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Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Babbitt Grade 2 (Tin-Base) vs ZSnSb4-4

Solder & Low-Melting Alloy · grade comparison

Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Babbitt Grade 2 (Tin-Base) and ZSnSb4-4 are both solder & low-melting alloy grades. Babbitt Grade 2 (Tin-Base) is the stronger of the two: yield strength 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) against 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) for ZSnSb4-4, about 40% more; tensile strength follows at 66 MPa (9.57 ksi) vs 62 MPa (8.99 ksi). In exchange, ZSnSb4-4 is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 3% for Babbitt Grade 2 (Tin-Base), and Babbitt Grade 2 (Tin-Base) is harder (25 HB vs 20 HB). ZSnSb4-4 conducts electricity better (9 % IACS vs 8 % IACS).

Babbitt Grade 2 (Tin-Base)Choose it when strength drives the design.

ZSnSb4-4Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Babbitt Grade 2 (Tin-Base) vs ZSnSb4-4: properties

Babbitt Grade 2 (Tin-Base)ZSnSb4-4

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

53 GPa7.7 Msi
51 GPa7.4 Msi

Shear Modulus

20 GPa2.9 Msi
19 GPa2.8 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

66 MPa9.6 ksi
62 MPa9 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

42 MPa6.1 ksi
30 MPa4.4 ksi

Elongation at Break

3%
8%

Compressive Strength

105 MPa15.2 ksi
89 MPa12.9 ksi

Shear Strength

40 MPa5.8 ksi
35 MPa5.1 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

3 J2.2 ft·lbf
6 J4.4 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

25 HB
20 HB

Hardness, Vickers

26 HV
21 HV

Same in both: Bulk Modulus 50 GPa7.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 27 MPa3.9 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

7.39 g/cm³0.27 lb/in³
7.34 g/cm³0.27 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

241°C466 °F
223°C433 °F

Liquidus Temperature

354°C669 °F
371°C700 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

55 W/m·K31.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F
52 W/m·K30 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 230 J/kg·K0.05 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23 µm/m·K12.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 60 J/g25.8 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 120°C248 °F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

8 % IACS
9 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

2.1×10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.27 µΩ·in
1.9×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.48 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

50 / 100
55 / 100

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.5 V

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

80%
—

Formability (cold)

20 / 100
30 / 100

Castability

95 / 100
90 / 100

Polishability

70 / 100
60 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 85 / 100 · Weldability 20 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 90 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

260 MJ/kg111,780 BTU/lb
310 MJ/kg133,276 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

17 kg CO₂/kg
18 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

400 L/kg47.9 gal/lb
500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 30%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

9 kN·m/kg
8 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

7.2 MN·m/kg
6.9 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

17 kJ/m³
9 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

32.4 mm²/s
30.8 mm²/s

Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 3

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.

125102050891011Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleBabbitt Grade 2 (Tin-Base)ZSnSb4-4

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityBabbitt Grade 2 (Tin-Base)ZSnSb4-4
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Babbitt Grade 2 (Tin-Base) vs ZSnSb4-4 — frequently asked

Is Babbitt Grade 2 (Tin-Base) stronger than ZSnSb4-4?

Yes. Babbitt Grade 2 (Tin-Base) has a typical yield strength of 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) against 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) for ZSnSb4-4 — about 40% more. Tensile strength is 66 MPa (9.57 ksi) vs 62 MPa (8.99 ksi).

Which is cheaper, Babbitt Grade 2 (Tin-Base) or ZSnSb4-4?

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.

When should I choose Babbitt Grade 2 (Tin-Base) over ZSnSb4-4?

Pick Babbitt Grade 2 (Tin-Base) when strength drives the design. Pick ZSnSb4-4 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Babbitt Grade 2 (Tin-Base) and ZSnSb4-4 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.