Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Pure Tin (Grade A) vs Type 2 Sheet Pewter
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy · grade comparison
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Pure Tin (Grade A) and Type 2 Sheet Pewter are both solder & low-melting alloy grades. Type 2 Sheet Pewter is the stronger of the two: yield strength 43 MPa (6.24 ksi) against 10 MPa (1.45 ksi) for Pure Tin (Grade A), about 4.3 times as much; tensile strength follows at 68 MPa (9.86 ksi) vs 15 MPa (2.18 ksi). In exchange, Pure Tin (Grade A) is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 25% for Type 2 Sheet Pewter, and Type 2 Sheet Pewter is harder (25 HB vs 5 HB). Pure Tin (Grade A) runs hotter in service (100°C vs 90°C continuous) and Pure Tin (Grade A) conducts heat better (66 W/m·K vs 50 W/m·K). On the shop floor, Type 2 Sheet Pewter machines more easily (good vs fair) and Pure Tin (Grade A) welds better (30 vs 20 out of 100).
Pure Tin (Grade A)Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Type 2 Sheet PewterChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
Pure Tin (Grade A) vs Type 2 Sheet Pewter: 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.
Pure Tin (Grade A)Type 2 Sheet Pewter
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Shear Modulus
Bulk 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
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 45 GPa6.5 Msi
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
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 22 µm/m·K12.2 µin/in·°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) -0.5 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Same in both: Formability (cold) 95 / 100 · Castability 90 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 30%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 6.2 MN·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 | Pure Tin (Grade A) | Type 2 Sheet Pewter |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Pure Tin (Grade A) vs Type 2 Sheet Pewter — frequently asked
Is Type 2 Sheet Pewter stronger than Pure Tin (Grade A)?
Yes. Type 2 Sheet Pewter has a typical yield strength of 43 MPa (6.24 ksi) against 10 MPa (1.45 ksi) for Pure Tin (Grade A) — about 4.3 times as much. Tensile strength is 68 MPa (9.86 ksi) vs 15 MPa (2.18 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Pure Tin (Grade A) or Type 2 Sheet Pewter?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Pure Tin (Grade A) or Type 2 Sheet Pewter?
Type 2 Sheet Pewter. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (35/100) for Pure Tin (Grade A); for welding the order is Pure Tin (Grade A) first (poor, 30/100) then Type 2 Sheet Pewter (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Pure Tin (Grade A) and Type 2 Sheet Pewter 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.