Zamak 3
the most common zinc die-casting alloy
Typical values for the temper in the title
Zamak 3 (ZnAl4, ASTM AG40A) is the base alloy of the Zamak family: about 96% zinc and 4% aluminum, almost without copper. It combines excellent castability with good long-term dimensional stability, good ductility and easy plating.
It is the most common zinc die-casting alloy: handles and hardware, faucets, automotive parts, toys and decorative parts.
Mechanical and physical properties
| Property | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength Rm | 283 MPa | |
| Yield strength Rp0.2 | 221 MPa | |
| Elongation A | 10% | |
| Hardness | 82 HB | |
| Modulus of elasticity E | 86 GPa | |
| Density ρ | 6.60 g/cm³ | |
| Machinability | 90% | relative rating in the site database |
Chemical composition (wt %)
| Element | Range | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Al aluminum | 3.5–4.3 | strength and castability |
| Mg magnesium | 0.020–0.05 | inhibits intergranular corrosion |
| Cu copper | max 0.25 | |
| Fe iron | max 0.10 | |
| Pb lead | max 0.005 | strictly limited |
| Zn zinc | balance |
Ranges per ASTM B86 (castings).
Conditions and product forms
Zinc die-casting alloys are supplied as cast. In the first months there is a small dimensional change (shrinkage), and precision parts are sometimes stabilized at low temperature.
| Condition | Properties | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| F (as die cast) | by alloy | delivery condition |
Applications
- Handles and hardware
- Faucets
- Automotive parts
- Toys
- Plated decorative parts
Fabrication
Casting
Very fluid with a low melting point (about 380–390 °C), so it is die cast in "hot chamber" machines, with thin walls and high precision, and long die life.
Finishing
Very suitable for plating (nickel, chrome) and painting.
Impurities
Lead, cadmium and tin are strictly limited by the standard: even small amounts cause intergranular corrosion and swelling of the part.
Compared with similar materials
| Material | Rm / Rp0.2 | Welding | When it is the better choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zamak 5 | 331 / 228 MPa | Brazing | with copper: stronger, less stable · material page |
| ZA-8 | 374 / 290 MPa | Medium | more aluminum: stronger · material page |
| A380.0 | 317 / 159 MPa | Not possible (HPDC) | aluminum die-casting alloy: lighter · material page |
Common mistakes
Using a zinc part above about 100 °C under constant load
Zinc alloys creep already at moderate temperatures.
Ignoring impurities in the melt
Lead and cadmium cause intergranular corrosion.
Mixing up the JIS designation
Zamak 3 is ZDC2. ZDC1 belongs to Zamak 5.
Equivalents, standards and supply
| EN | ZnAl4 (ZP3) |
|---|---|
| DIN | Z400 |
| JIS | ZDC2 |
| Standards | ASTM B86 / EN 12844 |
| Forms | die casting |
| Producers | Nyrstar · Zinc Nacional |
Learn more
Values are typical and for comparison only. For design, rely on the standard, the producer specification and the mill certificate. Sources: ASTM standards (B86, B386, B392/B393, B551, B708, B760 and others), producer data, and the METAL HUB materials database.
Updated: October 31, 2026