Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Bi58Sn42 vs Ga68In20Sn12
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy · grade comparison
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Bi58Sn42 and Ga68In20Sn12 are both solder & low-melting alloy grades. Ga68In20Sn12 is lighter (6.44 g/cm³ vs 8.56 g/cm³ for Bi58Sn42) and Ga68In20Sn12 runs hotter in service (200°C vs 80°C continuous).
Ga68In20Sn12Choose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
Bi58Sn42 vs Ga68In20Sn12: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
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
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 50 / 100
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)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Thermal Diffusivity
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 | Bi58Sn42 | Ga68In20Sn12 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Bi58Sn42 vs Ga68In20Sn12 — frequently asked
What is the difference between Bi58Sn42 and Ga68In20Sn12?
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Bi58Sn42 and Ga68In20Sn12 are both solder & low-melting alloy grades. Ga68In20Sn12 is lighter (6.44 g/cm³ vs 8.56 g/cm³ for Bi58Sn42) and Ga68In20Sn12 runs hotter in service (200°C vs 80°C continuous).
Which is cheaper, Bi58Sn42 or Ga68In20Sn12?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose Bi58Sn42 over Ga68In20Sn12?
Pick Ga68In20Sn12 when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Bi58Sn42 and Ga68In20Sn12 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.
