Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Pb50Sn50 vs Pb50Sn50Sb
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy · grade comparison
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Pb50Sn50 and Pb50Sn50Sb are both solder & low-melting alloy grades. Pb50Sn50Sb is the stronger of the two: yield strength 36 MPa (5.22 ksi) against 27 MPa (3.92 ksi) for Pb50Sn50, about 33% more; tensile strength follows at 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) vs 42 MPa (6.09 ksi). In exchange, Pb50Sn50 is the more ductile: elongation 55% versus 35% for Pb50Sn50Sb, and Pb50Sn50Sb is harder (15 HB vs 14 HB). Pb50Sn50Sb is stiffer (30 GPa vs 23 GPa).
Pb50Sn50Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Pb50Sn50SbChoose it when strength drives the design.
Pb50Sn50 vs Pb50Sn50Sb: 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)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Compressive Strength
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 36 GPa5.2 Msi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 183°C361 °F · Liquidus Temperature 216°C421 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 176 J/kg·K0.04 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 24.5 µm/m·K13.6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 42 J/g18.1 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 100°C212 °F · 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) -0.32 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
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 Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 5 kN·m/kg
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 | Pb50Sn50 | Pb50Sn50Sb |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Pb50Sn50 vs Pb50Sn50Sb — frequently asked
Is Pb50Sn50Sb stronger than Pb50Sn50?
Yes. Pb50Sn50Sb has a typical yield strength of 36 MPa (5.22 ksi) against 27 MPa (3.92 ksi) for Pb50Sn50 — about 33% more. Tensile strength is 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) vs 42 MPa (6.09 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Pb50Sn50 or Pb50Sn50Sb?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Pb50Sn50 or Pb50Sn50Sb?
Pb50Sn50, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 30/100 against 25/100 for Pb50Sn50Sb; for welding the order is Pb50Sn50 first (poor, 15/100) then Pb50Sn50Sb (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Pb50Sn50 and Pb50Sn50Sb 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.