spore: profile
id: zamak
spore_version: 0.2
family: zinc-alloys
name: Zamak (zinc die-casting alloys)
abbreviation: Zamak
role: die-casting alloy
category: metals
type: heavy-metals
summary: |
  Zamak is a family of zinc die-casting alloys. Zamak 2, 3 and 5 hold about 4% aluminium, and ZA-8 holds about 8%. Copper and magnesium are added in small amounts. Zamak 3 is the most used grade in North America and Zamak 5 (European code ZP0410) is the most used in Europe. Zamak 2 has the highest strength in the family. The ASTM B86 minimum tensile strength is 283 MPa for Zamak 3 and 328 MPa for Zamak 5, and the International Zinc Association prints a typical tensile strength of 397 MPa for Zamak 2.
best_for: Thin-walled die-cast parts, and heat sinks and EMI shields that need good heat and electrical conduction
weakest_at: Creep under sustained load (Zamak 3 creeps most of the four grades the IZA tests), and intercrystalline corrosion when tin or lead exceed the specified limits
identity:
  formula: 'Zinc-base alloys, weight %. Zamak 3 (ASTM B86 AG40A): Al 3.700 to 4.300, Mg 0.020 to 0.060, Cu 0.100 max, Fe 0.050 max, Pb 0.005 max, Cd 0.004 max, Sn 0.002 max, Zn balance. Zamak 5 (ASTM B86 AC41A): Al 3.700 to 4.300, Cu 0.700 to 1.200, Mg 0.020 to 0.060, Fe 0.050 max, Pb 0.005 max, Cd 0.004 max, Sn 0.002 max, Zn balance. ZA-8 (ASTM B86 ZA-8): Al 8.000 to 8.800, Cu 0.800 to 1.300, Mg 0.010 to 0.030 (UNS Z35636 sheet prints 0.015 to 0.030), Fe 0.075 max, Pb 0.006 max, Cd 0.006 max, Sn 0.003 max, Zn balance. Zamak 2 (ASTM B86 cast, from Wikipedia): Al 3.5 to 4.3, Cu 2.6 to 2.9, Mg 0.025 to 0.05, Fe 0.1 max, Pb 0.005 max, Cd 0.004 max, Sn 0.003 max, Zn balance.'
  source: icast-b86-ag40a
  where: ICAST data sheet for ASTM B86 AG40A, chemical composition block. Zamak 5 from the ASTM B86 AC41A sheet, ZA-8 from the ASTM B86 ZA-8 and UNS Z35636 sheets, Zamak 2 from the cast row of the Wikipedia composition table.
  designations:
    - system: Name
      code: Zamak 3
      source: icast-b86-ag40a
      where: Cross reference table, Zamak 3 row
    - system: ASTM
      code: B86 AG40A
      source: icast-b86-ag40a
      where: Title line of the sheet
    - system: UNS
      code: Z33521
      note: AG40A ingot
      source: icast-uns-z33521
      where: Title line of the sheet
    - system: ISO
      code: ZP3
      source: icast-b86-ag40a
      where: Cross reference table, ISO row
    - system: EN name
      code: ZP0400
      source: iza-mech
      where: Alloy list at top of the mechanical properties page, ZP3 row
    - system: ASTM
      code: B240 Zamak 3
      source: icast-b86-ag40a
      where: Cross reference table
    - system: Name
      code: Zamak 5
      source: icast-b86-ac41a
      where: Cross reference table, Zamak 5 row
    - system: ASTM
      code: B86 AC41A
      source: icast-b86-ac41a
      where: Title line of the sheet
    - system: UNS
      code: Z33531
      source: icast-b86-ac41a
      where: Cross reference table, UNS row
    - system: ISO
      code: ZP5
      source: icast-b86-ac41a
      where: Cross reference table, ISO row
    - system: EN name
      code: ZP0410
      source: iza-mech
      where: Alloy list at top of the mechanical properties page, ZP5 row (ZnAl4Cu1)
    - system: Name
      code: Zamak 2
      source: dynacast-zamak-alloys
      where: Zamak 2 description, Zinc Alloy 2 also known as Kirksite
    - system: ASTM
      code: AC43A
      source: dynacast-zamak-alloys
      where: Zamak 2 description, Zamak 2 (ASTM AC43A)
    - system: UNS
      code: Z35541
      note: cast
      source: wiki-zamak
      where: Table of names per standard, Zamak 2 row, cast UNS column
    - system: EN name
      code: ZP0430
      source: iza-mech
      where: Alloy list at top of the mechanical properties page, ZP2 row (ZnAl4Cu3)
    - system: Name
      code: ZA-8
      source: icast-b86-za8
      where: Cross reference table, ANSI/AA column
    - system: ASTM
      code: B86 ZA-8
      source: icast-b86-za8
      where: Title line of the sheet
    - system: UNS
      code: Z35636
      source: icast-uns-z35636
      where: Title line of the sheet
    - system: ISO
      code: ZP0810
      source: icast-b86-za8
      where: Cross reference table, ISO row
    - system: EN name
      code: ZP0810
      source: iza-mech
      where: Alloy list at top of the mechanical properties page, ZP8 row (ZnAl8Cu1)
tags:
  environments: []
  stresses: []
  applications:
    - mechanisms
    - thermal-control
    - electronics-and-chips
properties:
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength minimum, Zamak 3 (ASTM B86 AG40A)
    value: 283
    bound: lower
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 3 (ASTM B86 AG40A; ZP3; UNS Z33521)
      condition: as-cast or aging (heat-treatment column of the sheet)
      unit_in_source: Mpa
    method: Minimum limit printed in the mechanical properties block of the ICAST copy of ASTM B86 AG40A; not a typical test value
    status: ground
    note: The ICAST UNS Z33521 sheet prints 280 MPa minimum for the same grade.
    source: icast-b86-ag40a
    where: Mechanical properties block, Tensile Strength in Mpa 283 min.
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Yield strength minimum, Zamak 3 (ASTM B86 AG40A)
    value: 221
    bound: lower
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 3 (ASTM B86 AG40A; ZP3; UNS Z33521)
      condition: as-cast or aging (heat-treatment column of the sheet)
      unit_in_source: Mpa
    method: Minimum limit printed in the mechanical properties block of the ICAST copy of ASTM B86 AG40A; not a typical test value
    status: ground
    note: The ICAST UNS Z33521 sheet prints 200 MPa minimum for the same grade.
    source: icast-b86-ag40a
    where: Mechanical properties block, Yield Strength in Mpa 221 min.
  - benchmark: elongation
    label: Elongation minimum, Zamak 3 (ASTM B86 AG40A)
    value: 10
    bound: lower
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 3 (ASTM B86 AG40A; ZP3; UNS Z33521)
      condition: as-cast or aging (heat-treatment column of the sheet)
    method: Minimum limit printed in the mechanical properties block of the ICAST copy of ASTM B86 AG40A; not a typical test value
    status: ground
    source: icast-b86-ag40a
    where: Mechanical properties block, Elongation in % 10 min.
  - benchmark: brinell_hardness
    label: Hardness minimum, Zamak 3 (ASTM B86 AG40A)
    value: 82
    bound: lower
    unit: HB
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 3 (ASTM B86 AG40A; ZP3; UNS Z33521)
      condition: as-cast or aging (heat-treatment column of the sheet)
    method: Minimum limit printed in the mechanical properties block of the ICAST copy of ASTM B86 AG40A; not a typical test value
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml. The ICAST UNS Z33521 sheet prints 83 HB minimum.
    source: icast-b86-ag40a
    where: Mechanical properties block, Hardness in HB 82 min.
