Zinc-aluminium ZA-12 and ZA-27 foundry alloys ZA-12, ZA-27
Zinc-base alloys, weight %. ZA-12 ingot (ASTM B240, Eazall): Al 10.8 to 11.5, Cu 0.5 to 1.2, Mg 0.02 to 0.03, Fe 0.05 max, Pb 0.005 max, Cd 0.005 max, Sn 0.002 max, Zn balance
Also known as ASTM B240, ASTM B86, ISO ZP27, ZA-12, ZA-27
ZA-12 and ZA-27 are zinc-base foundry alloys with aluminium as the main alloying element.
Evidence level
2 of 5
Lab-measured
- 0Predicted only. No one has made it, or no measurement exists.
- 1Calculated. Only calculated or predicted values from sources.
- 2Lab-measured. Measured properties with their conditions stated.
- 3Space-relevant tests. Measured in conditions relevant to space, such as vacuum or atomic oxygen.
- 4Ground-qualified. Qualified for an application on the ground.
- 5Flown or field-proven. Flight or field results exist.
Recipe, share of the weight
- Zn not statedZinc
- Al not statedAluminium
- Cu not statedCopper
- Mg not statedMagnesium
Best for
Gravity-cast or die-cast bearings, bushings and wear parts that need more strength than zinc die-casting alloys (Total Materia and Eazall)
Weakest at
Molten metal reacts violently with water, and the melt gives off zinc oxide fume (Bridesburg SDS); ZA-27 has the least castability of the pair (Firstmold)
Risk at a glance
- People None found. Not hazardous as shipped; molten metal burns and fumes
- If it fails High. Molten alloy reacting with water or moisture
- Corrosion Moderate. ZA alloys resist corrosion less than aluminium but better than Zamac, and the pH of the water should stay close to neutral.
Quick facts: ZA-12, ZA-27
| Property | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 5 to 6 g/cm³ | 3 sourced values across conditions |
| Yield strength | 257 to 379 MPa | 3 sourced values across conditions |
| Tensile strength | 310 to 441 MPa | 4 sourced values across conditions |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 95 to 125 Brinell | 3 sourced values across conditions |
| Melting point | 375 to 484 °C | 2 sourced values across conditions |
| Specific heat | 0.11 to 0.13 BTU/lb/deg F | 2 sourced values across conditions |
What is the density of Zinc-aluminium ZA-12 and ZA-27 foundry alloys?
Zinc-aluminium ZA-12 and ZA-27 foundry alloys has a density of 5 to 6 g/cm³. The range covers 3 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the melting point of Zinc-aluminium ZA-12 and ZA-27 foundry alloys?
Zinc-aluminium ZA-12 and ZA-27 foundry alloys has a melting point of 375 to 484 °C. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the yield strength of Zinc-aluminium ZA-12 and ZA-27 foundry alloys?
Zinc-aluminium ZA-12 and ZA-27 foundry alloys has a yield strength of 257 to 379 MPa. The range covers 3 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the tensile strength of Zinc-aluminium ZA-12 and ZA-27 foundry alloys?
Zinc-aluminium ZA-12 and ZA-27 foundry alloys has a tensile strength of 310 to 441 MPa. The range covers 4 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the hardness of Zinc-aluminium ZA-12 and ZA-27 foundry alloys?
Zinc-aluminium ZA-12 and ZA-27 foundry alloys has a Brinell hardness of 95 to 125 Brinell. The range covers 3 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What are the other names and codes for Zinc-aluminium ZA-12 and ZA-27 foundry alloys?
Zinc-aluminium ZA-12 and ZA-27 foundry alloys is also written as ASTM B240, ASTM B86, ISO ZP27, ZA-12, ZA-27. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.
What is Zinc-aluminium ZA-12 and ZA-27 foundry alloys used for?
Uses recorded in the sources include Bearings and bushings; Wear and bearing parts; Weight-bearing castings.
Why it exists
ZA-12 and ZA-27 are zinc-aluminium casting alloys chosen for bearings and wear parts. Total Materia says both gravity cast alloys are direct substitutes for bronze industrial bearings. Eazall gives typical die cast tensile strengths of 400 MPa for ZA-12 and 421 MPa for ZA-27, and says ZA-27 has excellent bearing and wear performance. The two alloys differ mainly in aluminium content, which is 10.8 to 11.5 % in the ZA-12 ingot and 25.5 to 28.0 % in the ZA-27 ingot (Eazall).
Where it's used
Bearings and bushings
Total Materia describes gravity cast ZA-12 and ZA-27 as direct substitutes for bronze industrial bearings.
Wear and bearing parts
Eazall says ZA-27 is the lightest alloy available and has excellent bearing and wear performance.
Weight-bearing castings
Firstmold recommends ZA-12 and ZA-27 where weight-bearing capacity and dimensional stability under load are of prime importance.
Recipe
Zinc-base alloys, weight %. ZA-12 ingot (ASTM B240, Eazall): Al 10.8 to 11.5, Cu 0.5 to 1.2, Mg 0.02 to 0.03, Fe 0.05 max, Pb 0.005 max, Cd 0.005 max, Sn 0.002 max, Zn balance; Eazall lists no nickel. ZA-12 die casting (ASTM B86, Eazall): Cu 0.8 to 1.2, Mg 0.01 to 0.03, Fe 0.075 max, Pb 0.006 max, Cd 0.006 max, Sn 0.003 max, Zn balance; the die casting aluminium figure is printed as "10-5-11.5", a probable typo, and is not recorded. ZA-27 ingot (ASTM B240, Eazall): Al 25.5 to 28.0, Cu 2.0 to 2.5, Mg 0.012 to 0.02, Fe 0.07 max, Pb 0.005 max, Cd 0.005 max, Sn 0.002 max, Zn balance. ZA-27 die casting (ASTM B86, Eazall): Al 25.0 to 28.0, Cu 2.0 to 2.5, Mg 0.01 to 0.02, Fe 0.075 max, Pb 0.006 max, Cd 0.006 max, Sn 0.003 max, Zn balance.
ZA-12 and ZA-27 are zinc-base alloys. Zinc is the balance. Aluminium is the main alloying element, at 10.8 to 11.5 % in the ZA-12 ingot and 25.5 to 28.0 % in the ZA-27 ingot (Eazall, ASTM B240 composition). Copper and magnesium are added in small amounts. Eazall says ZA-12 can be gravity cast or die cast, and that ZA-27 must be cast in a cold chamber machine.
| Ingredient | Share of the weight | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Zinc Zn | not stated | The base metal. It forms the matrix that carries the other alloying elements. |
| Aluminium Al | not stated | Sets the alloy family. Firstmold labels ZA-12 "(12% Al)", which does not match the Eazall ingot range, and both figures are recorded. |
| Copper Cu | not stated | Adds strength. Eazall prints a higher copper range for ZA-27 than for ZA-12. |
| Magnesium Mg | not stated | A small addition. The Eazall tables give its limits, not its function. |
Weight shares are as printed in the sources.
