Zamak 3 (ZnAl4): The Standard Zinc Die Casting Alloy
ASTM B86 · Published: 2026-06-03 · Updated: July 2026
Zamak 3 (Zn + 4% Al) is the workhorse zinc die casting alloy — accounting for over 85% of all zinc die castings. It offers an unmatched combination of: (1) low melting point (385°C) enabling long die life (>1M shots), (2) high fluidity for...
Zamak 3 (Zn + 4% Al) is the workhorse zinc die casting alloy — accounting for over 85% of all zinc die castings. It offers an unmatched combination of: (1) low melting point (385°C) enabling long die life (>1M shots), (2) high fluidity for casting thin walls (0.5mm) and fine details, (3) good strength and impact resistance. It is used for automotive door handles, lock housings, zipper components, and electronic connector shells.
Quick Facts
| Category | Zinc Alloy |
| Standard | ASTM B86 |
| Density | 6.60 g/cm³ |
| Yield Strength | 221 MPa |
| Tensile Strength | 283 MPa |
Global Equivalents & Cross-Reference
Related Materials
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does zinc die casting compare to aluminum die casting?
Zinc: lower melt temperature (385°C vs 660°C), longer die life, better fluidity for fine detail, but higher density (6.60 vs 2.70 g/cm³) and lower maximum service temperature (100°C vs 200°C+). Zinc is preferred for small, intricate parts; aluminum for larger structural components where weight matters.
References & International Standards
- ASTM International. Standard Specifications for Steel & Metal Alloys. astm.org
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Metallic Materials — Cross-Reference Database. iso.org
- American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Steel Grade Designations & Equivalents. steel.org
- European Committee for Standardization (CEN). EN Steel Standards & Numbering System. cencenelec.eu