Designation: B 240 07

Standard Specification for

Zinc and Zinc-Aluminum (ZA) Alloys in Ingot Form for
Foundry and Die Castings1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B 240; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This specification covers commercial zinc and zinc- 2.1 The following documents of the issue in effect on data
aluminum (ZA) alloys in ingot form for remelting for the of order acceptance form a part of this specification to the
manufacture of pressure die castings, foundry castings and extent referenced herein:
continuous cast bar stock as designated and specified in Table 2.2 ASTM Standards: 2
1. Seven alloy compositions are specified, designated as B 86 Specification for Zinc and Zinc-Aluminum (ZA) Alloy
follows: Foundry and Die Castings
Common Traditional ASTMA UNSA B 275 Practice for Codification of Certain Nonferrous Met-
als and Alloys, Cast and Wrought
Alloy 3 Zamak 3 AG 40A Z33521
Alloy 7 Zamak 7 AG 40B Z33522
B 897 Specification for the Configuration of Zinc and Zinc

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Alloy 5 Zamak 5 AC 41A Z35530 Alloy Jumbo and Block Ingot
Alloy 2 Zamak 2 AC 43A Z35540 B 899 Terminology Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and
ZA-8 ZA-8 ... Z35635
ZA-12 ZA-12 ... Z35630
Alloys
ZA-27 ZA-27 ... Z35840 B 908 Practice for the Use of Color Codes for Zinc Casting
__________ Alloy Ingot
A
See Table 1, footnote B. E 29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
1.2 Zinc alloys Z33521, Z33522, Z35530, and Z35540 are Determine Conformance with Specifications
used primarily for remelting in the manufacture of pressure die E 47 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Zinc Die-
castings. Zinc-aluminum alloys Z35635, Z35630, and Z35840 Casting Alloys3
are used for remelting in the manufacture of both foundry and E 88 Practice for Sampling Nonferrous Metals and Alloys
pressure die castings. Castings made from these ingots are in Cast Form for Determination of Chemical Composition
specified in Specification B 86, Standard Specification for Zinc E 527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys (UNS)
and Zinc-Aluminum Alloys for Foundry and Die Castings. E 536 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Zinc and Zinc
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded Alloys
as standard. E 634 Practice for Sampling of Zinc and Zinc Alloys for
1.4 Systems of nomenclature used to designate zinc and Optical Emission Spectrometric Analysis
zinc-aluminum (ZA) alloys used for casting are described in 2.3 Other ASTM Document:
Appendix X1. Methods for Emission Spectrochemical Analysis4
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the 2.4 ISO Standard 5
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the ISO 301 Zinc Alloy Ingots Intended for Casting
responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar ISO 38151 Zinc and zinc alloys Part 1: Analysis of solid
with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate samples by optical emission spectrometry.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for this product/material
as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate 2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
safety and health practices, and determine the applicability of contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
regulatory limitations prior to use. Standards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
3
Withdrawn.
1 4
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B02 on Methods for Emission Spectrochemical Analysis: General Practices, Nomen-
Nonferrous Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee clature, Standard Methods, Proposed Methods, Suggested Methods, ASTM Inter-
B02.04 on Zinc and Cadmium. national, 1982.
5
Current edition approved July 1, 2007. Published August 2007. Originally Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
approved in 1949. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as B 240 - 06. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

