Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Bi32.5In51Sn16.5 vs In52Sn48
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy · grade comparison
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Bi32.5In51Sn16.5 and In52Sn48 are both solder & low-melting alloy grades. Bi32.5In51Sn16.5 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 8 MPa (1.16 ksi) against 7 MPa (1.02 ksi) for In52Sn48, about 14% more; tensile strength follows at 15 MPa (2.18 ksi) vs 12 MPa (1.73 ksi). Bi32.5In51Sn16.5 is the more ductile: elongation 100% versus 60% for In52Sn48, and Bi32.5In51Sn16.5 is harder (10 HB vs 5 HB). In52Sn48 is lighter (7.3 g/cm³ vs 7.88 g/cm³ for Bi32.5In51Sn16.5) and In52Sn48 is stiffer (20 GPa vs 10 GPa). On the shop floor, Bi32.5In51Sn16.5 machines more easily (30 vs 20 out of 100) and Bi32.5In51Sn16.5 welds better (poor vs not recommended).
Bi32.5In51Sn16.5Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
In52Sn48Choose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
Bi32.5In51Sn16.5 vs In52Sn48: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Hardness, Brinell
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 200 J/kg·K0.05 BTU/lb·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 2 kN·m/kg · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 1
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 | Bi32.5In51Sn16.5 | In52Sn48 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Bi32.5In51Sn16.5 vs In52Sn48 — frequently asked
Is Bi32.5In51Sn16.5 stronger than In52Sn48?
Yes. Bi32.5In51Sn16.5 has a typical yield strength of 8 MPa (1.16 ksi) against 7 MPa (1.02 ksi) for In52Sn48 — about 14% more. Tensile strength is 15 MPa (2.18 ksi) vs 12 MPa (1.73 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Bi32.5In51Sn16.5 or In52Sn48?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Bi32.5In51Sn16.5 or In52Sn48?
Bi32.5In51Sn16.5, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 30/100 against 20/100 for In52Sn48; for welding the order is Bi32.5In51Sn16.5 first (poor, 20/100) then In52Sn48 (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Bi32.5In51Sn16.5 and In52Sn48 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.