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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: properties

Bi58Sn42Ga68In20Sn12

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

42 GPa6.1 Msi
—

Shear Modulus

16 GPa2.3 Msi
—

Bulk Modulus

41 GPa5.9 Msi
48 GPa7 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.33
—

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

65 MPa9.4 ksi
—

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

42 MPa6.1 ksi
—

Elongation at Break

40%
—

Shear Strength

45 MPa6.5 ksi
—

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

20 MPa2.9 ksi
—

Hardness, Brinell

22 HB
—

Hardness, Vickers

23 HV
—

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

8.56 g/cm³0.31 lb/in³
6.44 g/cm³0.23 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

138°C280 °F
-19°C-2 °F

Liquidus Temperature

138°C280 °F
-19°C-2 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

19 W/m·K11 BTU/hr·ft·°F
16.5 W/m·K9.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

167 J/kg·K0.04 BTU/lb·°F
296 J/kg·K0.07 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

15 µm/m·K8.3 µin/in·°F
38 µm/m·K21.1 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

45 J/g19.3 BTU/lb
—

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

80°C176 °F
200°C392 °F

Min Service Temperature

-40°C-40 °F
-19°C-2 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

5 % IACS
6 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

3.4×10⁻⁷ Ω·m13.4 µΩ·in
2.89×10⁻⁷ Ω·m11.4 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.45 V
—

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 50 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

30 / 100
—

Weldability

20 / 100
—

Formability (cold)

60 / 100
—

Castability

90 / 100
—

Brazeability / Solderability

95 / 100
—

Polishability

30 / 100
—

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

190 MJ/kg81,685 BTU/lb
2,500 MJ/kg1,074,808 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

11 kg CO₂/kg
170 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb
—

Typical Recycled Content

25%
30%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Thermal Diffusivity

13.3 mm²/s
8.7 mm²/s

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 scaleBi58Sn42

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityBi58Sn42Ga68In20Sn12
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.