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength minimum, Zamak 5 (ASTM B86 AC41A)
    value: 328
    bound: lower
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 5 (ASTM B86 AC41A; ZP5; UNS Z33531 as printed)
      condition: as-cast or aging (heat-treatment column of the sheet)
      unit_in_source: Mpa
    method: Minimum limit printed in the mechanical properties block of the ICAST copy of ASTM B86 AC41A; not a typical test value
    status: ground
    source: icast-b86-ac41a
    where: Mechanical properties block, Tensile Strength in Mpa 328 min.
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Yield strength minimum, Zamak 5 (ASTM B86 AC41A)
    value: 228
    bound: lower
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 5 (ASTM B86 AC41A; ZP5; UNS Z33531 as printed)
      condition: as-cast or aging (heat-treatment column of the sheet)
      unit_in_source: Mpa
    method: Minimum limit printed in the mechanical properties block of the ICAST copy of ASTM B86 AC41A; not a typical test value
    status: ground
    source: icast-b86-ac41a
    where: Mechanical properties block, Yield Strength in Mpa 228 min.
  - benchmark: elongation
    label: Elongation minimum, Zamak 5 (ASTM B86 AC41A)
    value: 7
    bound: lower
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 5 (ASTM B86 AC41A; ZP5; UNS Z33531 as printed)
      condition: as-cast or aging (heat-treatment column of the sheet)
    method: Minimum limit printed in the mechanical properties block of the ICAST copy of ASTM B86 AC41A; not a typical test value
    status: ground
    source: icast-b86-ac41a
    where: Mechanical properties block, Elongation in % 7 min.
  - benchmark: brinell_hardness
    label: Hardness minimum, Zamak 5 (ASTM B86 AC41A)
    value: 91
    bound: lower
    unit: HB
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 5 (ASTM B86 AC41A; ZP5; UNS Z33531 as printed)
      condition: as-cast or aging (heat-treatment column of the sheet)
    method: Minimum limit printed in the mechanical properties block of the ICAST copy of ASTM B86 AC41A; not a typical test value
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml.
    source: icast-b86-ac41a
    where: Mechanical properties block, Hardness in HB 91 min.
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength range, ZA-8 (ASTM B86 ZA-8)
    value: 221
    value_high: 374
    bound: range
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: ZA-8 (ASTM B86 ZA-8; UNS Z35636; ZP8)
      condition: as-cast or aging (heat-treatment column of the sheet)
      unit_in_source: Mpa
    method: Range printed in the mechanical properties block of the ICAST copy of ASTM B86 ZA-8; not a typical test value
    status: ground
    note: The ICAST UNS Z35636 sheet prints the same mechanical ranges.
    source: icast-b86-za8
    where: Mechanical properties block, Tensile Strength in Mpa 221 - 374
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Yield strength range, ZA-8 (ASTM B86 ZA-8)
    value: 198
    value_high: 290
    bound: range
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: ZA-8 (ASTM B86 ZA-8; UNS Z35636; ZP8)
      condition: as-cast or aging (heat-treatment column of the sheet)
      unit_in_source: Mpa
    method: Range printed in the mechanical properties block of the ICAST copy of ASTM B86 ZA-8; not a typical test value
    status: ground
    source: icast-b86-za8
    where: Mechanical properties block, Yield Strength in Mpa 198 - 290
  - benchmark: elongation
    label: Elongation range, ZA-8 (ASTM B86 ZA-8)
    value: 1
    value_high: 10
    bound: range
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: ZA-8 (ASTM B86 ZA-8; UNS Z35636; ZP8)
      condition: as-cast or aging (heat-treatment column of the sheet)
    method: Range printed in the mechanical properties block of the ICAST copy of ASTM B86 ZA-8; not a typical test value
    status: ground
    source: icast-b86-za8
    where: Mechanical properties block, Elongation in % 1 - 10
  - benchmark: brinell_hardness
    label: Hardness range, ZA-8 (ASTM B86 ZA-8)
    value: 85
    value_high: 103
    bound: range
    unit: HB
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: ZA-8 (ASTM B86 ZA-8; UNS Z35636; ZP8)
      condition: as-cast or aging (heat-treatment column of the sheet)
    method: Range printed in the mechanical properties block of the ICAST copy of ASTM B86 ZA-8; not a typical test value
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml.
    source: icast-b86-za8
    where: Mechanical properties block, Hardness in HB 85 - 103
  - benchmark: specific_gravity
    label: Specific gravity, Zamak 3 (ZP3), zero porosity
    value: 6.6
    unit: '-'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 3 (ZP3)
      condition: die-cast alloy, zero porosity
      temperature: 21 °C
      unit_in_source: specific gravity (no unit printed)
    method: Value printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide; specific gravity is a ratio, so the unit is recorded as a dash
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml.
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Specific Gravity at 21 °C (zero porosity), column ZP3
  - benchmark: cte
    label: Thermal expansion, Zamak 3 (ZP3)
    value: 27
    unit: µm/m/°C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 3 (ZP3)
      condition: die-cast alloy
      temperature: 20 to 100 °C
      unit_in_source: µm/m/°C
    method: Value printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide
    status: ground
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Thermal Expansion at 20-100 °C, column ZP3
  - benchmark: thermal_conductivity
    label: Thermal conductivity, Zamak 3 (ZP3)
    value: 113
    unit: W/(m·K)
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 3 (ZP3)
      condition: die-cast alloy
      temperature: 70 to 140 °C
      unit_in_source: W m-1 °C-1
    method: Value printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide
    status: ground
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Thermal Conductivity at 70-140 °C, column ZP3
  - benchmark: specific_heat
    label: Specific heat capacity, Zamak 3 (ZP3)
    value: 418.7
    unit: J/(kg·K)
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 3 (ZP3)
      condition: die-cast alloy
      temperature: 20 to 100 °C
      unit_in_source: J/kg/°C
    method: Value printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide
    status: ground
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Specific Heat Capacity at 20-100 °C, column ZP3
  - benchmark: electrical_conductivity
    label: Electrical conductivity, Zamak 3 (ZP3)
    value: 27
    unit: '% IACS'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 3 (ZP3)
      condition: die-cast alloy
      temperature: not stated
    method: Value printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml.
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Electrical Conductivity % IACS, column ZP3
  - benchmark: melting_point
    label: Melting temperature range, Zamak 3 (ZP3)
    value: 381
    value_high: 387
    bound: range
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 3 (ZP3)
      condition: die-cast alloy
      reading: melting temperature range, solidus to liquidus
    method: Range printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide
    status: ground
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Melting Temperature Range, column ZP3
  - benchmark: specific_gravity
    label: Specific gravity, Zamak 5 (ZP5), zero porosity
    value: 6.76
    unit: '-'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 5 (ZP5)
      condition: die-cast alloy, zero porosity
      temperature: 21 °C
      unit_in_source: specific gravity (no unit printed)
    method: Value printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide; specific gravity is a ratio, so the unit is recorded as a dash
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml.
