Most often, though casting design procedures, and alloy ZAMAK- 3 pressure die casting can be made to meet service or functional requirements. When this is not the case, especially where strength is concerned, ZAMAK- 5 is the logical choice. Except for a nominal 1% copper addition, the chemistry of ZAMAK- 5 is comparable to that of ZAMAK- 3. This composition modification results in higher tensile strength and increased hardness, with a sacrifice in elongation. ZAMAK- 5 also has significantly better creep resistance than the other alloys in the conventional group.
Zamak-5 is not as ductile as some of other alloys, a factor to consider when post casting operations are required, Because of the copper content, trim scrap should be segregated.
Chemistry
| Alloying Elements (%) | |||
| Al | – | 3.9 – 4.3 | |
| Cu | – | 0.75 – 1.25 | |
| Mg | – | 0.04 – 0.06 | |
| Impurities | Fe | – | 0.100 M |
| Cd | – | 0.002 M | |
| Sn | – | 0.002 M | |
| Pb | – | 0.003 M | |
Physics
| Brinel Hardness | – | 91 |
| Compressive Strength (psi) | – | 87000 |
| Tensile Strength (psi) | – | 48000 |
| Melting Points 0C | – | 405 |
| Density kg.m3 | – | 6700 |