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Solder & Low-Melting Alloy ZSnSb4-4-SC

Finish state

SC = statically (gravity) cast lining, tinned backing

Repair and small-batch route: hand-poured into tinned shells or moulds; slightly coarser structure and more porosity risk than centrifugal casting.

High cost $$$$

Values for the SC condition

Other ZSnSb4-4 tempers and conditions

ZSnSb4-4 is listed in 2 conditions; see the grade overview at ZSnSb4-4.

Compare all 2 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
SCThis page
Statically (gravity) cast lining, tinned backing
Repair and small-batch route: hand-poured into tinned shells or moulds; slightly coarser structure and more porosity risk than centrifugal casting.2858720 HB9 % IACS
FDefault
As fabricated
Standard as-cast condition of test bars and poured bearing linings per GB/T 1174; the reference state for all listed properties.3062820 HB9 % IACS

What is ZSnSb4-4-SC?

ZSnSb4-4-SC is ZSnSb4-4 supplied in the SC condition — repair and small-batch route: hand-poured into tinned shells or moulds; slightly coarser structure and more porosity risk than centrifugal casting. ZSnSb4-4-SC has a yield strength of 28 MPa (4.06 ksi) and a tensile strength of 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) — stronger than 51% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Elongation at break is 7% and the elastic modulus is 50 GPa (7.25 Msi). ZSnSb4-4-SC has a density of 7.34 g/cm³ (0.265 lb/in³), lighter than 87% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. It melts at 223°C (433 °F). F is the default condition FabDigit quotes; SC is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Easy to machine — 85/100, better than 89% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
  • Lightweight — 7.34 g/cm³ (0.265 lb/in³), better than 87% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
  • Stiff — 50 GPa (7.25 Msi), better than 86% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
  • Polishes to a fine finish — 60/100, better than 82% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
  • Good corrosion resistance — 55/100, better than 78% of solder & low-melting alloy grades

Limitations

  • Limited formability — 30/100, worse than 88% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
  • Limited ductility — 7%, worse than 86% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
  • High embodied carbon — 18 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 76% of solder & low-melting alloy grades

ZSnSb4-4-SC properties

Typical room-temperature values for ZSnSb4-4-SC; 19 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZSnSb4-4 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among solder & low-melting alloy grades.

Physical3

ZSnSb4-4-SC has a density of 7.34 g/cm³ (0.265 lb/in³), lighter than 87% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. It melts at 223°C (433 °F).

Density7.34 g/cm³0.27 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)223°C433 °F
Liquidus Temperature371°C700 °F

Mechanical13

ZSnSb4-4-SC has a yield strength of 28 MPa (4.06 ksi) and a tensile strength of 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) — stronger than 51% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Elongation at break is 7% and the elastic modulus is 50 GPa (7.25 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus50 GPa7.3 Msi
Shear Modulus19 GPa2.8 Msi
Bulk Modulus50 GPa7.3 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.33
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)58 MPa8.4 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)28 MPa4.1 ksi
Elongation at Break7%
Compressive Strength85 MPa12.3 ksi
Shear Strength33 MPa4.8 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)25 MPa3.6 ksi
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)6 J4.1 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell20 HB
Hardness, Vickers22 HV

Thermal6

ZSnSb4-4-SC is rated for continuous service to 110°C (230 °F). It conducts heat at 51 W/m·K (29.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 70% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 23 µm/m·K (12.8 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity51 W/m·K29.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity230 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)110°C230 °F
Min Service Temperature-50°C-58 °F

Electrical3

ZSnSb4-4-SC conducts electricity at 9 % IACS, worse than 54% of solder & low-melting alloy grades.