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Specific Gravity at 21 °C (zero porosity), column ZP5
  - benchmark: cte
    label: Thermal expansion, Zamak 5 (ZP5)
    value: 27.2
    unit: µm/m/°C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 5 (ZP5)
      condition: die-cast alloy
      temperature: 20 to 100 °C
      unit_in_source: µm/m/°C
    method: Value printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide
    status: ground
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Thermal Expansion at 20-100 °C, column ZP5
  - benchmark: thermal_conductivity
    label: Thermal conductivity, Zamak 5 (ZP5)
    value: 108.9
    unit: W/(m·K)
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 5 (ZP5)
      condition: die-cast alloy
      temperature: 70 to 140 °C
      unit_in_source: W m-1 °C-1
    method: Value printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide
    status: ground
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Thermal Conductivity at 70-140 °C, column ZP5
  - benchmark: specific_heat
    label: Specific heat capacity, Zamak 5 (ZP5)
    value: 418.7
    unit: J/(kg·K)
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 5 (ZP5)
      condition: die-cast alloy
      temperature: 20 to 100 °C
      unit_in_source: J/kg/°C
    method: Value printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide
    status: ground
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Specific Heat Capacity at 20-100 °C, column ZP5
  - benchmark: electrical_conductivity
    label: Electrical conductivity, Zamak 5 (ZP5)
    value: 27.2
    unit: '% IACS'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 5 (ZP5)
      condition: die-cast alloy
      temperature: not stated
    method: Value printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml.
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Electrical Conductivity % IACS, column ZP5
  - benchmark: melting_point
    label: Melting temperature range, Zamak 5 (ZP5)
    value: 380
    value_high: 386
    bound: range
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 5 (ZP5)
      condition: die-cast alloy
      reading: melting temperature range, solidus to liquidus
    method: Range printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide
    status: ground
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Melting Temperature Range, column ZP5
  - benchmark: specific_gravity
    label: Specific gravity, Zamak 2 (ZP2), zero porosity
    value: 6.8
    unit: '-'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 2 (ZP2)
      condition: die-cast alloy, zero porosity
      temperature: 21 °C
      unit_in_source: specific gravity (no unit printed)
    method: Value printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide; specific gravity is a ratio, so the unit is recorded as a dash
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml.
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Specific Gravity at 21 °C (zero porosity), column ZP2
  - benchmark: cte
    label: Thermal expansion, Zamak 2 (ZP2)
    value: 27.2
    unit: µm/m/°C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 2 (ZP2)
      condition: die-cast alloy
      temperature: 20 to 100 °C
      unit_in_source: µm/m/°C
    method: Value printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide
    status: ground
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Thermal Expansion at 20-100 °C, column ZP2
  - benchmark: thermal_conductivity
    label: Thermal conductivity, Zamak 2 (ZP2)
    value: 104.7
    unit: W/(m·K)
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 2 (ZP2)
      condition: die-cast alloy
      temperature: 70 to 140 °C
      unit_in_source: W m-1 °C-1
    method: Value printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide
    status: ground
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Thermal Conductivity at 70-140 °C, column ZP2
  - benchmark: specific_heat
    label: Specific heat capacity, Zamak 2 (ZP2)
    value: 418.7
    unit: J/(kg·K)
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 2 (ZP2)
      condition: die-cast alloy
      temperature: 20 to 100 °C
      unit_in_source: J/kg/°C
    method: Value printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide
    status: ground
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Specific Heat Capacity at 20-100 °C, column ZP2
  - benchmark: electrical_conductivity
    label: Electrical conductivity, Zamak 2 (ZP2)
    value: 27.2
    unit: '% IACS'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 2 (ZP2)
      condition: die-cast alloy
      temperature: not stated
    method: Value printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml.
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Electrical Conductivity % IACS, column ZP2
  - benchmark: melting_point
    label: Melting temperature range, Zamak 2 (ZP2)
    value: 379
    value_high: 390
    bound: range
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 2 (ZP2)
      condition: die-cast alloy
      reading: melting temperature range, solidus to liquidus
    method: Range printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide
    status: ground
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Melting Temperature Range, column ZP2
  - benchmark: specific_gravity
    label: Specific gravity, ZA-8 (ZP8), zero porosity
    value: 6.3
    unit: '-'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: ZA-8 (ZP8)
      condition: die-cast alloy, zero porosity
      temperature: 21 °C
      unit_in_source: specific gravity (no unit printed)
    method: Value printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide; specific gravity is a ratio, so the unit is recorded as a dash
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml.
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Specific Gravity at 21 °C (zero porosity), column ZP8
  - benchmark: cte
    label: Thermal expansion, ZA-8 (ZP8)
    value: 27.3
    unit: µm/m/°C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: ZA-8 (ZP8)
      condition: die-cast alloy
      temperature: 20 to 100 °C
      unit_in_source: µm/m/°C
    method: Value printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide
    status: ground
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Thermal Expansion at 20-100 °C, column ZP8
  - benchmark: thermal_conductivity
    label: Thermal conductivity, ZA-8 (ZP8)
    value: 114.7
    unit: W/(m·K)
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: ZA-8 (ZP8)
      condition: die-cast alloy
      temperature: 70 to 140 °C
      unit_in_source: W m-1 °C-1
    method: Value printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide
    status: ground
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Thermal Conductivity at 70-140 °C, column ZP8
  - benchmark: specific_heat
    label: Specific heat capacity, ZA-8 (ZP8)
    value: 435.4
    unit: J/(kg·K)
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: ZA-8 (ZP8)
      condition: die-cast alloy
      temperature: 20 to 100 °C
      unit_in_source: J/kg/°C
    method: Value printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide
    status: ground
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Specific Heat Capacity at 20-100 °C, column ZP8
  - benchmark: electrical_conductivity
    label: Electrical conductivity, ZA-8 (ZP8)
    value: 27.4
    unit: '% IACS'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: ZA-8 (ZP8)
      condition: die-cast alloy
      temperature: not stated
    method: Value printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml.
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Electrical Conductivity % IACS, column ZP8
  - benchmark: melting_point
    label: Melting temperature range, ZA-8 (ZP8)
    value: 375
    value_high: 404
    bound: range
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: ZA-8 (ZP8)
      condition: die-cast alloy
      reading: melting temperature range, solidus to liquidus
    method: Range printed in the physical properties table of the International Zinc Association die-casting alloy guide
    status: ground
    source: iza-physical
    where: Physical Properties table, row Melting Temperature Range, column ZP8
  - benchmark: post_casting_contraction
    label: Post-casting contraction, Zamak 3, 5 weeks after stabilisation
    value: 0.02
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 3 (ZP3)
      condition: 'aged: stabilised (3 to 6 h at 100 °C, or 5 to 10 h at 85 °C, or 10 to 20 h at 70 °C), then measured after 5 weeks'
      reading: contraction as stabilised
    method: Contraction printed in the Dimensional Stability As Stabilised table of the International Zinc Association guide
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml.
    source: iza-physical
    where: Dimensional Stability As Stabilised table, row 5 weeks, column ZP3
  - benchmark: post_casting_contraction
    label: Post-casting contraction, Zamak 3, 2 years after stabilisation
    value: 0.03
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 3 (ZP3)
      condition: 'aged: stabilised (3 to 6 h at 100 °C, or 5 to 10 h at 85 °C, or 10 to 20 h at 70 °C), then measured after 2 years'
      reading: contraction as stabilised
    method: Contraction printed in the Dimensional Stability As Stabilised table of the International Zinc Association guide
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml.
