Centuries before zinc was discovered in the metallic form, its ores were used for making brass and zinc compounds for medicinal purposes. Zinc compounds were in the ores smelted certainly as early as 200 B.C. to obtain copper and which gave alloys of copper and zinc – the brass family. The Romans certainly were major users of brass. The Greeks also appeared to know zinc, even if not by name.
ZAMAK 3: This is the most used general purpose zinc die casting alloy, providing an excellent combination of strength, ductility and impact strength. It also provides excellent plating and finishing characteristics. This alloy is the designer's first choice for die casting applications.
ZAMAK 5: ZAMAK 5 should be considered when moderately greater hardness, strength and creep resistance over ZAMAK 3 is required.
ZAMAK 7: this is a high purity for of ZAMAK 3 with similar mechanical properties. However, ZAMAK 7 has higher ductility (for forming bending operations) and the highest casting fluidity of the ZAMAK family.