail. The cost is reduced ductility (7% elongation), making it the choice when a zinc die casting must carry more load than standard Zamak 3.
How Zamak 5 machines
At 4.5/5 it machines as readily as Zamak 3 for secondary work — drilling, tapping, and finishing of critical features — with low tool wear and clean surfaces. The slightly higher hardness barely affects machinability, and most geometry still comes net-shape from the die.
Manufacturing & processing
A die-casting-only alloy, Zamak 5 casts with the same fast hot-chamber cycles and fine detail as Zamak 3 thanks to its low melting point. It plates well too, though the copper addition makes it marginally less ideal than Zamak 3 for the very brightest decorative finishes.
Typical applications
Used for higher-strength die castings: load-bearing hardware, automotive components, gears, brackets, and fittings that need more strength and wear resistance than Zamak 3 provides. Best where a zinc die casting must combine fine detail and platability with greater mechanical capability.
When to choose it
Choose Zamak 5 over Zamak 3 when the part needs the extra strength and hardness and 7% elongation is acceptable. If maximum ductility or the brightest decorative plating is the priority, stay with Zamak 3. For higher service temperature or much higher load, move to aluminum or steel.
Suitable surface finishes
Common finishes for Zamak 5: chrome plating, powder coating, zinc plating. Use the finish selector →
FAQ
When should I pick Zamak 5 instead of Zamak 3?
Does the copper in Zamak 5 affect corrosion or plating?
Is Zamak 5 a casting-only alloy?
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.