    source: iza-physical
    where: Dimensional Stability As Stabilised table, row 2 Years, column ZP3
  - benchmark: post_casting_contraction
    label: Post-casting contraction, Zamak 5, 5 weeks after stabilisation
    value: 0.021
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 5 (ZP5)
      condition: 'aged: stabilised (3 to 6 h at 100 °C, or 5 to 10 h at 85 °C, or 10 to 20 h at 70 °C), then measured after 5 weeks'
      reading: contraction as stabilised
    method: Contraction printed in the Dimensional Stability As Stabilised table of the International Zinc Association guide
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml.
    source: iza-physical
    where: Dimensional Stability As Stabilised table, row 5 weeks, column ZP5
  - benchmark: post_casting_contraction
    label: Post-casting contraction, Zamak 5, 2 years after stabilisation
    value: 0.037
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 5 (ZP5)
      condition: 'aged: stabilised (3 to 6 h at 100 °C, or 5 to 10 h at 85 °C, or 10 to 20 h at 70 °C), then measured after 2 years'
      reading: contraction as stabilised
    method: Contraction printed in the Dimensional Stability As Stabilised table of the International Zinc Association guide
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml.
    source: iza-physical
    where: Dimensional Stability As Stabilised table, row 2 Years, column ZP5
  - benchmark: post_casting_contraction
    label: Post-casting contraction, Zamak 2, 5 weeks after stabilisation
    value: 0.022
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 2 (ZP2)
      condition: 'aged: stabilised (3 to 6 h at 100 °C, or 5 to 10 h at 85 °C, or 10 to 20 h at 70 °C), then measured after 5 weeks'
      reading: contraction as stabilised
    method: Contraction printed in the Dimensional Stability As Stabilised table of the International Zinc Association guide
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml.
    source: iza-physical
    where: Dimensional Stability As Stabilised table, row 5 weeks, column ZP2
  - benchmark: post_casting_contraction
    label: Post-casting contraction, Zamak 2, 2 years after stabilisation
    value: 0.037
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 2 (ZP2)
      condition: 'aged: stabilised (3 to 6 h at 100 °C, or 5 to 10 h at 85 °C, or 10 to 20 h at 70 °C), then measured after 2 years'
      reading: contraction as stabilised
    method: Contraction printed in the Dimensional Stability As Stabilised table of the International Zinc Association guide
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml. ZP8 is not in this table.
    source: iza-physical
    where: Dimensional Stability As Stabilised table, row 2 Years, column ZP2
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength typical, Zamak 3 (ZP3)
    value: 315
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 3 (ZP3)
      condition: as cast, measured about 8 weeks after casting
      test: flat test specimen 1.5 mm thick, 10 mm per minute (IZA note 1)
      unit_in_source: MPa
    method: Value printed in the Ultimate Tensile Strength row of the IZA mechanical properties table; typical, not a minimum
    status: ground
    source: iza-mech
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Ultimate Tensile Strength (MPa), column ZP3
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength typical, Zamak 5 (ZP5)
    value: 331
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 5 (ZP5)
      condition: as cast, measured about 8 weeks after casting
      test: flat test specimen 1.5 mm thick, 10 mm per minute (IZA note 1)
      unit_in_source: MPa
    method: Value printed in the Ultimate Tensile Strength row of the IZA mechanical properties table; typical, not a minimum
    status: ground
    source: iza-mech
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Ultimate Tensile Strength (MPa), column ZP5
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength typical, Zamak 2 (ZP2)
    value: 397
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 2 (ZP2)
      condition: as cast, measured about 8 weeks after casting
      test: flat test specimen 1.5 mm thick, 10 mm per minute (IZA note 1)
      unit_in_source: MPa
    method: Value printed in the Ultimate Tensile Strength row of the IZA mechanical properties table; typical, not a minimum
    status: ground
    source: iza-mech
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Ultimate Tensile Strength (MPa), column ZP2
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength typical, ZA-8 (ZP8)
    value: 386.8
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: ZA-8 (ZP8)
      condition: as cast, measured about 8 weeks after casting
      test: flat test specimen 1.5 mm thick, 10 mm per minute (IZA note 1)
      unit_in_source: MPa (printed 386,8)
    method: Value printed in the Ultimate Tensile Strength row of the IZA mechanical properties table; typical, not a minimum. The source uses a decimal comma, recorded as a decimal point.
    status: ground
    source: iza-mech
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Ultimate Tensile Strength (MPa), column ZP8
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Yield strength 0.2 percent offset typical, Zamak 3 (ZP3)
    value: 276
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 3 (ZP3)
      condition: as cast, measured about 8 weeks after casting
      test: flat test specimen 1.5 mm thick, 10 mm per minute (IZA note 1)
      unit_in_source: MPa
    method: Value printed in the Yield Strength 0.2% Offset row of the IZA mechanical properties table; typical, not a minimum
    status: ground
    source: iza-mech
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Yield Strength 0.2% Offset (MPa), column ZP3
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Yield strength 0.2 percent offset typical, Zamak 5 (ZP5)
    value: 295
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 5 (ZP5)
      condition: as cast, measured about 8 weeks after casting
      test: flat test specimen 1.5 mm thick, 10 mm per minute (IZA note 1)
      unit_in_source: MPa
    method: Value printed in the Yield Strength 0.2% Offset row of the IZA mechanical properties table; typical, not a minimum
    status: ground
    source: iza-mech
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Yield Strength 0.2% Offset (MPa), column ZP5
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Yield strength 0.2 percent offset typical, Zamak 2 (ZP2)
    value: 360
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 2 (ZP2)
      condition: as cast, measured about 8 weeks after casting
      test: flat test specimen 1.5 mm thick, 10 mm per minute (IZA note 1)
      unit_in_source: MPa
    method: Value printed in the Yield Strength 0.2% Offset row of the IZA mechanical properties table; typical, not a minimum
    status: ground
    source: iza-mech
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Yield Strength 0.2% Offset (MPa), column ZP2
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Yield strength 0.2 percent offset typical, ZA-8 (ZP8)
    value: 318.6
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: ZA-8 (ZP8)
      condition: as cast, measured about 8 weeks after casting
      test: flat test specimen 1.5 mm thick, 10 mm per minute (IZA note 1)
      unit_in_source: MPa (printed 318,6)
    method: Value printed in the Yield Strength 0.2% Offset row of the IZA mechanical properties table; typical, not a minimum. Decimal comma recorded as a decimal point.
    status: ground
    source: iza-mech
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Yield Strength 0.2% Offset (MPa), column ZP8
  - benchmark: brinell_hardness
    label: Hardness Brinell typical, Zamak 3 (ZP3)
    value: 97
    unit: HB
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 3 (ZP3)
      condition: as cast, measured about 8 weeks after casting
      test: flat test specimen 1.5 mm thick (IZA note 1)
    method: Value printed in the Hardness Brinell row of the IZA mechanical properties table
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml.
