Updated on Jun 3 2025
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 corrosion 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 (%) |
| Zinc, Zn |
Balance |
| Aluminum, Al |
3.9 – 4.3 |
| Copper, Cu |
0.75 – 1.25 |
| Magnesium, Mg |
0.03 – 0.06 |
| Iron, Fe |
≤0.075 |
| Lead, Pb |
≤0.005 |
| Cadmium, Cd |
≤0.005 |
| Tin, Sn |
≤0.002 |
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.