ZAMAK is a type of zinc alloy that consists of aluminum, magnesium, copper, and of course zinc. This alloy family contains copper, but is spelled with a K. This is because the acronym ZAMAK uses the German spelling: Zink, Magnesium, Aluminum, and Kupfer.
That being said, ZAMAK is some times spelled ZAMAC with an English spelling. ZAMAK alloys are a separate family from the zinc aluminum (ZA) alloys although they both maintain a consistent composition of 4% aluminum.
The most common of the zinc alloys go in order of #3, #2, #5, and #7. Typically #3 is the first choice when considering zinc die casting. It’s excellent balance of physical and mechanical properties is the reason why over 70% of all zinc die castings are made from #3.
ZAMAK was first developed in the 1920s for pressure die casting, and at this time ZAMAK paved the way for zinc die casting.
ZAMAK alloys have the ability to be painted, plated, or coated to provide an appealing look and texture.
When the right zinc alloy is being chosen for a die casting application, all options are considered. ZAMAK and ZA alloy families have similar compositions, but can be used better in different application.
ZAMAK alloys are typically used in a hot chamber die cast setting, while ZA require special melting procedures and is cast using a cold chamber die casting process similar to aluminum.
View our zinc alloys page to learn more about zinc alloy use at Deco Products. Much of the information is supplied from Eastern Alloys.
Deco Products has been a reliable “Made in USA” zinc die casting manufacturer since 1960. Deco Products provides exceptional service and quality products for a multitude of industries. A few services Deco Products provides are custom precision engineered zinc die-casting, powder coating, assembly, CNC Machining, and DFM-Part Design. Deco has been a stable and reliable supplier to the industry and continuously strives for being the best value for its key partner/customers.
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