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 B 240 07
TABLE 1 Chemical and North American Color Code Requirements
A,B,C,D
Alloy 3 Alloy 7A,B,C,D Alloy 5A,B,C,D Alloy 2A,B,C,D ZA-8B,C,E ZA-12B,C,E ZA-27B,C,E
Zamak 3 Zamak 7 Zamak 5 Zamak 2 ZA-8 ZA-12 ZA-27
(AG40A) (AG40B) (AC41A) (AC43A)
Z33521 Z33522 Z35530 Z35540 Z35635 Z35630 Z35840
Color CodeF None Brown Black Green Blue Orange Purple
Element
Aluminum 3.9-4.3 3.9-4.3 3.9-4.3 3.9-4.3 8.2-8.8 10.8-11.5 25.5-28.0
Magnesium 0.03-0.06 0.010-0.020 0.03-0.06 0.025-0.05 0.02-0.03 0.02-0.03 0.012-0.020
Copper 0.10 max 0.10 max 0.7-1.1 2.7-3.3 0.9-1.3 0.5-1.2 2.0-2.5
Iron, Max 0.035 0.075 0.035 0.035 0.035 0.05 0.07
Lead, Max 0.0040 0.0030 0.0040 0.0040 0.005 0.005 0.005
Cadmium, Max 0.0030 0.0020 0.0030 0.0030 0.005 0.005 0.005
Tin, Max 0.0015 0.0010 0.0015 0.0015 0.002 0.002 0.002
Nickel --- 0.005-0.020 --- --- --- --- ---
ZincG Remainder Remainder Remainder Remainder Remainder Remainder Remainder
A
Zinc alloy ingot for die casting may contain nickel, chromium, silicon, and manganese in amounts of up to 0.02, 0.02, 0.035 and 0.05 %, respectively. No harmful effects
have ever been noted due to the presence of these elements in up to these concentrations and, therefore, analyses are not required for these elements, except that nickel
analysis is required for Z33522.
B
ASTM alloy designations were established in accordance with Practice B 275. UNS assignations were established in accordance with Practice E 527. The last digit
of a UNS number differentiates between alloys of similar composition. UNS designations for ingot and casting versions of an alloy were not assigned in the same sequence
for all alloys.
C
For purposes of acceptance and rejection, the observed value or calculated value obtained from analysis should be rounded to the nearest unit in the last right-hand
place of figures, used in expressing the specified limit, in accordance with the rounding procedure prescribed in Practice E 29.
D
When this material is required to conform to ISO Standard 301, the chemical limits for thallium and indium each shall not exceed 0.001 %.
E
Zinc-aluminum ingot for foundry and pressure die casting may contain nickel, chromium, and manganese in amounts of up to 0.01 % each or 0.03 % total. No harmful
effects have ever been noted due to the presence of these elements in up to these concentrations and, therefore, analyses are not required for these elements.
F
Refer to Practice B 908. (Note: Colors indicated are for North American applications.)
G
Determined arithmetically by difference.

