Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Bi58Sn42 vs In100
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy · grade comparison
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Bi58Sn42 and In100 are both solder & low-melting alloy grades. Bi58Sn42 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) against 0.8 MPa (0.116 ksi) for In100, about 53 times as much; tensile strength follows at 65 MPa (9.43 ksi) vs 3 MPa (0.377 ksi). Bi58Sn42 is harder — 22 HB against 1 HB for In100 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. In100 is lighter (7.31 g/cm³ vs 8.56 g/cm³ for Bi58Sn42) and Bi58Sn42 is stiffer (42 GPa vs 11 GPa). On the shop floor, Bi58Sn42 machines more easily (30 vs 15 out of 100), In100 welds better (very good vs poor), and In100 forms better (excellent vs good).
Bi58Sn42Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
In100Choose it when weight is the constraint, or when it will be welded.
Bi58Sn42 vs In100: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 41 GPa5.9 Msi · Elongation at Break 40%
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
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 80°C176 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Castability 90 / 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)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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 | In100 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Bi58Sn42 vs In100 — frequently asked
Is Bi58Sn42 stronger than In100?
Yes. Bi58Sn42 has a typical yield strength of 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) against 0.8 MPa (0.116 ksi) for In100 — about 53 times as much. Tensile strength is 65 MPa (9.43 ksi) vs 3 MPa (0.377 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Bi58Sn42 or In100?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Bi58Sn42 or In100?
Bi58Sn42, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 30/100 against 15/100 for In100; for welding the order is In100 first (very good, 80/100) then Bi58Sn42 (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Bi58Sn42 and In100 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.