Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base) vs WJ2
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy · grade comparison
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base) and WJ2 are both solder & low-melting alloy grades. WJ2 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 85 MPa (12.3 ksi) against 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) for Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base), about 21% more. WJ2 is the more ductile: elongation 4% versus 3% for Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base), and Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base) is harder (27 HB vs 25 HB). Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base) runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous) and WJ2 conducts electricity better (9 % IACS vs 8 % IACS).
Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base)Choose it when the part sees heat.
WJ2Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base) vs WJ2: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 45 MPa6.5 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 55 W/m·K31.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 230 J/kg·K0.05 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 60 J/g25.8 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -60°C-76 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.5 V · Corrosion Resistance 55 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Same in both: Machinability 92 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 95 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 280 MJ/kg120,378 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 17 kg CO₂/kg
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Modulus of Resilience 19 kJ/m³
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 | Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base) | WJ2 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base) vs WJ2 — frequently asked
Is WJ2 stronger than Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base)?
Yes. WJ2 has a typical tensile strength of 85 MPa (12.3 ksi) against 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) for Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base) — about 21% more.
Which is cheaper, Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base) or WJ2?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base) or WJ2?
WJ2. Its weldability rates poor (25/100) against poor (20/100) for Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base) and WJ2 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.