Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Pb50Sn50 vs Pb58Sn40Sb2
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy · grade comparison
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Pb50Sn50 and Pb58Sn40Sb2 are both solder & low-melting alloy grades. Pb58Sn40Sb2 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 32 MPa (4.64 ksi) against 27 MPa (3.92 ksi) for Pb50Sn50, about 19% 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 Pb58Sn40Sb2, and Pb58Sn40Sb2 is harder (15 HB vs 14 HB). Pb50Sn50 is lighter (8.85 g/cm³ vs 9.3 g/cm³ for Pb58Sn40Sb2) and Pb58Sn40Sb2 is stiffer (27 GPa vs 23 GPa).
Pb50Sn50Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
Pb58Sn40Sb2Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Pb50Sn50 vs Pb58Sn40Sb2: 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
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.4 · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 14 MPa2 ksi
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
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 176 J/kg·K0.04 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 42 J/g18.1 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).
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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
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 | Pb58Sn40Sb2 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Pb50Sn50 vs Pb58Sn40Sb2 — frequently asked
Is Pb58Sn40Sb2 stronger than Pb50Sn50?
Yes. Pb58Sn40Sb2 has a typical yield strength of 32 MPa (4.64 ksi) against 27 MPa (3.92 ksi) for Pb50Sn50 — about 19% more. Tensile strength is 48 MPa (6.96 ksi) vs 42 MPa (6.09 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Pb50Sn50 or Pb58Sn40Sb2?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, 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 Pb58Sn40Sb2?
Pb58Sn40Sb2. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (30/100) for Pb50Sn50; for welding the order is Pb58Sn40Sb2 first (poor, 20/100) then Pb50Sn50 (poor, 15/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Pb50Sn50 and Pb58Sn40Sb2 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.