What it can do
Typical ZA-12 die casting
tensile strength of 400 MPa and yield strength of 317 MPa (Eazall, typical values).
Typical ZA-27 die casting
tensile strength of 421 MPa and yield strength of 379 MPa (Eazall). The ICAST casting range is 310 to 441 MPa.
Melting range
Melting range of 377 to 432 °C for ZA-12 and 375 to 484 °C for ZA-27 (Eazall, typical die cast).
Electrical conductivity
Carry electricity at 28.3 %IACS for ZA-12 and 29.7 %IACS for ZA-27 (Eazall, typical die cast).
How it compares
ZA-27 has the higher typical tensile strength, 421 MPa against 400 MPa for ZA-12, and it is the lighter alloy at 5.0 g/cc against 6.0 g/cc in the Eazall tables. ZA-12 stretches more, at 4 to 7 % elongation against 1 to 3 % for ZA-27, and it has the narrower melting range, at 377 to 432 °C against 375 to 484 °C for ZA-27. Firstmold prints a density of 5.6 g/cm3 for ZA-12, so the density of ZA-12 is not settled by the sources read here. The table compares tensile strength, density and melting range.
The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details. Other materials are shown beside it; each was measured under its own conditions, so open its page before comparing closely. Compare every grade in the family.
| Measurement | ZA-12, ZA-27 | Zn | Zamak | Zn minor alloys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal behavior and safety | ||||
| melting point | 377 to 432 °C7 | 419.5 °C | 381 to 387 °C | 420 °C |
| specific heat | 0.107 BTU/lb/deg F9 | 418.7 J/(kg·K) | 418.7 J/(kg·K) | no data |
| melting point | 375 to 484 °C17 | 419.5 °C | 381 to 387 °C | 420 °C |
| specific heat | 0.125 BTU/lb/deg F19 | 418.7 J/(kg·K) | 418.7 J/(kg·K) | no data |
| Physical and electrical | ||||
| brinell hardness | 95 to 115 Brinell4 | > 82 HB | > 82 HB | no data |
| Density | 6 g/cc5 | 7.133 g/cm³ | no data | 7.2 g/cm³ |
| Density | 5.6 g/cm³6 | 7.133 g/cm³ | no data | 7.2 g/cm³ |
| electrical conductivity | 28.3 %IACS8 | 27 % IACS | 27 % IACS | no data |
| brinell hardness | 105 to 125 Brinell15 | > 82 HB | > 82 HB | no data |
| Density | 5 g/cc16 | 7.133 g/cm³ | no data | 7.2 g/cm³ |
| electrical conductivity | 29.7 %IACS18 | 27 % IACS | 27 % IACS | no data |
| brinell hardness | 94 to 119 HB26 | > 82 HB | > 82 HB | no data |
| Temperature behavior | ||||
| casting temperature | 480 to 540 °C11 | no data | no data | no data |
| casting temperature | 540 to 590 °C21 | no data | no data | no data |
| Other measurements | ||||
| ultimate tensile strength | 400 MPa1 | > 150 N/mm2 | > 283 MPa | > 150 N/mm2 |
| yield strength | 317 MPa2 | > 110 N/mm2 | > 221 MPa | > 100 N/mm2 |
| elongation | 4 to 7 %3 | > 40 % | > 10 % | > 35 % |
| die shrinkage | 0.0075 in/in10 | no data | no data | no data |
| ultimate tensile strength | 421 MPa12 | > 150 N/mm2 | > 283 MPa | > 150 N/mm2 |
| yield strength | 379 MPa13 | > 110 N/mm2 | > 221 MPa | > 100 N/mm2 |
| elongation | 1 to 3 %14 | > 40 % | > 10 % | > 35 % |
| die shrinkage | 0.008 in/in20 | no data | no data | no data |
| ultimate tensile strength | 426 MPa22 | > 150 N/mm2 | > 283 MPa | > 150 N/mm2 |
| ultimate tensile strength | 310 to 441 MPa23 | > 150 N/mm2 | > 283 MPa | > 150 N/mm2 |
| yield strength | 257 to 376 MPa24 | > 110 N/mm2 | > 221 MPa | > 100 N/mm2 |
| elongation | 1 to 11 %25 | > 40 % | > 10 % | > 35 % |
Why choose it, and why not
Good for
- Bearings and bushings, where Total Materia says ZA alloys can take the place of bronze industrial bearings.
- Wear parts where Eazall reports excellent bearing and wear performance for ZA-27.
Watch out for
- Molten ZA alloy reacts violently with water or moisture, according to the Bridesburg SDS.
- Melting and overheating release zinc oxide fume, which can cause metal fume fever.
- Sources disagree on ZA-27 tensile strength (421 MPa typical die cast, 426 MPa in Total Materia, 310 to 441 MPa in ICAST), so check the test form before you design to a number.
ZA-12 and ZA-27 are casting alloys with typical die cast figures from Eazall and bearing uses described in the sources read here. Their main hazards come when the alloy is melted, and the sources disagree on several values.
Technical details
For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.
Other names and standards
The same grade under other systems, as datasheets and standards print them. Each code was checked against the page it comes from.
| System | Codes |
|---|---|
| ASTM | B240 (ZA-12 ingot composition), B86 (ZA-12 die casting composition) |
| ISO | ZP27 (ZA-27) |
| Trade name | ZA-12, ZA-27 |
Notes
The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.
