6063-T6 extruded tube, Kaiser Aluminum Tube & Pipe Alloy 6063 Technical Data (Rev. 05/06), typical properties; specific heat from Hydro EN AW-6063 extruded-products datasheet (Rev.4, 03/2023).
Zamak 3 (ASTM B86 die cast), Nathan Trotter (zinc alloy producer) technical data sheet, typical values
Every value links to the document that states it. "Not sourced" means no citable source states it (or only a specification minimum); figures computed from it are left out too.
Questions
Is Aluminum 6063-T6 stronger than Zinc Zamak 3?
Zinc Zamak 3 is stronger: its yield strength is 221 MPa against 215 MPa for Aluminum 6063-T6 (3%).
Which is lighter, Aluminum 6063-T6 or Zinc Zamak 3?
Aluminum 6063-T6 is lighter: 2,700 kg/m³ against 6,600 kg/m³ for Zinc Zamak 3.
Which is stiffer, Aluminum 6063-T6 or Zinc Zamak 3?
Zinc Zamak 3 is stiffer: Young's modulus 85.5 GPa against 69 GPa for Aluminum 6063-T6, so the same part in Zinc Zamak 3 deflects less under the same load.
Which is lighter for the same job, Aluminum 6063-T6 or Zinc Zamak 3?
For the same stiffness or strength: Aluminum 6063-T6 is lighter for a stiff rod or tie (tension), stiff beam (bending), stiff panel or plate, strong rod or tie, strong beam, strong panel or plate.
Part that must be
Aluminum 6063-T6
Zinc Zamak 3
Stiff rod or tie (tension)
lighter
1.97x heavier
Stiff beam (bending)
lighter
2.2x heavier
Stiff panel or plate
lighter
2.28x heavier
Strong rod or tie
lighter
2.38x heavier
Strong beam
lighter
2.4x heavier
Strong panel or plate
lighter
2.41x heavier
For the same stiffness or strength, mass scales with density over stiffness (or strength) raised to a power set by how the part is loaded: 1 for a rod in tension, 1/2 for a beam in bending, 1/3 for a panel (the standard material-selection indices).
Which conducts heat better, Aluminum 6063-T6 or Zinc Zamak 3?
Aluminum 6063-T6 conducts heat better: 201 W/m·K against 113 W/m·K for Zinc Zamak 3.
Which expands less with temperature?
Aluminum 6063-T6 expands less: 23.4 µm/m·K against 27.4 µm/m·K for Zinc Zamak 3.