Fusible alloys, solders

Low melting alloys are defined as alloys with a melting point well below that of tin. Most of these alloys are based on the metals bismuth and indium, in several cases also on gallium. Some of the standard alloys are listed below. Haines & Maassen Metallhandelsgesellschaft has many of these alloys on stock and supplies them at low prices, even in small quantities. Of course we supply only premium alloys to agreed specifications. Many other alloys (according to customers’ requirements) can also be delivered in small quantities at short notice.

Indium based fusible alloys

• Eutectic indium-bismuth solder

  The system In - Bi provides three eutectic compositions with different melting temperatures. The most common type

  66.3In   33.7Bi   Melting temperature: ~ 72 °C

  is often used as an alternative for wood's metal, but without lead and cadmium. This alloy can also be supplied in the form of 1.5 mm wire.

• Field's metal

  The traditional Field's metal is a eutectic alloy from indium, bismuth and tin.

  51In   32.5Bi  16.5Sn   Melting temperature: ~ 62 °C

  This alloy is a cost-effective alternative to In-Bi solder and is also often used as an alternative for wood's metal. This alloy can also be supplied in the form of 3 mm wire.

• Indium-tin eutectic alloy

  This classic solder alloy is less brittle than indium-bismuth alloys, but has a slightly higher melting point.

  52In   48Sn Melting temperature: ~ 117 °C

  We have wire, 1 mm in diameter, in stock. This alloy is also used for heat-conducting foils. Let us know what you need and we’ll see what we can supply.

Bismuth based alloys

• Wood's metal

  Woods metal is one of the oldest low melting alloys used. Its composition is close to the eutectic point of the bismuth-lead-cadmium-tin system and has a melting range around 70 °C and is relatively inexpensive.

  50Bi   25Pb  12.5Cd   12.5Sn   Melting range: ~ 70-74 °C

  It is still widely used but is increasingly being replaced by less critical alternatives. We do not sell this alloy to private individuals!

• Roses Metall

  The composition is similar to Wood's metal, but without cadmium.

  52Bi   32Pb  16Sn   Melting temperature: ~95 °C

• Bismuth-tin eutectic alloy

  This composition has a higher melting temperature than the above alloys.

  58Bi   42Sn   Melting temperature: ~ 138 °C

  It produces delicate casts which are quite stable even in filigree forms and usually have a metallic silvery finish.

• Bismuth-tin-silver alloy

  Similar properties as Bi - Sn eutectitc alloy but more malleable.

  57Bi   42Sn   1Ag   Melting temperature: ~ 138 °C

• Bismut-indium eutectic alloy

  Another eutectic composition of the Bi-In system. Cost effective as it has a lower indium content.

  67Bi   33In   Melting temperature: ~ 109 °C

Gallium based alloys

• Gallium

  Not an alloy but should also be considered due to its low melting point.

  100Ga   Melting point: 29.8 °C

  Further information on our gallium information page.

• Gallium-indium alloy

  We offer a close to eutectic gallium-indium alloy with the following composition:

  76Ga   24In   Melting temperature: ~ 16-17 °C

  This alloy tends to have a strong tendency towards oxidation.

• Gallium-indium-tin alloy

  Lowest melting temperature of all our standard alloys.

  62Ga  22In  16Sn   Melting temperature: ~ 11-13 °C