SAC305 (Sn96.5Ag3.0Cu0.5) solder alloy, bulk; Indium Corporation Indalloy 256 (SAC305) for Preforms product data sheet (Form No. 100346 R0, 2024), selected properties, test temperature not stated; expansion and specific heat from MacDermid Alpha VACULOY SAC TDS (06 September 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 Solder SAC305 stronger than Zinc Zamak 3?
Zinc Zamak 3 is stronger: its yield strength is 221 MPa against 22 MPa for Solder SAC305 (10x).
Which is lighter, Solder SAC305 or Zinc Zamak 3?
Zinc Zamak 3 is lighter: 6,600 kg/m³ against 7,350 kg/m³ for Solder SAC305.
Which is stiffer, Solder SAC305 or Zinc Zamak 3?
Zinc Zamak 3 is stiffer: Young's modulus 85.5 GPa against 6.9 GPa for Solder SAC305, so the same part in Zinc Zamak 3 deflects less under the same load.
Which is lighter for the same job, Solder SAC305 or Zinc Zamak 3?
For the same stiffness or strength: Zinc Zamak 3 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
Solder SAC305
Zinc Zamak 3
Stiff rod or tie (tension)
13.8x heavier
lighter
Stiff beam (bending)
3.92x heavier
lighter
Stiff panel or plate
2.58x heavier
lighter
Strong rod or tie
11.2x heavier
lighter
Strong beam
5.18x heavier
lighter
Strong panel or plate
3.53x heavier
lighter
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, Solder SAC305 or Zinc Zamak 3?
Zinc Zamak 3 conducts heat better: 113 W/m·K against 61 W/m·K for Solder SAC305.
Which expands less with temperature?
Solder SAC305 expands less: 21.9 µm/m·K against 27.4 µm/m·K for Zinc Zamak 3.