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Zamak-5 castings are marginally stronger and harder than Zamak-3. However, these improvements are tempered with a reduction in ductility which can affect formability during secondary bending, riveting, swaging or crimping operations. Zamak-5 contains an addition of 1% copper which accounts for these property changes. The alloy is widely die cast in Europe and does exhibit excellent castability characteristics, as well as, improved creep performance over Zamak-3. Because of Zamak-3's wide availability, material specifiers often strengthen components by design modifications instead of using Zamak-5. However, when an extra measure of tensile performance is needed, Zamak-5 castings are recommended. The alloy is readily plated, finished and machined, comparable to Zamak-3 alloy.
