Jul 10 2013
Topics Covered
Introduction
Chemical Composition
Physical Properties
Mechanical Properties
Thermal Properties
Applications
Introduction
Zamak 5 alloy has the same composition as Zamak 3 with the addition of 1% copper to improve corrosive resistance, hardness and strength. However, these improvements are tempered with a reduction in ductility that can affect formability during crimping, secondary bending, swaging or riveting operations.
The alloy can be readily plated, finished and machined when compared to zamak 3 alloy.
The following section will discuss in detail about zamak 5 alloy.
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of zamak 5 alloy is outlined in the following table.
|
Element |
Content (%) |
|
Nickel, Ni |
≥99 |
|
Manganese, Mn |
≤0.35 |
|
Iron, Fe |
≤0.20 |
|
Silicon, Si |
≤0.15 |
|
Copper, Cu |
≤0.15 |
|
Carbon, C |
≤0.15 |
|
Magnesium, Mg |
0.010 - 0.080 |
|
Titanium, Ti |
0.010 - 0.050 |
|
Sulfur, S |
≤0.0080 |
Physical Properties
The following table shows the physical properties of zamak 5 alloy.
|
Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
Density |
6.6 g/cm3 |
0.24 lb/in3 |
|
Melting point |
380-386°C |
717-727°F |
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of zamak 5 alloy are displayed in the following table.
|
Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
Tensile strength |
331 MPa |
48000 psi |
|
Yield strength |
295 MPa |
43000 psi |
|
Modulus of elasticity |
96 GPa |
14000000 psi |
|
Elongation at break |
7% |
7% |
|
Brinell hardness |
91 |
91 |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of zamak 5 alloy are given in the following table
|
Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
Thermal expansion co-efficient |
27.4 µm/m°C |
15.2 µin/in°F |
|
Thermal conductivity |
109 W/mK |
756 BTU.in/hrft².°F |
Applications
The following are the list of applications of zamak 5 alloy:
-
Automotive and small-engine applications
-
Wheel balancing weights
-
Die-cast toys.