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Solder & Low-Melting Alloy ZSnSb8-4-F (As fabricated)

Temper · default condition

Default supplied/used condition: alloy melted and poured onto a tinned steel, cast-iron or bronze shell, then bored to size.

High cost $$$$

Values for the F condition

Other ZSnSb8-4 tempers and conditions

ZSnSb8-4 is listed in 2 conditions; see the grade overview at ZSnSb8-4.

Compare all 2 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
Static (gravity) cast lining in chilled mould
Use for large, thick-walled or split bearing shells where centrifugal casting is impractical; slower cooling gives coarser structure and slightly lower hardness.3874424 HB8.5 % IACS
FDefaultThis page
As fabricated
Default supplied/used condition: alloy melted and poured onto a tinned steel, cast-iron or bronze shell, then bored to size.4077524 HB8.5 % IACS

What is ZSnSb8-4-F?

ZSnSb8-4-F is ZSnSb8-4 in the F temper — default supplied/used condition: alloy melted and poured onto a tinned steel, cast-iron or bronze shell, then bored to size. ZSnSb8-4-F has a yield strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 77 MPa (11.2 ksi) — stronger than 88% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Elongation at break is 5% and the elastic modulus is 52 GPa (7.54 Msi). ZSnSb8-4-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 241°C (466 °F).

Advantages

  • 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
  • High strength — 40 MPa (5.8 ksi), better than 88% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
  • Easy to machine — 80/100, better than 85% 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 ductility — 5%, worse than 90% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
  • Limited formability — 30/100, worse than 88% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
  • High embodied carbon — 20 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 86% of solder & low-melting alloy grades

ZSnSb8-4-F properties

Typical room-temperature values for ZSnSb8-4-F; 19 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZSnSb8-4 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among solder & low-melting alloy grades.

Physical3

ZSnSb8-4-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 241°C (466 °F).

Density7.35 g/cm³0.27 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)241°C466 °F
Liquidus Temperature354°C669 °F

Mechanical13

ZSnSb8-4-F has a yield strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 77 MPa (11.2 ksi) — stronger than 88% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Elongation at break is 5% and the elastic modulus is 52 GPa (7.54 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus52 GPa7.5 Msi
Shear Modulus19.5 GPa2.8 Msi
Bulk Modulus51 GPa7.4 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.33
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)77 MPa11.2 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)40 MPa5.8 ksi
Elongation at Break5%
Compressive Strength88 MPa12.8 ksi
Shear Strength40 MPa5.8 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)27 MPa3.9 ksi
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)4 J3 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell24 HB
Hardness, Vickers25 HV

Thermal6

ZSnSb8-4-F is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 54 W/m·K (31.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 76% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 23 µm/m·K (12.8 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity54 W/m·K31.2 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)120°C248 °F
Min Service Temperature-50°C-58 °F

Electrical3

ZSnSb8-4-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 neutral mineral and synthetic lubricating oils and in water-oil emulsions; attacked by acidic (oxidized) oils, strong mineral acids and hot alkalis; far more corrosion-resistant than lead-base babbitts in acid-bearing lubricants.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of ZSnSb8-4-F takes about 320 MJ of energy and emits 20 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)20 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content30%

Manufacturability7

ZSnSb8-4-F's machinability is very good (80/100, better than 85% of solder & low-melting alloy grades); weldability poor (15/100); formability poor (30/100).

MachinabilityVery good80/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)200%
WeldabilityPoor15/100
Formability (cold)Poor30/100
CastabilityExcellent90/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityExcellent95/100
PolishabilityVery good70/100

Common Calculations5

Specific Strength (UTS / density)calculated10 kN·m/kg
Specific Stiffness (E / density)calculated7.1 MN·m/kg
Modulus of Resiliencecalculated15 kJ/m³
Thermal Diffusivitycalculated31.9 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 ZSnSb8-4-F

Is ZSnSb8-4 easy to machine?

Bore and face with sharp, high-rake HSS or polished carbide tools, generous rake and flood oil, high speed and light feed to avoid smearing; never use abrasives that embed in the soft matrix.

Can ZSnSb8-4 be welded?

Not arc-welded; repairs are made by re-tinning and torch/dip re-pouring, or by localized flame build-up with the same alloy at 300–350 °C using zinc-chloride flux.

Can ZSnSb8-4 be formed, bent or molded?

Pour at 440–470 °C onto a chemically cleaned and hot-tinned shell preheated to ~250–280 °C, with directional (chill from the back) solidification to avoid shrinkage voids and SbSn segregation; lining thickness typically 1–6 mm.

What surface finishes work on ZSnSb8-4?

Bore, then burnish or scrape-fit to the shaft; no anodizing or plating — bonding to the backing is checked by ultrasonic/tap test and dye penetrant.

ZSnSb8-4 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
Sbforms hard SbSn cuboids7 – 87.5
Cuforms Cu6Sn5 needles, prevents SbSn segregation3 – 43.5
Pbimpurity limit≤ 0.35—
Feimpurity limit≤ 0.1—
Asimpurity limit≤ 0.1—
Biimpurity limit≤ 0.08—
Alimpurity limit≤ 0.01—
Znimpurity limit≤ 0.01—
Sn≈88–90 %, balancebalance—

ZSnSb8-4-F — frequently asked

What is ZSnSb8-4-F used for?

ZSnSb8-4-F is typically used for general machinery bearings, compressor bearings and pump bearings. In short: balanced-cost tin Babbitt; good conformability and embeddability; general industrial bearing lining.

What is the yield strength of ZSnSb8-4-F?

ZSnSb8-4-F has a typical yield strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 77 MPa (11.2 ksi) — stronger than 88% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.

Is ZSnSb8-4-F easy to machine?

Yes — machinability is rated very good (80/100, better than 85% of solder & low-melting alloy grades). Bore and face with sharp, high-rake HSS or polished carbide tools, generous rake and flood oil, high speed and light feed to avoid smearing; never use abrasives that embed in the soft matrix.

Can ZSnSb8-4-F be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated poor (15/100). Not arc-welded; repairs are made by re-tinning and torch/dip re-pouring, or by localized flame build-up with the same alloy at 300–350 °C using zinc-chloride flux.

What surface finishes work on ZSnSb8-4-F?

Bore, then burnish or scrape-fit to the shaft; no anodizing or plating — bonding to the backing is checked by ultrasonic/tap test and dye penetrant.

Can ZSnSb8-4-F be formed, bent or molded?

Pour at 440–470 °C onto a chemically cleaned and hot-tinned shell preheated to ~250–280 °C, with directional (chill from the back) solidification to avoid shrinkage voids and SbSn segregation; lining thickness typically 1–6 mm.

What is the maximum service temperature of ZSnSb8-4-F?

ZSnSb8-4-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 ZSnSb8-4-F and ZSnSb8-4-SC?

F is the default condition — default supplied/used condition: alloy melted and poured onto a tinned steel, cast-iron or bronze shell, then bored to size. SC: use for large, thick-walled or split bearing shells where centrifugal casting is impractical; slower cooling gives coarser structure and slightly lower hardness. Yield strength is 40 MPa in F versus 38 MPa in SC.

Sources

  1. ASTM B23 Standard Specification for White Metal Bearing Alloys — ASTM International (2019)
  2. ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials — ASM International (1990)
  3. ASM Handbook Vol. 18 — Friction, Lubrication and Wear Technology — ASM International (1992)

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.