Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Lead-Calcium-Tin-AA vs Lead-Calcium-Tin-CR
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy · Lead-Calcium-Tin temper comparison
Lead-Calcium-Tin-AA and Lead-Calcium-Tin-CR are two conditions of the same solder & low-melting alloy grade, Lead-Calcium-Tin: AA (artificially aged) versus CR (cold rolled). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Lead-Calcium-Tin-CR is the stronger of the two: yield strength 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) against 33 MPa (4.79 ksi) for Lead-Calcium-Tin-AA, about 21% more; tensile strength follows at 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) vs 48 MPa (6.96 ksi). Lead-Calcium-Tin-AA runs hotter in service (100°C vs 80°C continuous).
Lead-Calcium-Tin-AAChoose it when the part sees heat.
Lead-Calcium-Tin-CRChoose it when strength drives the design.
Lead-Calcium-Tin-AA vs Lead-Calcium-Tin-CR: 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.
Lead-Calcium-Tin-AALead-Calcium-Tin-CR
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 15 GPa2.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 5.6 GPa0.81 Msi · Bulk Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.44 · Hardness, Brinell 18 HB · Hardness, Vickers 19 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 11.3 g/cm³0.41 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 320°C608 °F · Liquidus Temperature 327°C621 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 33 W/m·K19.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 130 J/kg·K0.03 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 29 µm/m·K16.1 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 23 J/g9.9 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -60°C-76 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.55 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 85 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 90 / 100 · Polishability 20 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 22 MJ/kg9,458 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 1.8 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 80 L/kg9.6 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 75%
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.
Lead-Calcium-Tin-AA vs Lead-Calcium-Tin-CR — frequently asked
Is Lead-Calcium-Tin-CR stronger than Lead-Calcium-Tin-AA?
Yes. Lead-Calcium-Tin-CR has a typical yield strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) against 33 MPa (4.79 ksi) for Lead-Calcium-Tin-AA — about 21% more. Tensile strength is 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) vs 48 MPa (6.96 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AA or CR?
CAST-AGED is the default Lead-Calcium-Tin condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither AA nor CR). The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
When should I choose Lead-Calcium-Tin-AA over Lead-Calcium-Tin-CR?
Pick Lead-Calcium-Tin-AA when the part sees heat. Pick Lead-Calcium-Tin-CR when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Lead-Calcium-Tin-AA and Lead-Calcium-Tin-CR 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.