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Solder & Low-Melting Alloy ZSnSb11-6-F (As fabricated)

Temper · default condition

Default reference condition: chill-cast structure used for datasheet properties and for solid bushings or cast test coupons.

High cost $$$$

Values for the F condition

Other ZSnSb11-6 tempers and conditions

ZSnSb11-6 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at ZSnSb11-6.

Compare all 3 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
Sand-cast bushing / solid part
Used for one-off solid bushings and thrust pads where a steel backing is not required; slowest cooling and coarsest SbSn phase.5080527 HB8.5 % IACS
FDefaultThis page
As fabricated
Default reference condition: chill-cast structure used for datasheet properties and for solid bushings or cast test coupons.5590630 HB8.5 % IACS
Centrifugally cast lining on steel/bronze backing
Preferred production route for turbine and large machine bearings: fine, dense, gas-free structure with strongest bond to the shell.6095832 HB8.5 % IACS

What is ZSnSb11-6-F?

ZSnSb11-6-F is ZSnSb11-6 in the F temper — default reference condition: chill-cast structure used for datasheet properties and for solid bushings or cast test coupons. ZSnSb11-6-F has a yield strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) and a tensile strength of 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) — stronger than 99% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Elongation at break is 6% and the elastic modulus is 52 GPa (7.54 Msi). ZSnSb11-6-F has a density of 7.35 g/cm³ (0.266 lb/in³), lighter than 84% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. It melts at 240°C (464 °F).

Advantages

  • High strength — 55 MPa (7.98 ksi), better than 99% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
  • Easy to machine — 92/100, better than 99% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
  • Stiff — 52 GPa (7.54 Msi), better than 95% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
  • Polishes to a fine finish — 70/100, better than 91% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
  • Lightweight — 7.35 g/cm³ (0.266 lb/in³), better than 84% of solder & low-melting alloy grades

Limitations

  • Limited formability — 25/100, worse than 91% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
  • Limited ductility — 6%, worse than 88% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
  • High embodied carbon — 19 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 83% of solder & low-melting alloy grades

ZSnSb11-6-F properties

Typical room-temperature values for ZSnSb11-6-F; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZSnSb11-6 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among solder & low-melting alloy grades.

Physical3

ZSnSb11-6-F has a density of 7.35 g/cm³ (0.266 lb/in³), lighter than 84% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. It melts at 240°C (464 °F).

Density7.35 g/cm³0.27 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)240°C464 °F
Liquidus Temperature370°C698 °F

Mechanical14

ZSnSb11-6-F has a yield strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) and a tensile strength of 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) — stronger than 99% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Elongation at break is 6% and the elastic modulus is 52 GPa (7.54 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus52 GPa7.5 Msi
Shear Modulus20 GPa2.9 Msi
Bulk Modulus52 GPa7.5 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.33
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)90 MPa13.1 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)55 MPa8 ksi
Elongation at Break6%
Reduction in Area8%
Compressive Strength95 MPa13.8 ksi
Shear Strength45 MPa6.5 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)27 MPa3.9 ksi
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)3 J2.2 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell30 HB
Hardness, Vickers32 HV

Thermal6

ZSnSb11-6-F is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 34 W/m·K (19.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 72% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 23 µm/m·K (12.8 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity34 W/m·K19.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity225 J/kg·K0.05 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)23 µm/m·K12.8 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion60 J/g25.8 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)120°C248 °F
Min Service Temperature-50°C-58 °F

Electrical3

ZSnSb11-6-F conducts electricity at 8.5 % IACS, worse than 64% of solder & low-melting alloy grades.

Electrical Conductivity8.5 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), better than 78% of solder & low-melting alloy grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.5 V
Corrosion ResistanceGood55/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryStable in mineral and synthetic lubricating oils, greases and neutral water; resists atmospheric tarnish better than lead babbitt. Attacked by mineral acids, organic acids from oxidised oil, strong alkalis and sulphur-bearing additives; avoid contact with acidic condensate.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of ZSnSb11-6-F takes about 320 MJ of energy and emits 19 kg of CO₂ — more than 81% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)320 MJ/kg137,575 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)19 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content30%

Manufacturability8

ZSnSb11-6-F's machinability is excellent (92/100, better than 99% of solder & low-melting alloy grades); weldability poor (20/100); formability poor (25/100).

