Solder & Low-Melting Alloy Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED
Temper
Highest-strength, most creep-resistant condition; used for thin expanded grids in maintenance-free batteries.
Values for the CR-AGED condition
Other Lead-Calcium-Tin tempers and conditions
Lead-Calcium-Tin is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at Lead-Calcium-Tin.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As fabricated | Condition of gravity/book-mould cast grids immediately after casting; soft and easily distorted until aged. | 15 | 28 | 35 | 7 HB | 7.2 % IACS |
CAST-AGEDDefault book-mould cast grid after room-temperature age hardening (≈30 days) | Standard condition of cast battery grids in service; peak precipitation hardening at ambient temperature. | 30 | 45 | 25 | 16 HB | 7.5 % IACS |
Artificially aged | Pick when grids must reach handling/pasting strength within hours instead of weeks. | 33 | 48 | 20 | 18 HB | 7.6 % IACS |
Cold rolled | Rolled strip for expanded-metal and punched grids; worked structure gives the highest as-produced strength. | 40 | 55 | 22 | 18 HB | 7.3 % IACS |
CR-AGEDThis page cold-rolled strip after full age hardening | Highest-strength, most creep-resistant condition; used for thin expanded grids in maintenance-free batteries. | 50 | 65 | 18 | 21 HB | 7.3 % IACS |
What is Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED?
Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED is Lead-Calcium-Tin in the CR-AGED temper — highest-strength, most creep-resistant condition; used for thin expanded grids in maintenance-free batteries. Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED has a yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) and a tensile strength of 65 MPa (9.43 ksi) — stronger than 99% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Elongation at break is 18% and the elastic modulus is 16 GPa (2.32 Msi). Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED has a density of 11.3 g/cm³ (0.408 lb/in³), heavier than 96% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. It melts at 320°C (608 °F). CAST-AGED is the default condition FabDigit quotes; CR-AGED is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- High strength — 50 MPa (7.25 ksi), better than 99% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
- Low embodied carbon — 1.8 kg CO₂/kg, better than 98% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 62/100, better than 93% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
- Readily welded — 60/100, better than 92% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
Limitations
- Heavy — 11.3 g/cm³ (0.408 lb/in³), worse than 96% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
- Low stiffness — 16 GPa (2.32 Msi), worse than 88% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
- Hard to polish — 20/100, worse than 88% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
- Limited ductility — 18%, worse than 82% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
- Poor heat conductor — 32 W/m·K (18.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 79% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED properties
Typical room-temperature values for Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED; 17 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are Lead-Calcium-Tin reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among solder & low-melting alloy grades.
Physical3
Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED has a density of 11.3 g/cm³ (0.408 lb/in³), heavier than 96% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. It melts at 320°C (608 °F).
Mechanical12
Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED has a yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) and a tensile strength of 65 MPa (9.43 ksi) — stronger than 99% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Elongation at break is 18% and the elastic modulus is 16 GPa (2.32 Msi).
Thermal6
Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED is rated for continuous service to 110°C (230 °F). It conducts heat at 32 W/m·K (18.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 79% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 29 µm/m·K (16.1 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED conducts electricity at 7.3 % IACS, worse than 79% of solder & low-melting alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (62/100), better than 93% of solder & low-melting alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED takes about 22 MJ of energy and emits 1.8 kg of CO₂ — less than 98% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 75%.
Manufacturability7
Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED's machinability is fair (50/100, better than 73% of solder & low-melting alloy grades); weldability good (60/100); formability very good (70/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED
Is Lead-Calcium-Tin easy to machine?
Cuts very easily but smears and loads tools — use sharp positive-rake tooling, high rake, low speed, and wet/HEPA controls for lead dust and swarf.
Can Lead-Calcium-Tin be welded?
Joined by lead burning (oxy-fuel or torch fusion) with matching Pb-Sn filler; keep heat low to avoid Ca burn-off and over-aging of the heat-affected zone.
Can Lead-Calcium-Tin be formed, bent or molded?
Cast at 440–480 °C in book moulds with Al-protected melt to keep Ca in solution; rolls and expands readily, but allow the age-hardening period before handling thin grids.
What surface finishes work on Lead-Calcium-Tin?
Normally left bare — the service PbSO₄/PbO₂ film is the protection; no anodizing or plating, and soldered lugs/straps are made with Pb-Sn alloys.
Lead-Calcium-Tin 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Caprimary hardener, forms Pb₃Ca / (Pb,Sn)₃Ca precipitates | 0.03 – 0.1 | 0.07 |
| Snpositive grids typically ≥0.8 %, negative grids 0.2–0.4 % | 0.2 – 1.2 | 0.6 |
| Almelt-surface protection against Ca oxidation loss | 0.01 – 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Agoptional in Pb-Ca-Sn-Ag creep-resistant variants | 0 – 0.03 | 0 |
| Sbimpurity limit — Sb poisons maintenance-free behaviour | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Biimpurity limit | ≤ 0.02 | — |
| Cuimpurity limit | ≤ 0 | — |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0 | — |
| Asimpurity limit | ≤ 0 | — |
| Znimpurity limit | ≤ 0 | — |
| Pb≥99 % balance, refined lead base per ASTM B29 | balance | — |
Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED — frequently asked
What is Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED used for?
Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED is typically used for lead-acid battery grids and straps, sealed/maintenance-free automotive batteries and stationary standby battery plates. In short: maintenance-free battery grid alloy; age-hardening, antimony-free lead; low gassing and self-discharge.
What is the yield strength of Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED?
Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED has a typical yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) and a tensile strength of 65 MPa (9.43 ksi) — stronger than 99% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (50/100, better than 73% of solder & low-melting alloy grades). Cuts very easily but smears and loads tools — use sharp positive-rake tooling, high rake, low speed, and wet/HEPA controls for lead dust and swarf.
Can Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (60/100). Joined by lead burning (oxy-fuel or torch fusion) with matching Pb-Sn filler; keep heat low to avoid Ca burn-off and over-aging of the heat-affected zone.
What surface finishes work on Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED?
Normally left bare — the service PbSO₄/PbO₂ film is the protection; no anodizing or plating, and soldered lugs/straps are made with Pb-Sn alloys.
Can Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED be formed, bent or molded?
Cast at 440–480 °C in book moulds with Al-protected melt to keep Ca in solution; rolls and expands readily, but allow the age-hardening period before handling thin grids.
What is the maximum service temperature of Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED?
Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED is rated for continuous use to about 110°C (230 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between Lead-Calcium-Tin CAST-AGED and Lead-Calcium-Tin CR-AGED?
CAST-AGED is the default condition — standard condition of cast battery grids in service; peak precipitation hardening at ambient temperature. CR-AGED: highest-strength, most creep-resistant condition; used for thin expanded grids in maintenance-free batteries. Yield strength is 30 MPa in CAST-AGED versus 50 MPa in CR-AGED.
Sources
- ASTM B989 — Lead-Calcium-Tin alloy for battery grid applications — ASTM International (2020)
- ASTM B29 — Refined Lead — ASTM International (2020)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys (Lead and Lead Alloys) — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 13B — Corrosion of Lead and Lead Alloys — ASM International (2005)
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.