Zamac

1. General

The term Zamac refers to alloys used for zinc diecasting. The alloys were developed in 1930 along with the znc diecasting process, and have hardly changed since. The most common alloys today are ZL0400 (Zamac 3), ZL0410 (Zamac 5) and ZL0430 (Zamac 2). We work with the two alloys Zamac 5 and Zamac 2.

Since all of these alloys contain 4 % aluminium, they are also referred to as the "ZnAl4 family". Other components are 1 to 3 % copper, and 0.035 to 0.06 % magnesium (Mg).

The alloys of the ZnAl4 family are also known by the name ZAMAC. The designation is comprised of the initials of the alloy components:

Zinc Aluminium Magnesium Copper

What are the advantages of zinc alloys over other materials?

- Excellent casting properties

- Highly complex parts can be made without additional final work (complete casting goes without saying in the case of zinc diecasting)

- High precision

- High degree of hardness, rigidity and mechanical strength

- Thin walls are possible (less than 1mm)

- Very narrow tolerances ( ± 0.05 to ± 0.15 mm)

- Long mould service lives

- Low melting point (~ 419.5°C)

- High surface quality

- Extremely resistant to environmental influences

- Good electrical and electromagnetic shielding

- Different surface coatings are possible => Surface technology link

- Environment: Zamac parts can be 100% recycled at the end of their useful life

2. Properties

Composition

Strength properties (diecasting)

Physical values

"(Source: Wikipedia)"