Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Pb55Sn45 vs Pb60Sn40
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy · grade comparison
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Pb55Sn45 and Pb60Sn40 are both solder & low-melting alloy grades. Pb55Sn45 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 41 MPa (5.95 ksi) against 38 MPa (5.51 ksi) for Pb60Sn40, about 8% more. Pb55Sn45 is the more ductile: elongation 50% versus 40% for Pb60Sn40, and Pb55Sn45 is harder (13 HB vs 12 HB). Pb55Sn45 is stiffer (28 GPa vs 24 GPa).
Pb55Sn45Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Pb55Sn45 vs Pb60Sn40: 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
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.4 · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 12 MPa1.7 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 183°C361 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 44 W/m·K25.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 100°C212 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.5 V · Corrosion Resistance 40 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Weldability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb
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 3
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 | Pb55Sn45 | Pb60Sn40 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Pb55Sn45 vs Pb60Sn40 — frequently asked
Is Pb55Sn45 stronger than Pb60Sn40?
Yes. Pb55Sn45 has a typical tensile strength of 41 MPa (5.95 ksi) against 38 MPa (5.51 ksi) for Pb60Sn40 — about 8% more.
Which is cheaper, Pb55Sn45 or Pb60Sn40?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Pb55Sn45 or Pb60Sn40?
Pb55Sn45. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (30/100) for Pb60Sn40.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Pb55Sn45 and Pb60Sn40 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.