| # | Measurement | Method | Conditions | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ultimate tensile strength | Typical die cast mechanical properties table, metric value in parentheses as printed | alloy ZA-12form typical die castingunit in source 58 (400) ksi (MPa)basis typical value, not a minimum | — |
| 2 | yield strength | Typical die cast mechanical properties table, metric value in parentheses as printed | alloy ZA-12form typical die castingunit in source 46 (317) ksi (MPa)basis typical value, not a minimum | — |
| 3 | elongation | Typical die cast mechanical properties table, range as printed | alloy ZA-12form typical die casting | — |
| 4 | brinell hardness | Typical die cast mechanical properties table, range as printed (benchmark name not in property-canon.yaml) | alloy ZA-12form typical die castingunit in source Brinell | — |
| 5 | Density | Typical die cast physical properties table, metric value in parentheses as printed | alloy ZA-12form typical die castingunit in source 0.218 (6.0) lb/in^3 (g/cc) | — |
| 6 | Density | Comparison table of ZA alloy data on the Firstmold page, ZA-12 column; conflicts with the Eazall value of 6.0 g/cc | alloy ZA-12form not stated on the page | — |
| 7 | melting point | Typical die cast physical properties table, melt range in deg C as printed in parentheses | alloy ZA-12form typical die castingunit in source 710-810 (377-432) deg F (deg C) | — |
| 8 | electrical conductivity | Typical die cast physical properties table as printed (benchmark name not in property-canon.yaml) | alloy ZA-12form typical die casting | — |
| 9 | specific heat | Typical die cast physical properties table, value and unit as printed | alloy ZA-12form typical die casting | — |
| 10 | die shrinkage | Typical die cast physical properties table as printed (benchmark name not in property-canon.yaml) | alloy ZA-12form typical die casting | — |
| 11 | casting temperature | Die casting section of the Total Materia article, stated as about 50 degC lower than ZA-27; benchmark name not in property-canon.yaml | alloy ZA-12process melt temperature for casting, not a melting pointunit in source 480-540°C | — |
| 12 | ultimate tensile strength | Typical die cast mechanical properties table, metric value in parentheses as printed | alloy ZA-27form typical die castingunit in source 61 ksi (421 MPa)basis typical value, not a minimum | — |
| 13 | yield strength | Typical die cast mechanical properties table, metric value in parentheses as printed | alloy ZA-27form typical die castingunit in source 55 ksi (379 MPa)basis typical value, not a minimum | — |
| 14 | elongation | Typical die cast mechanical properties table, range as printed | alloy ZA-27form typical die casting | — |
| 15 | brinell hardness | Typical die cast mechanical properties table, range as printed (benchmark name not in property-canon.yaml) | alloy ZA-27form typical die castingunit in source Brinell | — |
| 16 | Density | Typical die cast physical properties table, metric value in parentheses as printed | alloy ZA-27form typical die castingunit in source 0.181 (5.0 g/cc) lb/in^3 | — |
| 17 | melting point | Typical die cast physical properties table, melt range in deg C as printed in parentheses | alloy ZA-27form typical die castingunit in source 708-903 deg F (375-484 deg C) | — |
| 18 | electrical conductivity | Typical die cast physical properties table as printed (benchmark name not in property-canon.yaml) | alloy ZA-27form typical die casting | — |
| 19 | specific heat | Typical die cast physical properties table, value and unit as printed | alloy ZA-27form typical die casting | — |
| 20 | die shrinkage | Typical die cast physical properties table as printed (benchmark name not in property-canon.yaml) | alloy ZA-27form typical die casting | — |
| 21 | casting temperature | Die casting section of the Total Materia article, melt temperature as printed; benchmark name not in property-canon.yaml | alloy ZA-27process melt held for die casting, not a melting pointunit in source 540-590°C | — |
| 22 | ultimate tensile strength | Introduction of the Total Materia article, range ending at 426 MPa for ZA-27; conflicts with the Eazall typical value of 421 MPa | alloy ZA-27form not stated on the pagenote on form stated only as the upper end of a range from ZA-8 to ZA-27 | — |
| 23 | ultimate tensile strength | Mechanical properties table of the ICAST ZA-27 datasheet, range as printed | alloy ZA-27form casting, as-cast or agedunit in source 310 - 441 Mpa | — |
| 24 | yield strength | Mechanical properties table of the ICAST ZA-27 datasheet, range as printed | alloy ZA-27form casting, as-cast or agedunit in source 257 - 376 Mpa | — |
| 25 | elongation | Mechanical properties table of the ICAST ZA-27 datasheet, range as printed; wider than the Eazall range | alloy ZA-27form casting, as-cast or aged | — |
| 26 | brinell hardness | Mechanical properties table of the ICAST ZA-27 datasheet, range as printed (benchmark name not in property-canon.yaml) | alloy ZA-27form casting, as-cast or aged | — |
Corrosion and compatibility
What happens when it meets other materials and environments.
| Environment | Concern | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Aqueous exposure (water and aqueous solutions) | moderate | ZA alloys resist corrosion less than aluminium but better than Zamac, and the pH of the water should stay close to neutral.1 |
| Finished surfaces in salt spray | not rated | Finishes protect the alloy; the salt-spray result quoted is for zinc anodizing, not for bare ZA alloy.2 |
| # | Environment | Details | Test conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aqueous exposure (water and aqueous solutions) | Total Materia says the corrosion resistance of ZA alloys tends to fall between that of the Zamac alloys and aluminium, and that for aqueous exposure the pH should be kept close to neutral. No test rate or time-to-failure for bare ZA-12 or ZA-27 was found in a source we read. | basis qualitative statement in the technical concerns section, not a measured ratealloys ZA alloys in general, including ZA-12 and ZA-27 |
| 2 | Finished surfaces in salt spray | Total Materia lists chromating, electroplating, painting and zinc anodizing as finishing options, and says zinc anodizing has withstood several thousand hours of neutral salt spray testing. The page prints the test standard as ASTM 8117, which is probably a typo for ASTM B117, and gives no bare-alloy salt-spray result. | basis finish-specific result as printed; no bare-alloy testtest neutral salt spray, standard printed as ASTM 8117 |
Risks and side effects
Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.
For people
The Bridesburg SDS says no ingredient qualifies as hazardous under the US Hazard Communication Standard. The risks come when the alloy is melted, burned or cast.
- The solid alloy
- Dust from cutting or grinding is a respiratory hazard, and the SDS says so in its other-hazards list.
- Molten metal
- Molten alloy burns the skin and eyes on contact. Eyes should be rinsed immediately with plenty of water (Bridesburg SDS).
- Fume
- Melting or burning forms zinc oxide fume. Overheating a molten bath can cause metal fume fever, a transient influenza-like illness (Teck SDS, zinc metal).
If the melt meets water
Water or damp material in a molten bath is the main hazard the sources name. The Bridesburg SDS calls the reaction violent to explosive.
- Damp ingots
- Ingots that may hold moisture must be thoroughly dried before they go into the bath (Teck SDS, zinc metal).
- Fire response
- Use dry chemical, dry sand or Class D powder on a metal fire. Do not use water, carbon dioxide or foam on molten metal.
Handling and storage
The SDS practice for molten metal is dry feed, heat-resistant gloves and protective clothing.
- Feed
- Add only dry material to the metal bath (Bridesburg SDS).
- Protection
- Where molten metal is involved, wear heat-resistant gloves and suitable protective clothing (Teck SDS).
Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.
Failure risks
| Failure | Trigger and consequence |
|---|---|
| Molten alloy reacting with water or moisturehigh severity | Water, damp material or moisture entering a molten bathViolent to explosive reaction, per the Bridesburg SDS (in molten state, with water or moisture) |
| Zinc oxide fume from an overheated meltmoderate severity | Overheating a molten bath to or near the boiling pointMetal fume fever, a transient influenza-like illness, on inhalation in sufficient quantity (Teck zinc metal SDS; zinc metal, not the ZA alloy) |
Side effects on surrounding parts
| Affects | Effect |
|---|---|
| Waterways, drains and soil near the foundry | Zinc compounds can be toxic, particularly in aquatic environments, so releases to water and soil should be prevented (Teck zinc metal SDS; zinc metal, not the ZA alloy). |
Handling and storage
- Add only dry material to the metal bath (Bridesburg SDS, handling section).
