Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Sn60Pb40E vs Sn89Zn8Bi3
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy · grade comparison
Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Sn60Pb40E and Sn89Zn8Bi3 are both solder & low-melting alloy grades. Sn89Zn8Bi3 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) against 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) for Sn60Pb40E, about 50% more; tensile strength follows at 65 MPa (9.43 ksi) vs 50 MPa (7.25 ksi). Sn89Zn8Bi3 is the more ductile: elongation 40% versus 35% for Sn60Pb40E, and Sn89Zn8Bi3 is harder (22 HB vs 16 HB). Sn89Zn8Bi3 is lighter (7.35 g/cm³ vs 8.5 g/cm³ for Sn60Pb40E) and Sn89Zn8Bi3 is stiffer (45 GPa vs 30 GPa).
Sn89Zn8Bi3Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Sn60Pb40E vs Sn89Zn8Bi3: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
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
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 100°C212 °F · Min Service Temperature -55°C-67 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5.91 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Formability (cold) 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 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 | Sn60Pb40E | Sn89Zn8Bi3 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Sn60Pb40E vs Sn89Zn8Bi3 — frequently asked
Is Sn89Zn8Bi3 stronger than Sn60Pb40E?
Yes. Sn89Zn8Bi3 has a typical yield strength of 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) against 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) for Sn60Pb40E — about 50% more. Tensile strength is 65 MPa (9.43 ksi) vs 50 MPa (7.25 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Sn60Pb40E or Sn89Zn8Bi3?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Sn60Pb40E or Sn89Zn8Bi3?
Sn89Zn8Bi3. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (30/100) for Sn60Pb40E.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Sn60Pb40E and Sn89Zn8Bi3 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.