    source: iza-mech
    where: 'Mechanical Properties table, Hardness: Brinell row, column ZP3'
  - benchmark: brinell_hardness
    label: Hardness Brinell typical, Zamak 5 (ZP5)
    value: 114
    unit: HB
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 5 (ZP5)
      condition: as cast, measured about 8 weeks after casting
      test: flat test specimen 1.5 mm thick (IZA note 1)
    method: Value printed in the Hardness Brinell row of the IZA mechanical properties table
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml.
    source: iza-mech
    where: 'Mechanical Properties table, Hardness: Brinell row, column ZP5'
  - benchmark: brinell_hardness
    label: Hardness Brinell typical, Zamak 2 (ZP2)
    value: 130
    unit: HB
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Zamak 2 (ZP2)
      condition: as cast, measured about 8 weeks after casting
      test: flat test specimen 1.5 mm thick (IZA note 1)
    method: Value printed in the Hardness Brinell row of the IZA mechanical properties table
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml.
    source: iza-mech
    where: 'Mechanical Properties table, Hardness: Brinell row, column ZP2'
  - benchmark: brinell_hardness
    label: Hardness Brinell typical range, ZA-8 (ZP8)
    value: 95
    value_high: 110
    bound: range
    unit: HB
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: ZA-8 (ZP8)
      condition: as cast, measured about 8 weeks after casting
      test: flat test specimen 1.5 mm thick (IZA note 1)
    method: Range printed in the Hardness Brinell row of the IZA mechanical properties table
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml. The ICAST ZA-8 sheet prints 85 to 103 HB, from a different test.
    source: iza-mech
    where: 'Mechanical Properties table, Hardness: Brinell row, column ZP8'
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength after 20 years outdoors, Zamak 3 equivalent (ZP3)
    value: 207
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Pressure diecast zinc alloy, ASTM AG 40A equivalent (ZP3)
      exposure: outdoor, New York industrial and marine site, 20 years
      original: 253 MPa
    method: Value printed in the Combined Effect of Exposure and Ageing table for the New York outdoor column; the original value in the same table is 253 MPa
    status: ground
    source: iza-corr
    where: Combined Effect of Exposure and Ageing on the Mechanical Properties table, Tensile strength MPa, New York outdoor, Twenty years row
  - benchmark: atmospheric_corrosion_rate
    label: Atmospheric corrosion rate, diecast zinc alloy, New York industrial
    value: 6
    unit: µm/yr
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Diecast zinc alloy (alloy not named in the table)
      location: New York, USA
      atmosphere: industrial
      unit_in_source: micron/yr
    method: Value printed in the Corrosion Rates of Zinc and Zinc Alloys table; the table prints 6.00
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml. IZA says the rate is unlikely to exceed 12 micron/yr for diecast zinc.
    source: iza-corr
    where: Corrosion Rates of Zinc and Zinc Alloys in Various Atmospheres table, row Diecast zinc alloy, New York, industrial
  - benchmark: atmospheric_corrosion_rate
    label: Atmospheric corrosion rate, diecast zinc alloy, Key West marine
    value: 10
    unit: µm/yr
    scope: material
    conditions:
      alloy: Diecast zinc alloy (alloy not named in the table)
      location: Key West, Florida, USA
      atmosphere: marine
      unit_in_source: micron/yr
    method: Value printed in the Corrosion Rates of Zinc and Zinc Alloys table; the table prints 10.00
    status: ground
    note: Custom benchmark name, not in property-canon.yaml. Montauk Point, Long Island, also prints 10.00 for diecast zinc alloy.
    source: iza-corr
    where: Corrosion Rates of Zinc and Zinc Alloys in Various Atmospheres table, row Diecast zinc alloy, Key West Florida, marine
corrosion:
  - environment: Outdoor air, urban and industrial (diecast zinc alloys)
    headline: Outdoors, unprotected diecast zinc alloy loses its bright finish and forms a closely adherent corrosion coat that slows further attack.
    effect: IZA says the rate is unlikely to exceed 12 micron/yr and may be as low as one-tenth of that. It measured 6.00 micron/yr for diecast alloy at New York, an industrial site. IZA says reduced SO2 levels in Europe have lowered rates in urban and industrial air, so the printed industrial figures may be higher than seen in practice.
    rating: low
    conditions:
      exposure: unprotected outdoor exposure, industrial and urban atmospheres
      basis: table of measured rates in micron/yr, diecast alloy set against high-purity zinc
      agent: SO2 levels in the atmosphere, as IZA discusses them
    source: iza-corr
    where: Corrosion in the Atmosphere section, and the Corrosion Rates table (New York industrial row)
  - environment: Marine air (Key West, Florida and Montauk Point, New York)
    headline: In marine air diecast zinc alloy corrodes at about 10 micron/yr, so a protective finish is needed.
    effect: IZA measured 10.00 micron/yr for diecast alloy at Key West and at Montauk Point. It says higher rates under severe industrial and marine conditions must be prevented, and that a protective finish coating will be required where they must be.
    rating: moderate
    conditions:
      exposure: coastal and marine outdoor sites
      basis: measured rates in micron/yr; no rate given for Zamak 2 or ZA-8 specifically
    source: iza-corr
    where: Corrosion in the Atmosphere section, Corrosion Rates table (marine rows)
  - environment: Condensation on the surface, indoors or outdoors
    headline: Where condensation stays on the surface, die castings form white corrosion product that resembles white rust on galvanised steel.
    effect: IZA says this form of corrosion does not normally cause very rapid metal loss, but a conversion coating protects where appearance matters. It recommends a conversion coating for castings transported through the tropics, or used unprotected on exterior coastal sites.
    rating: moderate
    conditions:
      exposure: condensation that remains on the surface for extended periods
      basis: qualitative statement, no measured rate
    source: iza-corr
    where: Corrosion in the Atmosphere section, paragraph beginning Under any conditions
  - environment: Tin and lead impurities above the specified limits
    headline: Intercrystalline corrosion can lead to rapid failure, but only when tin or lead exceed the specified levels.
    effect: IZA says castings meeting EN 12844 and similar specifications are not subject to intercrystalline corrosion. Reputable die casters keep the analysis under strict control, so impurities do not reach harmful levels in most countries.
    rating: severe
    conditions:
      trigger: tin or lead above the specified limits
      basis: qualitative statement from IZA, no test data
    source: iza-corr
    where: Corrosion Resistance introductory paragraph
risks:
  hazards:
    - text: PubChem's GHS summary is for zinc metal, not a Zamak alloy. It notes that 387 of 2,624 company reports (14.7%) say zinc does not meet GHS hazard criteria, and that classification varies with form, for example powder versus solid.
      ghs: []
      source: pubchem-zn-ghs
      where: GHS Classification section, aggregated information note
    - text: The zinc record includes H250 (catches fire spontaneously if exposed to air) and H260 (in contact with water releases flammable gases). These apply to zinc powder and dust, not solid castings.
      ghs:
        - H250
        - H260
      source: pubchem-zn-ghs
      where: GHS Classification section, Danger block, H250 and H260 lines
    - text: The zinc record includes H400 and H410 (very toxic to aquatic life, the second with long lasting effects) and one notification with H320 (causes eye irritation).
      ghs:
        - H400
        - H410
        - H320
      source: pubchem-zn-ghs
      where: GHS Classification section, Warning blocks
  failure_risks:
    - mode: Post-casting shrinkage of die castings
      trigger: Precision castings left at room temperature without stabilisation
      consequence: IZA gives stabilised contraction of 0.02 % at 5 weeks and 0.03 % at 2 years for Zamak 3, 0.021 % and 0.037 % for Zamak 5, and 0.022 % and 0.037 % for Zamak 2. ZP8 is not in that table.