- Dry ingots thoroughly before adding them to a molten bath, because damp zinc can react violently with the melt (Teck zinc metal SDS).
- Wear heat-resistant gloves and suitable clothing where molten metal is involved, and respiratory protection against dust and fume (Teck zinc metal SDS).
Mitigations
- For a metal fire, use dry chemical, dry sand or special powder (Class D) extinguishing media, and do not use water, carbon dioxide or foam on molten metal (Bridesburg SDS).
- In a metal bath fire, add metal blocks to smother it, and dilute toxic gases with a water spray (Bridesburg SDS).
Supply and geography
How common the raw materials are and where they come from.
Zinc
- Top producers (2025)
- China 31.5%, Peru 11.5%, Australia 8.5%, India 6.7%, Mexico 6%
- Recycling
- USGS: refined zinc produced in the United States was recovered from secondary materials at both primary and secondary smelters, including galvanizing residues and crude zinc oxide from electric arc furnace dust.
- Substitutes
- USGS: aluminum- and magnesium-base alloys are major substitutes for zinc-base diecasting alloys.
Aluminium
- Top producers (2025)
- China 60.8%, India 5.7%, Russia 5.3%, Canada 4.5%, United Arab Emirates 3.6%
- Recycling
- USGS: aluminum recovered from purchased scrap in the United States was about 3.6 million tons in 2025, about 56% of it from new scrap.
Documents
Datasheets, safety data sheets, papers and standards you can open.
| Document | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Eazall ZA-12 alloy data page | datasheet | 2026 |
| Eazall ZA-27 alloy data page | datasheet | 2026 |
| ICAST Alloys datasheet, UNS Z35841 (ZA-27 table) | datasheet | 2026 |
| Bridesburg Foundry safety data sheet, ZA Alloys (ZA-8, ZA-12, ZA-27) | sds | 2025 |
| Teck zinc metal safety data sheet | sds | 2026 |
| USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: zinc | report | 2026 |
| USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: aluminum | report | 2026 |
Full record
The complete spore, as stored. Free to reuse under CC-BY-4.0. Images keep the licence shown with each one.
Show the full YAML
spore: profile
id: zinc-aluminium-za-12-za-27
spore_version: 0.2
family: zinc-alloys
name: Zinc-aluminium ZA-12 and ZA-27 foundry alloys
abbreviation: ZA-12, ZA-27
role: gravity and die casting alloy for bearings and wear parts
category: metals
type: heavy-metals
summary: |
ZA-12 and ZA-27 are zinc-base foundry alloys with aluminium as the main alloying element. Eazall prints an ingot aluminium content of 10.8 to 11.5 % for ZA-12 and 25.5 to 28.0 % for ZA-27 (ASTM B240 composition). Eazall's typical die cast tensile strength is 400 MPa for ZA-12 and 421 MPa for ZA-27, with yield strengths of 317 MPa and 379 MPa. ZA-27 is the lighter alloy at 5.0 g/cc against 6.0 g/cc for ZA-12 (Eazall), but ZA-12 stretches more, at 4 to 7 % elongation against 1 to 3 %. Sources disagree on the ZA-12 density (5.6 g/cm3 per Firstmold) and on the ZA-27 tensile strength, and both are recorded side by side.
best_for: Gravity-cast or die-cast bearings, bushings and wear parts that need more strength than zinc die-casting alloys (Total Materia and Eazall)
weakest_at: Molten metal reacts violently with water, and the melt gives off zinc oxide fume (Bridesburg SDS); ZA-27 has the least castability of the pair (Firstmold)
identity:
formula: 'Zinc-base alloys, weight %. ZA-12 ingot (ASTM B240, Eazall): Al 10.8 to 11.5, Cu 0.5 to 1.2, Mg 0.02 to 0.03, Fe 0.05 max, Pb 0.005 max, Cd 0.005 max, Sn 0.002 max, Zn balance; Eazall lists no nickel. ZA-12 die casting (ASTM B86, Eazall): Cu 0.8 to 1.2, Mg 0.01 to 0.03, Fe 0.075 max, Pb 0.006 max, Cd 0.006 max, Sn 0.003 max, Zn balance; the die casting aluminium figure is printed as "10-5-11.5", a probable typo, and is not recorded. ZA-27 ingot (ASTM B240, Eazall): Al 25.5 to 28.0, Cu 2.0 to 2.5, Mg 0.012 to 0.02, Fe 0.07 max, Pb 0.005 max, Cd 0.005 max, Sn 0.002 max, Zn balance. ZA-27 die casting (ASTM B86, Eazall): Al 25.0 to 28.0, Cu 2.0 to 2.5, Mg 0.01 to 0.02, Fe 0.075 max, Pb 0.006 max, Cd 0.006 max, Sn 0.003 max, Zn balance.'
