Solder & Low-Melting Alloy In52Sn48 vs In97Ag3
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy · grade comparison
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy In52Sn48 and In97Ag3 are both solder & low-melting alloy grades. In52Sn48 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 7 MPa (1.02 ksi) against 3 MPa (0.435 ksi) for In97Ag3, about 133% more; tensile strength follows at 12 MPa (1.73 ksi) vs 6 MPa (0.87 ksi). In52Sn48 is harder — 5 HB against 1 HB for In97Ag3 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. In52Sn48 is stiffer (20 GPa vs 11 GPa) and In97Ag3 conducts heat better (73 W/m·K vs 34 W/m·K). On the shop floor, In52Sn48 machines more easily (poor vs not recommended) and In97Ag3 welds better (poor vs not recommended).
In52Sn48Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
In97Ag3Choose it when it will be welded.
In52Sn48 vs In97Ag3: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Hardness, Brinell
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
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
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 60°C140 °F · Min Service Temperature -269°C-452 °F
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 45 / 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)
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: 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 | In52Sn48 | In97Ag3 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
In52Sn48 vs In97Ag3 — frequently asked
Is In52Sn48 stronger than In97Ag3?
Yes. In52Sn48 has a typical yield strength of 7 MPa (1.02 ksi) against 3 MPa (0.435 ksi) for In97Ag3 — about 133% more. Tensile strength is 12 MPa (1.73 ksi) vs 6 MPa (0.87 ksi).
Which is cheaper, In52Sn48 or In97Ag3?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, In52Sn48 or In97Ag3?
In52Sn48. Its machinability rates poor (20/100) against not recommended (8/100) for In97Ag3; for welding the order is In97Ag3 first (poor, 25/100) then In52Sn48 (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in In52Sn48 and In97Ag3 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.