MachinabilityExcellent92/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)150%
WeldabilityPoor20/100
Formability (cold)Poor25/100
CastabilityExcellent95/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityExcellent95/100
PolishabilityVery good70/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — tin-base bearing alloy is not anodized; surfaces are finish-machined or lightly burnished only

Common Calculations5

Specific Strength (UTS / density)calculated12 kN·m/kg
Specific Stiffness (E / density)calculated7.1 MN·m/kg
Modulus of Resiliencecalculated29 kJ/m³
Thermal Diffusivitycalculated20.6 mm²/s
Thermal Shock Resistance Indexcalculated3

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with ZSnSb11-6-F

Is ZSnSb11-6 easy to machine?

Extremely free-cutting: use sharp high-rake HSS or carbide tools, high speed, light feed, generous kerosene/oil cooling to avoid smearing; bore and hand-scrape linings to final clearance.

Can ZSnSb11-6 be welded?

Not arc weldable — defects are repaired by torch or induction remelting/puddling of the same alloy; avoid overheating above ~450 °C to limit Sb loss and oxidation.

Can ZSnSb11-6 be formed, bent or molded?

Cast, not formed: tin the pre-cleaned steel shell with Sn-Sb flux at 250–280 °C, pour at 420–460 °C and cool quickly (chill or centrifugal) to keep SbSn crystals fine and the bond sound.

What surface finishes work on ZSnSb11-6?

No anodizing or plating; finish by fine boring/scraping and light burnishing, then flush with clean lube oil — do not paint or shot-blast the bearing surface.

ZSnSb11-6 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Sbforms hard cubic SbSn phase10 – 1211
Cuforms Cu6Sn5 needles, prevents SbSn segregation5.5 – 6.56
Pbimpurity limit≤ 0.35—
Asimpurity limit≤ 0.1—
Feimpurity limit≤ 0.1—
Biimpurity limit≤ 0.08—
Alimpurity limit≤ 0.01—
Znimpurity limit≤ 0.01—
Snbalance, approx. 81.5–84.5 %; total impurities ≤ 0.55 %balance—

ZSnSb11-6-F — frequently asked

What is ZSnSb11-6-F used for?

ZSnSb11-6-F is typically used for turbine bearings, large motor bearings and marine engine bearings. In short: highest-load tin Babbitt; best machinability in family; turbine-grade bearing lining.

What is the yield strength of ZSnSb11-6-F?

ZSnSb11-6-F has a typical yield strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) and a tensile strength of 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) — stronger than 99% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.

Is ZSnSb11-6-F easy to machine?

Yes — machinability is rated excellent (92/100, better than 99% of solder & low-melting alloy grades). Extremely free-cutting: use sharp high-rake HSS or carbide tools, high speed, light feed, generous kerosene/oil cooling to avoid smearing; bore and hand-scrape linings to final clearance.

Can ZSnSb11-6-F be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated poor (20/100). Not arc weldable — defects are repaired by torch or induction remelting/puddling of the same alloy; avoid overheating above ~450 °C to limit Sb loss and oxidation.

What surface finishes work on ZSnSb11-6-F?

No anodizing or plating; finish by fine boring/scraping and light burnishing, then flush with clean lube oil — do not paint or shot-blast the bearing surface.

Can ZSnSb11-6-F be formed, bent or molded?

Cast, not formed: tin the pre-cleaned steel shell with Sn-Sb flux at 250–280 °C, pour at 420–460 °C and cool quickly (chill or centrifugal) to keep SbSn crystals fine and the bond sound.

What is the maximum service temperature of ZSnSb11-6-F?

ZSnSb11-6-F is rated for continuous use to about 120°C (248 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between ZSnSb11-6-F and ZSnSb11-6 SAND?

F is the default condition — default reference condition: chill-cast structure used for datasheet properties and for solid bushings or cast test coupons. SAND: used for one-off solid bushings and thrust pads where a steel backing is not required; slowest cooling and coarsest SbSn phase. Yield strength is 55 MPa in F versus 50 MPa in SAND.

Sources

  1. GB/T 1174 (Cast bearing alloys) — SAC / (1992)
  2. ASTM B23 Standard Specification for White Metal Bearing Alloys — ASTM International (2019)
  3. ASM Handbook, Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys (Tin and Tin Alloys / Bearing Alloys) — ASM International (1990)

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.