      severity: low
      source: iza-physical
      where: Dimensional Stability As Stabilised table
    - mode: Creep under sustained load
      trigger: Long-term loading, especially at elevated temperature
      consequence: IZA says zinc alloy castings are liable to creep and that ZP8 and ZP2 resist creep better than ZP5, which resists it better than ZP3. Creep data were not extracted.
      severity: moderate
      source: iza-mech
      where: Mechanical Properties page, paragraph beginning Because zinc is a low melting point material
    - mode: Intercrystalline corrosion from tin or lead impurities
      trigger: Tin or lead above the specified limits in the alloy
      consequence: Can lead to rapid failure of the casting. Castings that meet EN 12844 are not subject to it (IZA).
      severity: high
      source: iza-corr
      where: Corrosion Resistance introductory paragraph
    - mode: Strength loss in long outdoor service
      trigger: Twenty years of outdoor exposure at a New York industrial and marine site
      consequence: Tensile strength of the ZP3 equivalent fell from 253 MPa to 207 MPa. IZA says tensile strength and hardness decline with age for ZP3, ZP5 and ZP8, while elongation increases.
      severity: low
      source: iza-corr
      where: Combined Effect of Exposure and Ageing table, New York outdoor column; ageing sentence on the IZA mechanical properties page
    - mode: Porosity in pressure die castings
      trigger: Trapped air in the die that cannot escape during filling
      consequence: IZA says practically all zinc pressure die castings contain some porosity, so sound castings are not an absolute condition. Porosity is one reason test values vary between studies.
      severity: moderate
      source: iza-mech
      where: Mechanical Properties page, introductory paragraphs
  side_effects:
    - text: PubChem lists H400 and H410 for zinc, meaning very toxic to aquatic life, so releases to water matter.
      affects: Waterways near zinc releases
      source: pubchem-zn-ghs
      where: GHS Classification, aggregated information
  handling:
    - text: Keep zinc dust and powder dry and away from water. PubChem gives H260 for zinc, meaning it releases flammable gas in contact with water.
      source: pubchem-zn-ghs
      where: GHS Classification, H260 line
    - text: 'Stabilise precision castings: 3 to 6 hours at 100 °C, or 5 to 10 hours at 85 °C, or 10 to 20 hours at 70 °C, before finishing or measuring.'
      source: iza-physical
      where: Dimensional stability section, stabilisation paragraph
    - text: Use a conversion coating where white corrosion product must be prevented, and for castings sent through the tropics or left unprotected on exterior coastal sites.
      source: iza-corr
      where: Corrosion in the Atmosphere section, condensation paragraph
    - text: 'Use a protective finish for marine service: IZA measured 10 micron/yr on bare diecast alloy at marine sites.'
      source: iza-corr
      where: Corrosion Rates table, marine rows
  mitigations:
    - text: The stabilisation heat treatment brings forward shrinkage that would otherwise happen slowly after casting.
      source: iza-physical
      where: Dimensional stability section, stabilisation paragraph
    - text: Where creep matters, specify ZP8 or ZP2 rather than ZP3, since IZA ranks ZP8 and ZP2 above ZP5 and ZP3 for creep resistance.
      source: iza-mech
      where: Mechanical Properties page, creep paragraph
uses:
  - application: mechanisms
    device: Die-cast valve, pump and general-engineering parts (Zamak 3, Zamak 5 and ZA-8)
    example: ICAST's ASTM B86 sheets state that the alloys are intended for valve, pump, general engineering, automotive and other industries.
    source: icast-b86-ag40a
    where: Application line of the ASTM B86 AG40A sheet (the AC41A and ZA-8 sheets print the same line)
  - application: thermal-control
    device: Heat sinks cast from zinc die-casting alloys
    example: IZA says the most generally useful properties of these alloys are their good conductivity of heat and electricity, which makes them useful for heat sinks, wave-guides and EMI shielding.
    source: iza-physical
    where: Heat Sink Design section
  - application: electronics-and-chips
    device: EMI shielding and wave-guides from zinc die castings
    example: IZA lists EMI shielding and wave-guides among the uses of its zinc die-casting alloys.
    source: iza-physical
    where: Heat Sink Design section
  - application: mechanisms
    device: Zamak 3 die castings in North America
    example: Dynacast says Zamak 3 is the most widely used zinc alloy in North America and is usually the first choice when considering zinc for die casting.
    source: dynacast-zamak-alloys
    where: Zamak 3 description
supply:
  - subject: Zinc (base metal; the aluminium, copper and magnesium additions are not covered here)
    abundance: Identified zinc resources of the world are about 1.9 billion tons (USGS MCS 2026, World Resources).
    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:
      - list: IEA reproduction of the 2025 final list of critical minerals, zinc listed (the USGS page did not print zinc in this run)
        listed: true
    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-mcs2026-zinc
    where: 'World Mine Production and Reserves table, 2025e column, zinc content in thousand t: China 4,100; Peru 1,500; Australia 1,100; India 870; Mexico 780; world total 13,000 (rounded). Shares calculated by Space Mushroom against the rounded total. Recycling and Substitutes sections.'
media: []
documents:
  - title: 'ICAST data sheet: ASTM B86 AG40A (Zamak 3)'
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.icastllp.com/material_db_pdf/ASTM%20B86%20AG40A.pdf
  - title: 'ICAST data sheet: UNS Z33521 (AG40A ingot)'
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.icastllp.com/material_db_pdf/UNS%20Z33521.pdf
  - title: 'ICAST data sheet: ASTM B86 AC41A (Zamak 5)'
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.icastllp.com/material_db_pdf/ASTM%20B86%20AC41A.pdf
  - title: 'ICAST data sheet: ASTM B86 ZA-8'
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.icastllp.com/material_db_pdf/ASTM%20B86%20ZA-8.pdf
  - title: 'ICAST data sheet: UNS Z35636 (ZA-8 casting)'
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.icastllp.com/material_db_pdf/UNS%20Z35636.pdf
  - title: 'International Zinc Association: zinc diecasting alloys, physical properties'
    type: report
    url: https://diecasting.zinc.org/properties/en/alloy_properties/eng_prop_a_physical-properties/
  - title: 'International Zinc Association: zinc diecasting alloys, mechanical properties'
    type: report
    url: https://diecasting.zinc.org/properties/en/alloy_properties/eng_prop_mechanical-properties/
  - title: 'International Zinc Association: zinc diecasting alloys, corrosion properties'
    type: report
    url: https://diecasting.zinc.org/properties/en/alloy_properties/eng_prop_a_corrosion-properties/
  - title: 'Dynacast: Zamak alloys (zinc die casting alloys)'
    type: report
    url: https://dynacast.com/en-sg/resources/material-information/zinc-casting-metals/zamak-3
  - title: 'Wikipedia: Zamak (names, composition tables and history only)'
    type: database
    url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zamak
  - title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Zinc'
    type: report
    url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-zinc.pdf
    year: 2026
  - title: 'PubChem: zinc (CID 23994), GHS classification'
    type: database
    url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Zinc
  - title: 'IEA: Final List of Critical Minerals 2025'
    type: report
    url: https://www.iea.org/policies/31799-final-list-of-critical-minerals-2025
    year: 2025
gaps:
  - No vacuum, outgassing, atomic-oxygen, radiation or thermal-vacuum data for Zamak were fetched, so tags.environments and tags.stresses are empty.