source: eazall-za12
where: ZA-12 values from the Chemical Analysis table of the Eazall ZA-12 page; ZA-27 values from the Chemical Analysis table of the Eazall ZA-27 page (source eazall-za27)
designations:
- system: Trade name
code: ZA-12
source: eazall-za12
where: Page heading and alloy name in the Eazall ZA-12 page
- system: Trade name
code: ZA-27
source: eazall-za27
where: Page heading and alloy name in the Eazall ZA-27 page
- system: ASTM
code: B240
note: ZA-12 ingot composition
source: eazall-za12
where: Chemical Analysis table, Ingot (ASTM B240) column
- system: ASTM
code: B86
note: ZA-12 die casting composition
source: eazall-za12
where: Chemical Analysis table, Die Cast (ASTM B86) column
- system: ISO
code: ZP27
note: ZA-27
source: icast-za27
where: Cross Reference Table, ISO row
tags:
applications:
- mechanisms
- structures
properties:
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
value: 400
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-12
form: typical die casting
unit_in_source: 58 (400) ksi (MPa)
basis: typical value, not a minimum
method: Typical die cast mechanical properties table, metric value in parentheses as printed
status: ground
source: eazall-za12
where: Typical Die Cast Mechanical Properties table, UTS row
- benchmark: yield_strength
value: 317
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-12
form: typical die casting
unit_in_source: 46 (317) ksi (MPa)
basis: typical value, not a minimum
method: Typical die cast mechanical properties table, metric value in parentheses as printed
status: ground
source: eazall-za12
where: Typical Die Cast Mechanical Properties table, Yield Strength row
- benchmark: elongation
value: 4
value_high: 7
bound: range
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-12
form: typical die casting
method: Typical die cast mechanical properties table, range as printed
status: ground
source: eazall-za12
where: Typical Die Cast Mechanical Properties table, Elongation row
- benchmark: brinell_hardness
value: 95
value_high: 115
bound: range
unit: Brinell
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-12
form: typical die casting
unit_in_source: Brinell
method: Typical die cast mechanical properties table, range as printed (benchmark name not in property-canon.yaml)
status: ground
source: eazall-za12
where: Typical Die Cast Mechanical Properties table, Hardness row
- benchmark: density
value: 6
unit: g/cc
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-12
form: typical die casting
unit_in_source: 0.218 (6.0) lb/in^3 (g/cc)
method: Typical die cast physical properties table, metric value in parentheses as printed
status: ground
source: eazall-za12
where: Typical Die Cast Physical Properties table, Density row
- benchmark: density
value: 5.6
unit: g/cm3
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-12
form: not stated on the page
method: Comparison table of ZA alloy data on the Firstmold page, ZA-12 column; conflicts with the Eazall value of 6.0 g/cc
status: ground
source: firstmold-zinc
where: ZA alloy data table, density row, ZA-12 column
- benchmark: melting_point
value: 377
value_high: 432
bound: range
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-12
form: typical die casting
unit_in_source: 710-810 (377-432) deg F (deg C)
method: Typical die cast physical properties table, melt range in deg C as printed in parentheses
status: ground
source: eazall-za12
where: Typical Die Cast Physical Properties table, Melt Range row
- benchmark: electrical_conductivity
value: 28.3
unit: '%IACS'
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-12
form: typical die casting
method: Typical die cast physical properties table as printed (benchmark name not in property-canon.yaml)
status: ground
source: eazall-za12
where: Typical Die Cast Physical Properties table, Electrical Conduct row
- benchmark: specific_heat
value: 0.107
unit: BTU/lb/deg F
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-12
form: typical die casting
method: Typical die cast physical properties table, value and unit as printed
status: ground
source: eazall-za12
where: Typical Die Cast Physical Properties table, Specific Heat row
- benchmark: die_shrinkage
value: 0.0075
unit: in/in
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-12
form: typical die casting
method: Typical die cast physical properties table as printed (benchmark name not in property-canon.yaml)
status: ground
source: eazall-za12
where: Typical Die Cast Physical Properties table, Die Shrinkage row
- benchmark: casting_temperature
value: 480
value_high: 540
bound: range
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-12
process: melt temperature for casting, not a melting point
unit_in_source: 480-540°C
method: Die casting section of the Total Materia article, stated as about 50 degC lower than ZA-27; benchmark name not in property-canon.yaml
status: ground
source: totalmateria-za
where: Die Casting the ZA Alloys section, ZA-12 paragraph
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
value: 421
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-27
form: typical die casting
unit_in_source: 61 ksi (421 MPa)
basis: typical value, not a minimum
method: Typical die cast mechanical properties table, metric value in parentheses as printed
status: ground
source: eazall-za27
where: Typical Die Cast Mechanical Properties table, UTS row
- benchmark: yield_strength
value: 379
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-27
form: typical die casting
unit_in_source: 55 ksi (379 MPa)
basis: typical value, not a minimum
method: Typical die cast mechanical properties table, metric value in parentheses as printed
status: ground
source: eazall-za27
where: Typical Die Cast Mechanical Properties table, Yield Strength row
- benchmark: elongation
value: 1
value_high: 3
bound: range
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-27
form: typical die casting
method: Typical die cast mechanical properties table, range as printed
status: ground
source: eazall-za27
where: Typical Die Cast Mechanical Properties table, Elongation row
- benchmark: brinell_hardness
value: 105
value_high: 125
bound: range
unit: Brinell
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-27
form: typical die casting
unit_in_source: Brinell
method: Typical die cast mechanical properties table, range as printed (benchmark name not in property-canon.yaml)
status: ground
source: eazall-za27
where: Typical Die Cast Mechanical Properties table, Hardness row
- benchmark: density
value: 5
unit: g/cc
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-27
form: typical die casting
unit_in_source: 0.181 (5.0 g/cc) lb/in^3
method: Typical die cast physical properties table, metric value in parentheses as printed
status: ground
source: eazall-za27
where: Typical Die Cast Physical Properties table, Density row
- benchmark: melting_point
value: 375
value_high: 484
bound: range
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-27
form: typical die casting
unit_in_source: 708-903 deg F (375-484 deg C)
method: Typical die cast physical properties table, melt range in deg C as printed in parentheses
status: ground
source: eazall-za27
where: Typical Die Cast Physical Properties table, Melt Range row
- benchmark: electrical_conductivity
value: 29.7
unit: '%IACS'
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-27
form: typical die casting
method: Typical die cast physical properties table as printed (benchmark name not in property-canon.yaml)
status: ground
source: eazall-za27
where: Typical Die Cast Physical Properties table, Electrical Conductivity row
- benchmark: specific_heat
value: 0.125
unit: BTU/lb/deg F
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-27
form: typical die casting
method: Typical die cast physical properties table, value and unit as printed
status: ground
source: eazall-za27
where: Typical Die Cast Physical Properties table, Specific Heat row
- benchmark: die_shrinkage
value: 0.008
unit: in/in
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-27
form: typical die casting
method: Typical die cast physical properties table as printed (benchmark name not in property-canon.yaml)
status: ground
source: eazall-za27
where: Typical Die Cast Physical Properties table, Die Shrinkage row
- benchmark: casting_temperature
value: 540
value_high: 590
bound: range
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-27
process: melt held for die casting, not a melting point
unit_in_source: 540-590°C
method: Die casting section of the Total Materia article, melt temperature as printed; benchmark name not in property-canon.yaml
status: ground
source: totalmateria-za
where: Die Casting the ZA Alloys section, ZA-27 paragraph
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
value: 426
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-27
form: not stated on the page
note_on_form: stated only as the upper end of a range from ZA-8 to ZA-27
method: Introduction of the Total Materia article, range ending at 426 MPa for ZA-27; conflicts with the Eazall typical value of 421 MPa
status: ground
source: totalmateria-za
where: Introduction, tensile strength sentence
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
value: 310
value_high: 441
bound: range
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-27
form: casting, as-cast or aged
unit_in_source: 310 - 441 Mpa
method: Mechanical properties table of the ICAST ZA-27 datasheet, range as printed
status: ground
source: icast-za27
where: Mechanical properties table, Tensile Strength row (datasheet headed UNS Z35841)
- benchmark: yield_strength
value: 257
value_high: 376
bound: range
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-27
form: casting, as-cast or aged
unit_in_source: 257 - 376 Mpa
method: Mechanical properties table of the ICAST ZA-27 datasheet, range as printed
status: ground
source: icast-za27
where: Mechanical properties table, Yield Strength row (datasheet headed UNS Z35841)
- benchmark: elongation
value: 1
value_high: 11
bound: range
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-27
form: casting, as-cast or aged
method: Mechanical properties table of the ICAST ZA-27 datasheet, range as printed; wider than the Eazall range
status: ground
source: icast-za27
where: Mechanical properties table, Elongation row (datasheet headed UNS Z35841)
- benchmark: brinell_hardness
value: 94
value_high: 119
bound: range
unit: HB
scope: material
conditions:
alloy: ZA-27
form: casting, as-cast or aged
method: Mechanical properties table of the ICAST ZA-27 datasheet, range as printed (benchmark name not in property-canon.yaml)
status: ground
source: icast-za27
where: Mechanical properties table, Hardness in HB row (datasheet headed UNS Z35841)
checked_values: 26
corrosion:
- environment: Aqueous exposure (water and aqueous solutions)
headline: ZA alloys resist corrosion less than aluminium but better than Zamac, and the pH of the water should stay close to neutral.
