Solder & Low-Melting Alloy ZSnSb8-4-SC
Finish state
SC = 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.
Values for the SC condition
Other ZSnSb8-4 tempers and conditions
ZSnSb8-4 is listed in 2 conditions; see the grade overview at ZSnSb8-4.
- SC
- F
Compare all 2 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SCThis page 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. | 38 | 74 | 4 | 24 HB | 8.5 % IACS |
FDefault As fabricated | Default supplied/used condition: alloy melted and poured onto a tinned steel, cast-iron or bronze shell, then bored to size. | 40 | 77 | 5 | 24 HB | 8.5 % IACS |
What is ZSnSb8-4-SC?
ZSnSb8-4-SC is ZSnSb8-4 supplied in the SC condition — use for large, thick-walled or split bearing shells where centrifugal casting is impractical; slower cooling gives coarser structure and slightly lower hardness. ZSnSb8-4-SC has a yield strength of 38 MPa (5.51 ksi) and a tensile strength of 74 MPa (10.7 ksi) — stronger than 85% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Elongation at break is 4% and the elastic modulus is 52 GPa (7.54 Msi). ZSnSb8-4-SC 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). F is the default condition FabDigit quotes; SC is available on request or by drawing note.
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 — 38 MPa (5.51 ksi), better than 85% 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 — 4%, worse than 91% 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-SC properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZSnSb8-4-SC; 20 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-SC 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).
Mechanical13
ZSnSb8-4-SC has a yield strength of 38 MPa (5.51 ksi) and a tensile strength of 74 MPa (10.7 ksi) — stronger than 85% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Elongation at break is 4% and the elastic modulus is 52 GPa (7.54 Msi).
Thermal6
ZSnSb8-4-SC 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).
Electrical3
ZSnSb8-4-SC conducts electricity at 8.5 % IACS, worse than 64% of solder & low-melting alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), better than 78% of solder & low-melting alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZSnSb8-4-SC 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%.
Manufacturability7
ZSnSb8-4-SC's machinability is very good (80/100, better than 85% of solder & low-melting alloy grades); weldability poor (15/100); formability poor (30/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ZSnSb8-4-SC
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.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Sbforms hard SbSn cuboids | 7 – 8 | 7.5 |
| Cuforms Cu6Sn5 needles, prevents SbSn segregation | 3 – 4 | 3.5 |
| 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 %, balance | balance | — |
ZSnSb8-4-SC — frequently asked
What is ZSnSb8-4-SC used for?
ZSnSb8-4-SC 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-SC?
ZSnSb8-4-SC has a typical yield strength of 38 MPa (5.51 ksi) and a tensile strength of 74 MPa (10.7 ksi) — stronger than 85% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is ZSnSb8-4-SC 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-SC 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-SC?
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-SC 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-SC?
ZSnSb8-4-SC 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
- ASTM B23 Standard Specification for White Metal Bearing Alloys — ASTM International (2019)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials — ASM International (1990)
- 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.