  - No ICAST or other ASTM B86 sheet for Zamak 2 (AC43A) was readable in this run (the URL returned an HTML page). Zamak 2 composition is from the Wikipedia cast row, and Zamak 2 mechanical values are IZA typical values, not ASTM minima.
  - The IZA mechanical table has no printed column headers in the text read; column order (ZP3, ZP5, ZP2, ZP8) follows the alloy list above the table. The Zamak 2 tensile value of 397 MPa agrees with the Wikipedia Zamak 2 value, which supports the order.
  - '''Zamak 410'' is not a separate grade in these sources. The European code ZP0410 (Z410 in the Wikipedia table) is Zamak 5, so it is recorded as a designation of Zamak 5, not as a separate alloy.'
  - ZA-8 magnesium differs between the ICAST ASTM B86 ZA-8 sheet (0.010 to 0.030 %) and the UNS Z35636 sheet (0.015 to 0.030 %); the recipe uses 0.010 to 0.030 with the UNS range noted.
  - Zamak 3 mechanical minima differ between the ICAST AG40A sheet and the UNS Z33521 sheet (tensile 283 against 280 MPa, yield 221 against 200 MPa, hardness 82 against 83 HB). The AG40A sheet is used.
  - 'Zamak 3 copper: the ICAST AG40A sheet prints 0.100 % max, while the Wikipedia ASTM B86 cast row prints 0.25 % max. The ICAST value is used.'
  - Specific gravity from the IZA table is printed without a unit. It is recorded as a dimensionless ratio (unit dash) under a custom benchmark name.
  - IZA typical values come from a flat 1.5 mm specimen measured about 8 weeks after casting. They are not design minima, and they are not the same test as the ICAST ASTM minima.
  - IZA prints decimal commas (for example 386,8 MPa); these are recorded with a decimal point.
  - 'No impact values recorded: ICAST prints 65 J minimum at room temperature for Zamak 5 and 20 to 42 J for ZA-8, and IZA prints Charpy values in J/cm2 for ZP3, ZP5 and ZP2 that were not checked against a stated specimen.'
  - Creep data (creep deformation curves and design life values) and fatigue of Zamak in the IZA guide were not extracted. Only the qualitative creep ranking is recorded.
  - The IZA table of ZP8 post-casting contraction is absent, so ZP8 has no stabilised contraction value.
  - Corrosion rates in the IZA table are for diecast zinc alloy without a named alloy. They are recorded as diecast zinc alloy, not as a specific Zamak grade.
  - No Zamak-specific corrosion test for humid or chloride air, and no intergranular corrosion data with measured impurity levels, were found in a readable source beyond the IZA statements.
  - Hazard data are the PubChem zinc (element) record aggregated from ECHA notifications. No Zamak-specific hazard, molten-metal, or metal-fume source was opened, and no occupational exposure limit was checked.
  - Critical-mineral status for zinc comes from the IEA reproduction of the 2025 final list. The USGS release page did not print zinc in this run, and the EU critical raw materials list was not checked for zinc.
  - Supply shares are calculated by Space Mushroom from the USGS 2025e mine-production table (zinc content, thousand t) against the rounded world total of 13,000 thousand t; the country values do not sum exactly to that total.
  - Aluminium, copper and magnesium supply (the other alloying elements) were not sourced in this run.
  - No media (images) were added in this run.
  - 'Benchmark names not in property-canon.yaml and used here: brinell_hardness, electrical_conductivity, post_casting_contraction, specific_gravity, atmospheric_corrosion_rate.'
sources:
  icast-b86-ag40a:
    title: 'ICAST data sheet: ASTM B86 AG40A (Zamak 3)'
    id: ASTM B86 AG40A (ICAST Alloys LLP)
    url: https://www.icastllp.com/material_db_pdf/ASTM%20B86%20AG40A.pdf
    kind: datasheet
    license: ICAST data sheet, cited not reproduced
  icast-uns-z33521:
    title: 'ICAST data sheet: UNS Z33521 (AG40A ingot)'
    id: UNS Z33521 (ICAST Alloys LLP)
    url: https://www.icastllp.com/material_db_pdf/UNS%20Z33521.pdf
    kind: datasheet
    license: ICAST data sheet, cited not reproduced
  icast-b86-ac41a:
    title: 'ICAST data sheet: ASTM B86 AC41A (Zamak 5)'
    id: ASTM B86 AC41A (ICAST Alloys LLP)
    url: https://www.icastllp.com/material_db_pdf/ASTM%20B86%20AC41A.pdf
    kind: datasheet
    license: ICAST data sheet, cited not reproduced
  icast-b86-za8:
    title: 'ICAST data sheet: ASTM B86 ZA-8'
    id: ASTM B86 ZA-8 (ICAST Alloys LLP)
    url: https://www.icastllp.com/material_db_pdf/ASTM%20B86%20ZA-8.pdf
    kind: datasheet
    license: ICAST data sheet, cited not reproduced
  icast-uns-z35636:
    title: 'ICAST data sheet: UNS Z35636 (ZA-8 casting)'
    id: UNS Z35636 (ICAST Alloys LLP)
    url: https://www.icastllp.com/material_db_pdf/UNS%20Z35636.pdf
    kind: datasheet
    license: ICAST data sheet, cited not reproduced
  iza-physical:
    title: 'International Zinc Association: zinc diecasting alloys, physical properties'
    id: IZA diecasting alloy guide
    url: https://diecasting.zinc.org/properties/en/alloy_properties/eng_prop_a_physical-properties/
    kind: report
    license: IZA web page, cited not reproduced
  iza-mech:
    title: 'International Zinc Association: zinc diecasting alloys, mechanical properties'
    id: IZA diecasting alloy guide
    url: https://diecasting.zinc.org/properties/en/alloy_properties/eng_prop_mechanical-properties/
    kind: report
    license: IZA web page, cited not reproduced
  iza-corr:
    title: 'International Zinc Association: zinc diecasting alloys, corrosion properties'
    id: IZA diecasting alloy guide
    url: https://diecasting.zinc.org/properties/en/alloy_properties/eng_prop_a_corrosion-properties/
    kind: report
    license: IZA web page, cited not reproduced
  dynacast-zamak-alloys:
    title: 'Dynacast: Zamak alloys (zinc die casting alloys)'
    id: Dynacast zinc casting metals
    url: https://dynacast.com/en-sg/resources/material-information/zinc-casting-metals/zamak-3
    kind: web
    license: Company web page, cited not reproduced
  wiki-zamak:
    title: 'Wikipedia: Zamak (names, composition tables and history only)'
    id: Wikipedia, Zamak
    url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zamak
    kind: web
    license: CC BY-SA (Wikipedia), cited not reproduced
  usgs-mcs2026-zinc:
    title: 'Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Zinc (U.S. Geological Survey)'
    id: USGS MCS 2026, February 2026
    url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-zinc.pdf
    year: 2026
    kind: report
    license: public domain (USGS)
  pubchem-zn-ghs:
    title: 'PubChem compound record: zinc (CID 23994), GHS classification (ECHA C&L Inventory, aggregated)'
    id: CID 23994; CAS 7440-66-6
    url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/23994/JSON?heading=GHS+Classification
    kind: database
    license: public domain (NCBI)
  iea-crit-2025:
    title: Final List of Critical Minerals 2025 (IEA policy database, reproducing the USGS list)
    url: https://www.iea.org/policies/31799-final-list-of-critical-minerals-2025
    year: 2025
    kind: web
    license: IEA web page, cited not reproduced
license: CC-BY-4.0
updated: '2026-10-26'
review:
  status: draft
  method: assistant
  checked_values: 57
  unreachable: 0
  caveats: 1
  note: Drafted by an AI assistant on 2026-10-26 from ICAST, IZA, Dynacast, Wikipedia, USGS, PubChem and IEA pages read in this run. Not yet checked by verify-values.
story:
  recipe:
    line: 'Zamak is a zinc-base alloy. Zinc is the balance; aluminium is about 4% in Zamak 2, 3 and 5 and about 8% in ZA-8; copper and magnesium are added in small amounts. The family name comes from the German names of the metals: Zink, Aluminium, Magnesium and Kupfer.'