effect: Total Materia says the corrosion resistance of ZA alloys tends to fall between that of the Zamac alloys and aluminium, and that for aqueous exposure the pH should be kept close to neutral. No test rate or time-to-failure for bare ZA-12 or ZA-27 was found in a source we read.
rating: moderate
conditions:
basis: qualitative statement in the technical concerns section, not a measured rate
alloys: ZA alloys in general, including ZA-12 and ZA-27
source: totalmateria-za
where: Technical Concerns section, corrosion paragraphs
- environment: Finished surfaces in salt spray
headline: Finishes protect the alloy; the salt-spray result quoted is for zinc anodizing, not for bare ZA alloy.
effect: Total Materia lists chromating, electroplating, painting and zinc anodizing as finishing options, and says zinc anodizing has withstood several thousand hours of neutral salt spray testing. The page prints the test standard as ASTM 8117, which is probably a typo for ASTM B117, and gives no bare-alloy salt-spray result.
rating: unknown
conditions:
basis: finish-specific result as printed; no bare-alloy test
test: neutral salt spray, standard printed as ASTM 8117
source: totalmateria-za
where: Technical Concerns section, finishing options paragraph
risks:
hazards:
- text: The Bridesburg SDS for ZA-8, ZA-12 and ZA-27 says the product is not hazardous under the US Hazard Communication Standard, with no ingredients qualifying, but it lists burn, dust and fume hazards.
ghs: []
source: bridesburg-za-sds
where: Hazard identification, Other Hazards list; regulatory information block (Hazardous Under Hazard Communication Standard line)
- text: Molten alloy burns the skin and eyes on contact, according to the Bridesburg SDS.
ghs: []
source: bridesburg-za-sds
where: Hazard identification, skin and eye contact in molten state
- text: Burning or melting the alloy forms metallic zinc oxide fume, which is the special exposure hazard the Bridesburg SDS names.
ghs: []
source: bridesburg-za-sds
where: Fire-fighting measures, special exposure hazards; Other Hazards list (fume inhalation on melting)
failure_risks:
- mode: Molten alloy reacting with water or moisture
trigger: Water, damp material or moisture entering a molten bath
consequence: Violent to explosive reaction, per the Bridesburg SDS (in molten state, with water or moisture)
severity: high
source: bridesburg-za-sds
where: Reactivity and stability, in molten state
- mode: Zinc oxide fume from an overheated melt
trigger: Overheating a molten bath to or near the boiling point
consequence: Metal fume fever, a transient influenza-like illness, on inhalation in sufficient quantity (Teck zinc metal SDS; zinc metal, not the ZA alloy)
severity: moderate
source: teck-zinc-sds
where: Fire-fighting measures, overheated molten bath paragraph
side_effects:
- text: Zinc compounds can be toxic, particularly in aquatic environments, so releases to water and soil should be prevented (Teck zinc metal SDS; zinc metal, not the ZA alloy).
affects: Waterways, drains and soil near the foundry
source: teck-zinc-sds
where: Ecological information
handling:
- text: Add only dry material to the metal bath (Bridesburg SDS, handling section).
source: bridesburg-za-sds
where: Handling and storage, list item on dry material
- text: Dry ingots thoroughly before adding them to a molten bath, because damp zinc can react violently with the melt (Teck zinc metal SDS).
source: teck-zinc-sds
where: Handling and storage, ingots paragraph
- text: Wear heat-resistant gloves and suitable clothing where molten metal is involved, and respiratory protection against dust and fume (Teck zinc metal SDS).
source: teck-zinc-sds
where: Personal protection, hand and body protection
mitigations:
- text: For a metal fire, use dry chemical, dry sand or special powder (Class D) extinguishing media, and do not use water, carbon dioxide or foam on molten metal (Bridesburg SDS).
source: bridesburg-za-sds
where: Fire-fighting measures, suitable and unsuitable extinguishing media
- text: In a metal bath fire, add metal blocks to smother it, and dilute toxic gases with a water spray (Bridesburg SDS).
source: bridesburg-za-sds
where: Fire-fighting measures, instructions
uses:
- application: mechanisms
device: Bearings and bushings
example: Total Materia describes gravity cast ZA-12 and ZA-27 as direct substitutes for bronze industrial bearings.
source: totalmateria-za
where: Introduction
- application: mechanisms
device: Wear and bearing parts
example: Eazall says ZA-27 is the lightest alloy available and has excellent bearing and wear performance.
source: eazall-za27
where: Use, application and processing text
- application: structures
device: Weight-bearing castings
example: Firstmold recommends ZA-12 and ZA-27 where weight-bearing capacity and dimensional stability under load are of prime importance.
source: firstmold-zinc
where: Uses paragraph for ZA-12 and ZA-27
supply:
- subject: Zinc
producers:
- country: China
share_percent: 31.5
year: 2025
- country: Peru
share_percent: 11.5
year: 2025
- country: Australia
share_percent: 8.5
year: 2025
- country: India
share_percent: 6.7
year: 2025
- country: Mexico
share_percent: 6
year: 2025
critical_lists: []
recycling: 'USGS: refined zinc produced in the United States was recovered from secondary materials at both primary and secondary smelters, including galvanizing residues and crude zinc oxide from electric arc furnace dust.'
substitutes:
- 'USGS: aluminum- and magnesium-base alloys are major substitutes for zinc-base diecasting alloys.'
source: usgs-zinc-2026
where: World Mine Production and Reserves table, 2025e column (shares calculated here against the rounded world total of 13,000 thousand t); Recycling; Substitutes. No critical-list statement was found in this chapter.
