Solder & Low-Melting Alloy B560 Type III F-Cast
Temper
ASTM B560 Type III
For cast ornamental parts, figurines and handles poured from the same Type III composition.
Values for the F-Cast condition
Other B560 Type III tempers and conditions
B560 Type III is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at B560 Type III.
- F-Cast
- Extruded
- Cold Rolled
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
F-CastThis page F | For cast ornamental parts, figurines and handles poured from the same Type III composition. | 22 | 38 | 30 | 15 HB | 10 % IACS |
Extruded rod / tube / wire | Extruded stock for stems, rims, wire trim and turned components. | 26 | 45 | 38 | 18 HB | 10.5 % IACS |
Cold rolled (work-hardened sheet/strip) | Choose when a slightly stiffer, dent-resistant flat panel is needed and no severe forming follows. | 34 | 52 | 25 | 21 HB | 10.2 % IACS |
What is B560 Type III F-Cast?
B560 Type III F-Cast is B560 Type III in the F-Cast temper — for cast ornamental parts, figurines and handles poured from the same Type III composition. B560 Type III F-Cast has a yield strength of 22 MPa (3.19 ksi) and a tensile strength of 38 MPa (5.51 ksi) — weaker than 70% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Elongation at break is 30% and the elastic modulus is 43 GPa (6.24 Msi). B560 Type III F-Cast has a density of 7.3 g/cm³ (0.264 lb/in³), lighter than 93% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. It melts at 235°C (455 °F).
Advantages
- Polishes to a fine finish — 88/100, better than 98% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
- Lightweight — 7.3 g/cm³ (0.264 lb/in³), better than 93% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
- Readily welded — 38/100, better than 87% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 56/100, better than 85% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
- Easy to machine — 70/100, better than 79% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
Limitations
- Limited formability — 55/100, worse than 80% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
B560 Type III F-Cast properties
Typical room-temperature values for B560 Type III F-Cast; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are B560 Type III reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among solder & low-melting alloy grades.
Physical3
B560 Type III F-Cast has a density of 7.3 g/cm³ (0.264 lb/in³), lighter than 93% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. It melts at 235°C (455 °F).
Mechanical10
B560 Type III F-Cast has a yield strength of 22 MPa (3.19 ksi) and a tensile strength of 38 MPa (5.51 ksi) — weaker than 70% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Elongation at break is 30% and the elastic modulus is 43 GPa (6.24 Msi).
Thermal6
B560 Type III F-Cast is rated for continuous service to 90°C (194 °F). It conducts heat at 55 W/m·K (31.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 78% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 23 µm/m·K (12.8 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
B560 Type III F-Cast conducts electricity at 10 % IACS, better than 54% of solder & low-melting alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (56/100), better than 85% of solder & low-melting alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of B560 Type III F-Cast takes about 260 MJ of energy and emits 17 kg of CO₂ — more than 61% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability8
B560 Type III F-Cast's machinability is very good (70/100, better than 79% of solder & low-melting alloy grades); weldability fair (38/100); formability good (55/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with B560 Type III F-Cast
Is B560 Type III easy to machine?
Cuts very easily but is gummy — use sharp high-rake HSS tools, high speed, light feed and generous lubricant to avoid smearing and built-up edge.
Can B560 Type III be welded?
Not fusion welded; joined by soft soldering with tin-base solder or by 'burning-in' with a torch and filler of the same alloy — keep heat low, solidus is near 235 °C.
Can B560 Type III be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent for lathe spinning, deep drawing, bending and repoussé at room temperature; no intermediate anneal usually needed, and the alloy casts well in gravity or rubber-plaster moulds.
What surface finishes work on B560 Type III?
Finished by scraping, burnishing and polishing to a bright silvery lustre or oxidised/patinated for an antique grey; no anodizing, and lacquer or wax is used to keep the bright finish.
B560 Type III chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Sbsolid-solution strengthener; kept low for spinning ductility | 1 – 3 | 2 |
| Cuforms Cu6Sn5 dispersion, refines grain | 1 – 2 | 1.5 |
| Pbimpurity limit — lead-free pewter for food contact | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.02 | — |
| Asimpurity limit | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Biimpurity limit | ≤ 0.08 | — |
| Znimpurity limit | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Cdimpurity limit | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Alimpurity limit | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Snbalance tin | ≥ 95 (balance) | — |
B560 Type III F-Cast — frequently asked
What is B560 Type III F-Cast used for?
B560 Type III F-Cast is typically used for spun pewter vases, lamp bases, ornamental trim and candlesticks. In short: best-forming pewter grade; spins and deep-draws cold; softer than casting pewter.
What is the yield strength of B560 Type III F-Cast?
B560 Type III F-Cast has a typical yield strength of 22 MPa (3.19 ksi) and a tensile strength of 38 MPa (5.51 ksi) — weaker than 70% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is B560 Type III F-Cast easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (70/100, better than 79% of solder & low-melting alloy grades). Cuts very easily but is gummy — use sharp high-rake HSS tools, high speed, light feed and generous lubricant to avoid smearing and built-up edge.
Can B560 Type III F-Cast be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (38/100). Not fusion welded; joined by soft soldering with tin-base solder or by 'burning-in' with a torch and filler of the same alloy — keep heat low, solidus is near 235 °C.
What surface finishes work on B560 Type III F-Cast?
Finished by scraping, burnishing and polishing to a bright silvery lustre or oxidised/patinated for an antique grey; no anodizing, and lacquer or wax is used to keep the bright finish.
Can B560 Type III F-Cast be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent for lathe spinning, deep drawing, bending and repoussé at room temperature; no intermediate anneal usually needed, and the alloy casts well in gravity or rubber-plaster moulds.
What is the maximum service temperature of B560 Type III F-Cast?
B560 Type III F-Cast is rated for continuous use to about 90°C (194 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- ASTM B560 Standard Specification for Modern Pewter Alloys — ASTM International (2019)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials (Tin and Tin Alloys) — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 13B — Corrosion: Materials (Tin and Tin Alloys) — ASM International (2005)
- Pewter sheet and casting alloy technical data — specialty pewter/tin alloy producers (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.