    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: 3.7 to 4.3 % (Zamak 3 and 5); 3.5 to 4.3 % (Zamak 2); 8.0 to 8.8 % (ZA-8)
        role: Sets the alloy family. Zamak alloys hold it near 4% and ZA-8 near 8%.
      - name: Copper
        symbol: Cu
        share: 0.100 % max (Zamak 3); 0.700 to 1.200 % (Zamak 5); 2.6 to 2.9 % (Zamak 2); 0.800 to 1.300 % (ZA-8)
        role: Adds strength. Wikipedia says Zamak 5 gains strength and hardness from copper at some cost in ductility, and Zamak 2 holds about 3% for the most strength.
      - name: Magnesium
        symbol: Mg
        share: 0.020 to 0.060 % (Zamak 3 and 5); 0.025 to 0.05 % (Zamak 2); 0.010 to 0.030 % (ZA-8)
        role: A small addition named in the Zamak family name. The ICAST sheets give its limits, not its function.
  risk_groups:
    - title: For people
      level: 0
      verdict: Hazard codes apply to zinc powder and dust.
      lead: The PubChem record is for zinc metal, not for Zamak, and it notes that classification depends on form. No Zamak-specific hazard record was opened.
      points:
        - label: Dust and powder
          line: 'PubChem gives H250 and H260 for zinc: it can catch fire spontaneously in air and releases flammable gas in contact with water. Keep dust and powder dry.'
        - label: Eye contact
          line: One PubChem notification carries H320, which means causes eye irritation.
        - label: Aquatic
          line: Zinc is classed as very toxic to aquatic life (H400 and H410), so keep it out of waterways.
    - title: Outdoor and wet exposure
      lead: These results are IZA's measured corrosion rates and qualitative statements, not field incidents.
      points:
        - label: Outdoor air
          line: Unprotected diecast alloy loses its bright finish outdoors and forms a closely adherent corrosion coat. IZA measured 6.00 micron/yr at a New York industrial site.
        - label: Marine air
          line: IZA measured 10.00 micron/yr at Key West and at Montauk Point, so a protective finish is needed.
        - label: Condensation
          line: Where condensation stays on the surface, white corrosion product forms. A conversion coating protects where appearance matters.
    - title: Long-term loading and dimensions
      points:
        - label: Creep
          line: IZA says zinc alloy castings are liable to creep. ZP8 and ZP2 resist creep better than ZP5, which resists it better than ZP3.
        - label: Shrinkage
          line: Die castings shrink slightly after casting. Stabilise precision parts by heating them, for example 3 to 6 hours at 100 °C.
        - label: Impurities
          line: Tin or lead above the specified limits can cause intercrystalline corrosion and rapid failure.
  why: Zamak is the zinc die-casting family behind most zinc alloy parts. IZA prints melting ranges from 375 to 404 °C across ZP2, ZP3, ZP5 and ZP8, which lets thin parts be cast quickly in dies. Strength is moderate. Zamak 3 is the reference grade, Zamak 5 adds copper for more strength and hardness, Zamak 2 has the highest strength, and ZA-8 holds more aluminium and is the only ZA alloy that Dynacast says can be hot-chamber die cast.
  uses:
    - where: Valves, pumps and general engineering
      line: ICAST says its ASTM B86 Zamak and ZA-8 sheets are intended for valve, pump, general engineering and automotive parts.
    - where: Heat sinks and EMI shielding
      line: IZA lists heat sinks, wave-guides and EMI shielding among the uses of its zinc die-casting alloys, because of their conduction of heat and electricity.
    - where: Zamak 3 and Zamak 5 in production
      line: Dynacast calls Zamak 3 the most widely used zinc alloy in North America and Zamak 5 the most widely used in Europe.
  can_do:
    - label: Strength
      benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
      line: The ASTM B86 minimum tensile strength is 283 MPa for Zamak 3 and 328 MPa for Zamak 5. IZA's typical value for Zamak 2 is 397 MPa, measured on a flat 1.5 mm specimen.
    - label: Thermal conduction
      benchmark: thermal_conductivity
      line: IZA prints thermal conductivity from 104.7 to 114.7 W/(m·K) at 70 to 140 °C across ZP2, ZP3, ZP5 and ZP8.
    - label: Spark resistance
      line: IZA says all the zinc die-casting alloys in its guide are non-sparking under the limits of the European standard for non-electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres, with less than 15% aluminium, magnesium, titanium and zirconium together.
    - label: Dimensional stability
      benchmark: post_casting_contraction
      line: After the stabilisation heat treatment, Zamak 3 contracts 0.02 % after 5 weeks and 0.03 % after 2 years (IZA).
  compare: Zamak is a low-melting zinc die-casting family whose main strengths are castability and conduction, not strength. Within the family, Zamak 2 is the strongest and ZA-8 has the highest thermal conductivity of the four grades IZA tests. Zamak 3 is the reference grade and creeps the most of the four. The table compares tensile strength, thermal conductivity and thermal expansion.
  compare_rows:
    - label: Tensile strength, typical or minimum
      benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    - label: Thermal conductivity
      benchmark: thermal_conductivity
    - label: Thermal expansion
      benchmark: cte
  handling:
    - Keep dust and powder dry. PubChem gives H260 for zinc, meaning it releases flammable gas in contact with water.
    - 'Stabilise precision castings before finishing or measuring: 3 to 6 hours at 100 °C, or 5 to 10 hours at 85 °C, or 10 to 20 hours at 70 °C.'
    - Use a protective finish or a conversion coating for marine service and for condensing conditions.
  good_for:
    - Thin-walled parts that need good heat or electrical conduction, such as heat sinks and EMI shields (IZA).
    - 'High-strength die castings: Zamak 2 has the highest strength in the family (Dynacast).'
  watch_out:
    - Creep under sustained load, which is worst for Zamak 3 of the four grades IZA tests.
    - Outdoor marine service, where bare diecast alloy corrodes at about 10 micron/yr without a protective finish (IZA).
    - Tin and lead impurities, which cause intercrystalline corrosion above the specified limits.
  verdict: Zamak is the practical choice for die-cast zinc parts that need good conduction, castability and a known strength level. For creep, pick ZP2 or ZP8 over ZP3. Outdoors and in marine air, add a finish.