ISO 38152 Zinc and zinc alloys Part 2: Analysis by 6. Chemical Requirements
inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. 6.1 The ingots shall conform to the requirements as to
chemical composition prescribed in Table 1. Conformance
3. Terminology shall be determined by the manufacturer by analyzing samples
3.1 Terms shall be defined in accordance with Terminology taken at the time the ingots are poured or samples taken from
B 899. the ingots. Unless otherwise agreed in the contact or purchase
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: order, sampling procedure will be the manufacturers choice.
3.2.1 continuous casting, na casting technique in which a
cast is continuously withdrawn through the bottom of the mold 7. Ingot Sizes and Shapes
as it solidifies, so that its length is not determined by mold 7.1 Zinc casting alloy ingots are typically supplied in ingot
dimensions; used chiefly to produce semifinished mill products bundles weighing 1700 to 2400 lb.
such as billets, blooms, ingots, slabs and tubes; also known as 7.2 Ingots and bundles vary in size and weight depending on
concast. the alloy and supplier.
3.2.2 die casting, na casting process in which molten 7.2.1 Standard ingots have a nominal weight in the range of
metal is injected under high velocity and pressure into a metal 17 to 24 lb. and are generally 24 to 26 in. long.
die and solidified, also a product produced by such a process. 7.2.2 Margash bars or ingots come in two sizes with a
Alternately known as pressure die casting. nominal weight in the range of either 12 to 14 lb. or 20 to 24
lb.
4. Ordering Information 7.3 Zinc casting alloy ingot may be ordered in jumbos or
4.1 Orders for ingot under this specification shall include blocks, as specified in Specification B 897.
the following information: 7.4 Zinc casting alloy ingot may also be ordered in other
4.1.1 Quantity in pounds, shapes.
4.1.2 Alloy (Table 1),
4.1.3 Size, if not manufacturers standard (see Section 7), 8. Sampling for Determination of Chemical Composition
4.1.4 Specification number and date, 8.1 In the event of a dispute, if the ingots are shipped in
4.1.5 Source inspection (Section 10), carload lots of the same alloy, not less than five ingots shall be
4.1.6 Marking (Section 12), and taken at random from the carload for sampling. If the shipment
4.1.7 Whether certification is required (Section 13). is less than a carload lot, one sample ingot shall be taken for
each 10,000 lb. (4500 kg) or fraction thereof. Either party may
5. Materials and Manufacturer request that a sample be taken from each melt of 1000 lb. (450
5.1 The material covered by this specification shall be of kg) or more.
uniform quality and reasonably free from dross, adhering 8.2 The samples for chemical analysis shall be taken by
foreign matter, and surface oxide. sawing, milling, or drilling in such a manner as to be
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 B 240 07
representative of the average cross section of the ingot. The tion. Inspection and tests shall be conducted so there is no
weight of a prepared sample shall be not less than 75 g in unnecessary interference with the producers operations.
accordance with Practice E 88.
11. Rejection and Rehearing
8.3 The saw drill, or cutter used for taking the sample shall
be thoroughly cleaned. No lubricant shall be used in the 11.1 Material that fails to conform to the requirements of
operation, and the sawings or metal chips shall be carefully this specification may be rejected. Rejection should be reported
treated with a magnet to remove any particles or iron intro- to the producer or supplier promptly and in writing. In case of
duced in taking the sample by the method prescribed in 8.2. dissatisfaction with the results of the test, the producer or
8.4 An optional method of sampling for analysis may be by supplier may make claim for a rehearing. If the rehearing
melting together representative portions of each ingot selected establishes that the material does not conform to the require-
and then sampling the liquid composite by casting suitable ments of this specification, as much of the rejected original
specimens for either spectrographic or chemical analysis. material as possible shall be returned to the producer or
8.5 Samples for Spectrochemical and Other Methods of supplier.
Analysis4Samples for spectrochemical and other methods of 12. Identification Marking
analysis shall be suitable for the form of material being
12.1 All ingots shall be properly marked for identification
analyzed and the type of analytical method used (for example,
with the producers name or brand.
see Practice E 634).
12.2 Each bundle or skid shall be identified with the
producers heat, lot, or other identification mark.
9. Methods for Chemical Analysis 12.3 Each ingot, bundle or skid shall be marked with the
9.1 The determination of chemical composition shall be appropriate Color Code for the alloy as per North American
made in accordance with suitable analytical methods. In case requirements in Practice B 908.
of dispute, the results secured by an approved method (or
combination of approved methods), or by a method agreed 13. Certification
upon by both parties, shall be the basis of acceptance. 13.1 When specified in the purchase order or contract, a
9.1.1 Approved method include: Test Methods E 536, Test producers or suppliers certification shall be furnished to the
Method E 47 (for tin), ISO 38151, or ISO 38152. purchaser that the material was manufactured, sampled tested
9.2 For purposes of determining compliance with specified and inspected in accordance with this specification and has
composition limits as given in Table 1, an observed or been found to meet the requirements. When specified in the
calculated value shall be rounded to the nearest unit in the last purchase order or contract, a report of the test result shall be
right-hand place of figures shown in Table 1, in accordance furnished.
with the rounding method of Practice E 29. 14. Preparation for Delivery
10. Source Inspection 14.1 PackagingUnless otherwise specified, the ingot shall