Electrical Conductivity9 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity1.9×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.48 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, neutral water and atmosphere; attacked by mineral acids, strong alkalis and acidic oxidised oils; avoid sulphur-rich or high-acid-number lubricants.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of ZSnSb4-4-SC takes about 310 MJ of energy and emits 18 kg of CO₂ — more than 77% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)310 MJ/kg133,276 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)18 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content30%

Manufacturability7

ZSnSb4-4-SC's machinability is excellent (85/100, better than 89% of solder & low-melting alloy grades); weldability poor (20/100); formability poor (30/100).

MachinabilityExcellent85/100
WeldabilityPoor20/100
Formability (cold)Poor30/100
CastabilityExcellent90/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityExcellent90/100
PolishabilityGood60/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — tin-base alloy, not anodised; surface is machined/scraped and run-in

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

Working with ZSnSb4-4-SC

Is ZSnSb4-4 easy to machine?

Very easy to cut but gummy — use sharp, high-rake, well-polished tools, high speed, light feed and flood lubricant; final bore usually diamond-bored or hand-scraped.

Can ZSnSb4-4 be welded?

Not fusion welded; linings are repaired by local re-tinning and re-pouring, or by low-heat babbitt torch build-up with the same alloy.

Can ZSnSb4-4 be formed, bent or molded?

Cast only: pre-tin the steel/bronze shell with pure tin flux, pour at about 430–460 °C with the shell preheated ~250 °C, and chill from the back to avoid shrinkage and Cu–Sb segregation.

What surface finishes work on ZSnSb4-4?

No anodising or plating; finish by boring/scraping to the oil-film clearance, then light polishing and thorough flushing to remove embedded swarf.

ZSnSb4-4 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
Sb4 – 54.5
Cu4 – 54.5
Pbimpurity limit≤ 0.35—
Feimpurity limit≤ 0.1—
Asimpurity limit≤ 0.1—
Biimpurity limit≤ 0.08—
Alimpurity limit≤ 0.01—
Znimpurity limit≤ 0.01—
Snbalance, ≈90–92 %balance—

ZSnSb4-4-SC — frequently asked

What is ZSnSb4-4-SC used for?

ZSnSb4-4-SC is typically used for light-duty bearings, bushings and machine tool slides. In short: softest GB/T tin Babbitt; highest elongation of family; moderate-load bearing lining.

What is the yield strength of ZSnSb4-4-SC?

ZSnSb4-4-SC has a typical yield strength of 28 MPa (4.06 ksi) and a tensile strength of 58 MPa (8.41 ksi) — stronger than 51% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.

Is ZSnSb4-4-SC easy to machine?

Yes — machinability is rated excellent (85/100, better than 89% of solder & low-melting alloy grades). Very easy to cut but gummy — use sharp, high-rake, well-polished tools, high speed, light feed and flood lubricant; final bore usually diamond-bored or hand-scraped.

Can ZSnSb4-4-SC be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated poor (20/100). Not fusion welded; linings are repaired by local re-tinning and re-pouring, or by low-heat babbitt torch build-up with the same alloy.

What surface finishes work on ZSnSb4-4-SC?

No anodising or plating; finish by boring/scraping to the oil-film clearance, then light polishing and thorough flushing to remove embedded swarf.

Can ZSnSb4-4-SC be formed, bent or molded?

Cast only: pre-tin the steel/bronze shell with pure tin flux, pour at about 430–460 °C with the shell preheated ~250 °C, and chill from the back to avoid shrinkage and Cu–Sb segregation.

What is the maximum service temperature of ZSnSb4-4-SC?

ZSnSb4-4-SC 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 ZSnSb4-4-F and ZSnSb4-4-SC?

F is the default condition — standard as-cast condition of test bars and poured bearing linings per GB/T 1174; the reference state for all listed properties. SC: repair and small-batch route: hand-poured into tinned shells or moulds; slightly coarser structure and more porosity risk than centrifugal casting. Yield strength is 30 MPa in F versus 28 MPa in SC.

Sources

  1. ASTM B23 Standard Specification for White Metal Bearing Alloys (Alloy 1) — ASTM International (2019)
  2. 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.