Solder & Low-Melting Alloy B23 Grade 13 vs B23 Grade 8
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy · grade comparison
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy B23 Grade 13 and B23 Grade 8 are both solder & low-melting alloy grades. B23 Grade 13 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) against 26 MPa (3.77 ksi) for B23 Grade 8, about 15% more; tensile strength follows at 65 MPa (9.43 ksi) vs 55 MPa (7.98 ksi). B23 Grade 13 is the more ductile: elongation 6% versus 3% for B23 Grade 8, and B23 Grade 13 is harder (22 HB vs 20 HB). B23 Grade 13 conducts electricity better (6.6 % IACS vs 5.6 % IACS). On the shop floor, B23 Grade 8 machines more easily (excellent vs very good).
B23 Grade 13Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
B23 Grade 8Choose it when the part is machined in volume.
B23 Grade 13 vs B23 Grade 8: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all solder & low-melting alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all solder & low-melting alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 29 GPa4.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 10.5 GPa1.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.42 · Compressive Strength 108 MPa15.7 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 240°C464 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 24 W/m·K13.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 145 J/kg·K0.03 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 120°C248 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Brazeability / Solderability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Same in both: Formability (cold) 25 / 100 · Castability 92 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 2
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every solder & low-melting alloy grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | B23 Grade 13 | B23 Grade 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
B23 Grade 13 vs B23 Grade 8 — frequently asked
Is B23 Grade 13 stronger than B23 Grade 8?
Yes. B23 Grade 13 has a typical yield strength of 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) against 26 MPa (3.77 ksi) for B23 Grade 8 — about 15% more. Tensile strength is 65 MPa (9.43 ksi) vs 55 MPa (7.98 ksi).
Which is cheaper, B23 Grade 13 or B23 Grade 8?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, B23 Grade 13 or B23 Grade 8?
B23 Grade 8. Its machinability rates excellent (90/100) against very good (80/100) for B23 Grade 13; for welding the order is B23 Grade 8 first (poor, 20/100) then B23 Grade 13 (poor, 15/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in B23 Grade 13 and B23 Grade 8 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.