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be packaged to provide adequate protection during normal
10.1 If the purchaser desires that his representative inspect handling and transportation. Each package shall contain only
or witness the inspections and testing of the product prior to one alloy unless otherwise agreed upon.
shipment, such agreement shall be made by the purchaser and
producer or supplier as part of the contract or purchase order. 15. Keywords
10.2 When such inspection or witness of inspection and 15.1 bar stock; castings; concast; continuous cast bar stock;
testing is agreed upon, the producer or supplier shall afford the die castings; foundry castings; permanent mold castings; pres-
purchasers representative all reasonable facilities to satisfy sure die castings; prototyping; sand castings; ZA alloys;
him that the product meets the requirements of this specifica- Zamak; zinc; zinc-aluminum alloys; zinc metal

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. NOMENCLATURE SYSTEMS FOR ZINC AND ZINC-ALUMINUM (ZA) ALLOYS

X1.1 The information in this appendix does not constitute evolved over the years to designate the zinc alloys used for
a part of this specification but is provided for informational casting, as listed in Table X1.1.
purposes only. The nomenclature covers commercial zinc and
X1.2.1 Common names refer to the long established zinc
zinc-aluminum (ZA) alloys in ingot form for remelting for the
casting alloys by number based their sequential development
manufacture of pressure die castings and foundry castings, as
designated and specified in Table 1. preceded by the word Alloy. Zinc-aluminum alloys (with a
higher aluminum content that the conventional zinc die casting
X1.2 Several different systems of nomenclature have

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 B 240 07
TABLE X1.1 Nomenclature Systems for Zinc and Zinc-Aluminum (magnesium) or C (copper), refers to the second most signifi-
(ZA) Alloys cant alloying element. The first number, 4, refers to the
Common Traditional ASTM UNS nominal aluminum content. The second number refers to the
Alloy 3 Zamak 3 AG 40A Z33521 nominal content to the second most significant alloying ele-
Alloy 7 Zamak 7 AG 40B Z33522
Alloy 5 Zamak 5 AC 41A Z35530
ment. The last letter, A or B, differentiates between alloys of
Alloy 2 Zamak 2 AC 43A Z35635 similar composition. Prior to the adoption of this designation
ZA-8 ZA-8 ... Z35635 system by ASTM, alloys were identified by Roman numerals,
ZA-12 ZA-12 ... Z35630
ZA-27 ZA-27 ... Z35840
for example, XXI, XXIII and XV designated AC43A, AG40A
and AC41A, respectively.
X1.2.4 UNS numbers are established in Practice E 527
alloys) use the prefix ZA followed by their approximate (SAE J1086) as part of a Unified Numbering System to provide
aluminum content. These terms are in common usage. a unique designation for each metal grade and alloy in use
X1.2.2 Traditional names for the long established zinc worldwide. Zinc alloys start with the prefix Z followed by
casting alloys use the prefix ZAMAK which was devised based five numbers. The first digit is based on the major alloying
on the major elements present: zinc, aluminum, magnesium element, the second digit provides a further sub-classification
and kopper (copper). Zinc-aluminum alloys use the prefix ZA based on secondary and tertiary alloying elements, the third
followed by their approximate aluminum content. These terms digit designates the nominal composition of the of the major
are in common usage. alloying element, the fourth digit designates the nominal
X1.2.3 ASTM designations are established in Practice concentration of the second most important alloying element,
B 275 based on alloy chemistry. The first letter, A, refers tot he and the fifth digit allows a unique number to be established to
principal alloying element, aluminum. The second letter, G differentiate between similar compositions.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee B02 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (B 240 - 06)
that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved July 1, 2007.)

(1) The addition of Section 7 on Ingot Sizes and Shapes.

(2) A reference to Specification to B 897 to specify the size
and configuration of jumbo and block ingots.

Committee B02 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (B 240 - 05)

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that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved August 1, 2006.)

(1) Maximum lead content for Alloy 7 in Table 1 was changed

to 0.0030 %.

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