Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Cerrolow-117 vs Wood's Metal
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy · grade comparison
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Cerrolow-117 and Wood's Metal are both solder & low-melting alloy grades. Wood's Metal is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) against 29 MPa (4.21 ksi) for Cerrolow-117, about 45% more. In exchange, Cerrolow-117 is the more ductile: elongation 50% versus 25% for Wood's Metal, and Cerrolow-117 is harder (12 HB vs 11 HB). Cerrolow-117 is lighter (9.16 g/cm³ vs 9.7 g/cm³ for Wood's Metal) and Cerrolow-117 is stiffer (12 GPa vs 9.7 GPa).
Cerrolow-117Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
Wood's MetalChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Cerrolow-117 vs Wood's Metal: 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)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Hardness, Brinell
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Reduction in Area
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
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
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23 µm/m·K12.8 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °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)
Polishability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Same in both: Castability 95 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 85 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 40%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
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 | Cerrolow-117 | Wood's Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Cerrolow-117 vs Wood's Metal — frequently asked
Is Wood's Metal stronger than Cerrolow-117?
Yes. Wood's Metal has a typical tensile strength of 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) against 29 MPa (4.21 ksi) for Cerrolow-117 — about 45% more.
Which is cheaper, Cerrolow-117 or Wood's Metal?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Cerrolow-117 or Wood's Metal?
Wood's Metal. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (30/100) for Cerrolow-117; for welding the order is Wood's Metal first (poor, 15/100) then Cerrolow-117 (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Cerrolow-117 and Wood's Metal 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.