Zinc Aluminum Alloys

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Basics

  • Zinc Aluminum Alloys are alloys that melt at low temperature (431C) [1] and have 60ksi tensile strength. They display the low melting point slightly smaller than that of zinc, with strength significantly greater than that of aluminum (45 ksi). [2].
  • Sometimes Referred to by the Brand Name "Zamak"
  • Majority of composition is Zinc - commonly - 8, 12, 27% Aluminum (Hence ZA-12)
  • ZA alloys not only show the best melt/strength properties of each component metal. They show IMPROVED melt point (430 compared to 660C for Aluminum) - strength (30% stronger)properties compared to their components.
  • As such, ZA are magical ingredients for the Desktop Foundry.

Machinability

  • ZA 12 is machinable and 120 Brinell Hardness, same as mild steel
  • Melting temperatures, hardness, and other properties - [3]

Sourcing

Safety

3D Printing and Housing Applications

  • Zinc and ZA alloys melt readily at around 420C, as low as 375C - and can possibly be 3D printed through a melting nozzle.
  • Zinc is also the materials of galvanizing - a critical ingredient of lifetime design with metals.

For Hot Dip Galvanizing

  • ZA alloy with a very small concentration of aluminum is used in galvanizing to reduce the thickness of the intermetallic alloy layer [5]

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