Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Sn42Bi58 vs Sn60Pb40Sb
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy · grade comparison
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Sn42Bi58 and Sn60Pb40Sb are both solder & low-melting alloy grades. Sn42Bi58 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) against 32 MPa (4.64 ksi) for Sn60Pb40Sb, about 31% more; tensile strength follows at 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) vs 52 MPa (7.54 ksi). In exchange, Sn60Pb40Sb is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 30% for Sn42Bi58, and Sn42Bi58 is harder (22 HB vs 15 HB). Sn42Bi58 is stiffer (42 GPa vs 31 GPa) and Sn60Pb40Sb runs hotter in service (110°C vs 85°C continuous). On the shop floor, Sn42Bi58 machines more easily (good vs fair) and Sn42Bi58 welds better (poor vs not recommended).
Sn42Bi58Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
Sn60Pb40SbChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Sn42Bi58 vs Sn60Pb40Sb: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 42 GPa6.1 Msi · Shear Strength 38 MPa5.5 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
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -55°C-67 °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
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Embodied Water
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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 | Sn42Bi58 | Sn60Pb40Sb |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Sn42Bi58 vs Sn60Pb40Sb — frequently asked
Is Sn42Bi58 stronger than Sn60Pb40Sb?
Yes. Sn42Bi58 has a typical yield strength of 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) against 32 MPa (4.64 ksi) for Sn60Pb40Sb — about 31% more. Tensile strength is 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) vs 52 MPa (7.54 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Sn42Bi58 or Sn60Pb40Sb?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Sn42Bi58 or Sn60Pb40Sb?
Sn42Bi58. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (35/100) for Sn60Pb40Sb; for welding the order is Sn42Bi58 first (poor, 20/100) then Sn60Pb40Sb (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Sn42Bi58 and Sn60Pb40Sb 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.