Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base) vs ZSnSb11-6
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy · grade comparison
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base) and ZSnSb11-6 are both solder & low-melting alloy grades. ZSnSb11-6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) for Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base), about 22% more; tensile strength follows at 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) vs 70 MPa (10.2 ksi). ZSnSb11-6 is the more ductile: elongation 6% versus 3% for Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base), and ZSnSb11-6 is harder (30 HB vs 27 HB). Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base) runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous) and Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base) conducts heat better (55 W/m·K vs 34 W/m·K).
Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base)Choose it when the part sees heat.
ZSnSb11-6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base) vs ZSnSb11-6: 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.
Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base)ZSnSb11-6
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Reduction in Area
Same in both: Shear Modulus 20 GPa2.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 52 GPa7.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 3 J2.2 ft·lbf
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 Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 60 J/g25.8 BTU/lb
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 %)
Formability (cold)
Castability
Same in both: Machinability 92 / 100 · Weldability 20 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 95 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 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)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 7.1 MN·m/kg · 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.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base) | ZSnSb11-6 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base) vs ZSnSb11-6 — frequently asked
Is ZSnSb11-6 stronger than Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base)?
Yes. ZSnSb11-6 has a typical yield strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) against 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) for Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base) — about 22% more. Tensile strength is 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) vs 70 MPa (10.2 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base) or ZSnSb11-6?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base) over ZSnSb11-6?
Pick Babbitt Grade 3 (Tin-Base) when the part sees heat. Pick ZSnSb11-6 when strength drives the design, or 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 3 (Tin-Base) and ZSnSb11-6 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.