Technical guide · 2026-08-14
ZA Casting Alloys
Zinc-aluminum ZA alloys contain more aluminum than Zamak and serve pressure, permanent-mold, sand or continuous casting, with ZA-8, ZA-12 and ZA-27 requiring different process and section controls.
01
Definition and boundary
Covers ZA castings and continuous-cast bar; excludes Zamak-only assumptions and wrought sheet.
Reference information only: final acceptance is controlled by the ordered product specification, condition, dimensions and certified test results.
02
How the material system works
Higher aluminum raises strength and hardness.
Copper contributes bearing behavior.
Solidification route controls shrinkage and porosity.
03
Representative grades and systems
| Grade or system | Selection focus | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| ZA-8 | Die-castable lower-aluminum ZA alloy. | Confirm the governing product specification, delivery condition, section size and acceptance tests before treating designations as interchangeable. |
| ZA-12 | Foundry/continuous-cast balance. | Confirm the governing product specification, delivery condition, section size and acceptance tests before treating designations as interchangeable. |
| ZA-27 | High-strength alloy with stricter process control. | Confirm the governing product specification, delivery condition, section size and acceptance tests before treating designations as interchangeable. |
04
Properties and trade-offs
Higher strength than Zamak
Bearing wear performance
Process-sensitive ductility
05
Product forms and supply conditions
06
Applications and selection
Applications and selection
- Bearings
- Industrial levers
- Prototype and short-run castings
Properties and trade-offs
- Match alloy to casting process.
- Check sustained temperature.
- Control section transitions.
07
Fabrication, durability and inspection
Use alloy-specific melt practice.
Control solidification feeding.
Machine with allowance for cast skin.
08
Procurement checklist
- State ZA alloy and casting process.
- Define hardness, porosity and test coupon.
- Specify dimensional aging, machining stock and certificate.
09
Standards, sources and review
Standards and designation context
- Applicable ASTM zinc product specification
- Buyer drawing and service requirements
- Agreed inspection and certificate plan