ZA-12 vs Zamak 3: 57% composition overlap. Moderate differences, generally not direct substitutes.
ZA-12 vs Zamak 3
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
ZA-12
Z35631
Hypereutectic zinc-aluminum alloy with 11% Al and 1% Cu. Bridges the gap between Zamak alloys and ZA-27 with good castability in both gravity and pressure die casting (cold chamber). Higher strength and better bearing/wear properties than Zamak 3/5, with good machinability from continuous cast bar stock. Density 6.03 g/cm³. Used for bearings, bushings, wear-resistant components, hydraulic fittings, and general engineering castings. Can be chrome plated with modified processes.
Zamak 3
Z33520
The world's most widely used zinc die casting alloy — nearly 70% of all zinc die castings in North America. 4% Al provides excellent castability, dimensional stability, and surface finish. No copper addition gives best long-term dimensional stability and ductility. Superb plating, painting, and chromating characteristics. Used for automotive hardware, door handles, zippers, toys, electrical components, decorative fittings, and consumer goods. The benchmark zinc alloy. Also known as ASTM AG40A, EN ZnAl4.
| ZA-12 | Zamak 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | Z35631 | Z33520 |
| Category | zinc | zinc |
| Standard | ASTM B86 | ASTM B86 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | ZA-12 | Zamak 3 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cu | 0.5–1.25% | ≤ 0.25% | No overlap |
| Al | 10.5–11.5% | 3.5–4.3% | No overlap |
| Mg | 0.015–0.03% | 0.02–0.05% | Partial |
| Fe | ≤ 0.075% | ≤ 0.1% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | ZA-12 | Zamak 3 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 395–404 | 280–285 | MPa |
| yield_strength | 310–320 | 220–225 | MPa |
| elongation | 4–7 | 10–14 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
ZA-12 and Zamak 3 have moderate differences (57% overlap). They are generally not direct substitutes. Consider the specific requirements of your application.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ZA-12 the same as Zamak 3?
ZA-12 and Zamak 3 have a 57% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace ZA-12 with Zamak 3?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (57% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between ZA-12 and Zamak 3?
The main differences are in the following elements: Cu, Al, Mg. ZA-12 is a zinc grade, while Zamak 3 is a zinc grade.
View full data for each material:
Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.