- subject: Aluminium
producers:
- country: China
share_percent: 60.8
year: 2025
- country: India
share_percent: 5.7
year: 2025
- country: Russia
share_percent: 5.3
year: 2025
- country: Canada
share_percent: 4.5
year: 2025
- country: United Arab Emirates
share_percent: 3.6
year: 2025
critical_lists: []
recycling: 'USGS: aluminum recovered from purchased scrap in the United States was about 3.6 million tons in 2025, about 56% of it from new scrap.'
substitutes: []
source: usgs-aluminum-2026
where: World Smelter Production table, 2025e column (shares calculated here against the rounded world total of 74,000 thousand t); Recycling. No critical-list statement was found in this chapter.
media: []
documents:
- title: Eazall ZA-12 alloy data page
type: datasheet
url: https://www.eazall.com/za12
year: 2026
- title: Eazall ZA-27 alloy data page
type: datasheet
url: https://www.eazall.com/za27
year: 2026
- title: ICAST Alloys datasheet, UNS Z35841 (ZA-27 table)
type: datasheet
url: https://icastllp.com/material_db_pdf/UNS%20Z35841.pdf
year: 2026
- title: Bridesburg Foundry safety data sheet, ZA Alloys (ZA-8, ZA-12, ZA-27)
type: sds
url: https://bridesburg.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/BF-ZA-Alum-SDS-1.pdf
year: 2025
- title: Teck zinc metal safety data sheet
type: sds
url: https://www.teck.com/media/Zinc_Metal_SDS.pdf
year: 2026
- title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: zinc'
type: report
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-zinc.pdf
year: 2026
- title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: aluminum'
type: report
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-aluminum.pdf
year: 2026
gaps:
- No UNS number is recorded. UNS Z35841 is printed on an ICAST datasheet whose title names ZA-12 while its table is headed ZA-27, so the page is internally inconsistent; no other source read in this run printed a UNS code for ZA-12 or ZA-27.
- No EN material number or EN name was found for ZA-12 or ZA-27 in any source read in this run.
- 'Modulus of elasticity not recorded: Eazall prints 12.0 psi x 10^6 (ZA-12) and 11.3 psi x 10^6 (ZA-27) in an exponent format, which is not recorded; Total Materia and ICAST print no modulus value.'
- No thermal conductivity value was found for ZA-12 or ZA-27 (Eazall says it does not list one; Total Materia gives none).
- No numeric melting or liquidus or solidus temperatures beyond the Eazall melt ranges; Total Materia gives casting temperatures only.
- ZA-12 die casting aluminium is printed as 10-5-11.5 on the Eazall page, a probable typo for 10.5 to 11.5; it is not recorded in the file.
- 'Sources disagree: ZA-12 density is 6.0 g/cc per Eazall and 5.6 g/cm3 per Firstmold; ZA-27 tensile strength is 421 MPa per Eazall (typical die casting), 426 MPa per Total Materia (form not stated) and 310 to 441 MPa per ICAST (casting range). All are recorded.'
- Firstmold labels ZA-12 "(12% Al)", while the Eazall ingot composition is 10.8 to 11.5 %; both are recorded and not reconciled.
- Brinell hardness, electrical conductivity, die shrinkage and casting temperature use benchmark names that are not in property-canon.yaml, so they are snake_case or as printed and should be mapped by hand.
- The Eazall ZA-12 and ZA-27 pages give typical die casting values only; no minimum-property standard (ASTM B86 text) was opened in this run.
- No flight, space, vacuum, radiation or thermal-cycling data were found for ZA-12 or ZA-27.
- No fatigue, creep or long-term dimensional data at a stated temperature were found in a source read in this run; Total Materia mentions creep and growth without numbers for ZA alloys.
- No bare-alloy salt-spray or corrosion-rate test was found; the only salt-spray remark is for zinc anodizing, and its standard is printed as ASTM 8117.
- Hazard data come from a supplier SDS for the ZA alloy family (Bridesburg) and a zinc metal SDS (Teck). No SDS with composition-specific hazard data for ZA-12 or ZA-27 alone was opened.
- 'Critical-mineral list status for zinc and aluminium was not confirmed: the USGS chapters read here do not discuss critical-mineral lists, and the EU list was not checked.'
- Supply shares are calculated from the USGS 2025e values, not printed by USGS; the zinc and aluminium world totals are rounded in the source.
sources:
eazall-za12:
title: 'Eazall: ZA-12 zinc aluminium alloy data'
url: https://www.eazall.com/za12
year: 2026
kind: datasheet
eazall-za27:
title: 'Eazall: ZA-27 zinc aluminium alloy data'
url: https://www.eazall.com/za27
year: 2026
kind: datasheet
totalmateria-za:
title: 'Total Materia: The Zinc-Aluminum Die Casting Alloys'
url: https://www.totalmateria.com/pt/articles/the-zinc-aluminum-die-casting-alloys
year: 2006
kind: web
firstmold-zinc:
title: 'Firstmold: zinc casting tips (ZA alloy comparison)'
url: https://firstmold.com/tips/zinc/
year: 2026
kind: web
icast-za27:
title: ICAST Alloys datasheet, Zinc-Aluminum ZA-27 casting (material code UNS Z35841)
url: https://icastllp.com/material_db_pdf/UNS%20Z35841.pdf
year: 2026
kind: datasheet
bridesburg-za-sds:
title: Bridesburg Foundry safety data sheet, ZA Alloys (ZA-8, ZA-12, ZA-27)
url: https://bridesburg.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/BF-ZA-Alum-SDS-1.pdf
year: 2025
kind: datasheet
teck-zinc-sds:
title: 'Teck: Zinc Metal safety data sheet'
url: https://www.teck.com/media/Zinc_Metal_SDS.pdf
year: 2026
kind: datasheet
usgs-zinc-2026:
title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Zinc'
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-zinc.pdf
year: 2026
kind: report
usgs-aluminum-2026:
title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Aluminum'
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-aluminum.pdf
year: 2026
kind: report
license: CC-BY-4.0
updated: '2026-11-01'
review:
status: draft
method: assistant
checked_values: 26
note: Written by an AI assistant on 2026-11-01 from pages read in that run. Values are typical or range figures as printed, and conflicts are recorded side by side.
story:
recipe:
line: ZA-12 and ZA-27 are zinc-base alloys. Zinc is the balance. Aluminium is the main alloying element, at 10.8 to 11.5 % in the ZA-12 ingot and 25.5 to 28.0 % in the ZA-27 ingot (Eazall, ASTM B240 composition). Copper and magnesium are added in small amounts. Eazall says ZA-12 can be gravity cast or die cast, and that ZA-27 must be cast in a cold chamber machine.
parts:
- name: Zinc
symbol: Zn
share: balance
role: The base metal. It forms the matrix that carries the other alloying elements.
- name: Aluminium
symbol: Al
share: 10.8 to 11.5 % (ZA-12 ingot); 25.5 to 28.0 % (ZA-27 ingot)
role: Sets the alloy family. Firstmold labels ZA-12 "(12% Al)", which does not match the Eazall ingot range, and both figures are recorded.
- name: Copper
symbol: Cu
share: 0.5 to 1.2 % (ZA-12 ingot); 2.0 to 2.5 % (ZA-27 ingot)
role: Adds strength. Eazall prints a higher copper range for ZA-27 than for ZA-12.
- name: Magnesium
symbol: Mg
share: 0.02 to 0.03 % (ZA-12 ingot); 0.012 to 0.02 % (ZA-27 ingot)
role: A small addition. The Eazall tables give its limits, not its function.
risk_groups:
- title: For people
level: 0
verdict: Not hazardous as shipped; molten metal burns and fumes
lead: The Bridesburg SDS says no ingredient qualifies as hazardous under the US Hazard Communication Standard. The risks come when the alloy is melted, burned or cast.
points:
- label: The solid alloy
line: Dust from cutting or grinding is a respiratory hazard, and the SDS says so in its other-hazards list.
- label: Molten metal
line: Molten alloy burns the skin and eyes on contact. Eyes should be rinsed immediately with plenty of water (Bridesburg SDS).
- label: Fume
line: Melting or burning forms zinc oxide fume. Overheating a molten bath can cause metal fume fever, a transient influenza-like illness (Teck SDS, zinc metal).
- title: If the melt meets water
verdict: Violent reaction when molten, with water or moisture
lead: Water or damp material in a molten bath is the main hazard the sources name. The Bridesburg SDS calls the reaction violent to explosive.
points:
- label: Damp ingots
line: Ingots that may hold moisture must be thoroughly dried before they go into the bath (Teck SDS, zinc metal).
- label: Fire response
line: Use dry chemical, dry sand or Class D powder on a metal fire. Do not use water, carbon dioxide or foam on molten metal.
- title: Handling and storage
verdict: Dry the charge and wear hot-metal protection
lead: The SDS practice for molten metal is dry feed, heat-resistant gloves and protective clothing.
points:
- label: Feed
line: Add only dry material to the metal bath (Bridesburg SDS).
- label: Protection
line: Where molten metal is involved, wear heat-resistant gloves and suitable protective clothing (Teck SDS).
why: ZA-12 and ZA-27 are zinc-aluminium casting alloys chosen for bearings and wear parts. Total Materia says both gravity cast alloys are direct substitutes for bronze industrial bearings. Eazall gives typical die cast tensile strengths of 400 MPa for ZA-12 and 421 MPa for ZA-27, and says ZA-27 has excellent bearing and wear performance. The two alloys differ mainly in aluminium content, which is 10.8 to 11.5 % in the ZA-12 ingot and 25.5 to 28.0 % in the ZA-27 ingot (Eazall).
uses:
- where: Bearings and bushings
line: Total Materia describes gravity cast ZA-12 and ZA-27 as direct substitutes for bronze industrial bearings.
- where: Wear and bearing parts
line: Eazall says ZA-27 is the lightest alloy available and has excellent bearing and wear performance.
- where: Weight-bearing castings
line: Firstmold recommends ZA-12 and ZA-27 where weight-bearing capacity and dimensional stability under load are of prime importance.
can_do:
- label: Typical ZA-12 die casting
line: tensile strength of 400 MPa and yield strength of 317 MPa (Eazall, typical values).
- label: Typical ZA-27 die casting
line: tensile strength of 421 MPa and yield strength of 379 MPa (Eazall). The ICAST casting range is 310 to 441 MPa.
- label: Melting range
line: Melting range of 377 to 432 °C for ZA-12 and 375 to 484 °C for ZA-27 (Eazall, typical die cast).
- label: Electrical conductivity
line: Carry electricity at 28.3 %IACS for ZA-12 and 29.7 %IACS for ZA-27 (Eazall, typical die cast).
compare: ZA-27 has the higher typical tensile strength, 421 MPa against 400 MPa for ZA-12, and it is the lighter alloy at 5.0 g/cc against 6.0 g/cc in the Eazall tables. ZA-12 stretches more, at 4 to 7 % elongation against 1 to 3 % for ZA-27, and it has the narrower melting range, at 377 to 432 °C against 375 to 484 °C for ZA-27. Firstmold prints a density of 5.6 g/cm3 for ZA-12, so the density of ZA-12 is not settled by the sources read here. The table compares tensile strength, density and melting range.
compare_rows:
- label: Tensile strength (typical die casting)
benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
- label: Density
benchmark: density
- label: Melting range
benchmark: melting_point
handling:
- Add only dry material to the metal bath, and dry ingots that may hold moisture before they are added (Bridesburg and Teck SDS).
- Wear heat-resistant gloves and protective clothing where molten metal is involved (Teck SDS).
- 'Keep molten metal away from water: use dry chemical, dry sand or Class D powder on a metal fire (Bridesburg SDS).'
good_for:
- Bearings and bushings, where Total Materia says ZA alloys can take the place of bronze industrial bearings.
- Wear parts where Eazall reports excellent bearing and wear performance for ZA-27.
watch_out:
- Molten ZA alloy reacts violently with water or moisture, according to the Bridesburg SDS.
- Melting and overheating release zinc oxide fume, which can cause metal fume fever.
- Sources disagree on ZA-27 tensile strength (421 MPa typical die cast, 426 MPa in Total Materia, 310 to 441 MPa in ICAST), so check the test form before you design to a number.
verdict: ZA-12 and ZA-27 are casting alloys with typical die cast figures from Eazall and bearing uses described in the sources read here. Their main hazards come when the alloy is melted, and the sources disagree on several values.
References
Every number above carries a reference number. Click one to see the source and where in it the value comes from.
| # | Source | Type | Year | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eazall: ZA-12 zinc aluminium alloy data | datasheet | 2026 | 10 values | |
| Eazall: ZA-27 zinc aluminium alloy data | datasheet | 2026 | 10 values | |
| Total Materia: The Zinc-Aluminum Die Casting Alloys | web | 2006 | 6 values | |
| Firstmold: zinc casting tips (ZA alloy comparison) | web | 2026 | 2 values | |
| ICAST Alloys datasheet, Zinc-Aluminum ZA-27 casting (material code UNS Z35841) | datasheet | 2026 | 4 values | |
| Bridesburg Foundry safety data sheet, ZA Alloys (ZA-8, ZA-12, ZA-27) | datasheet | 2025 | 7 values | |
| Teck: Zinc Metal safety data sheet | datasheet | 2026 | 4 values | |
| USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Zinc | report | 2026 | 1 value | |
| USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Aluminum | report | 2026 | 1 value |
Updated