Alloys
Fusible Alloys/Low Melting Point Alloys
Fusible alloys, known for their low melting points compared to solder alloys, are easily liquefied with moderate heat, making them ideal for temporary solid states during work or as temperature sensors, such as in fire detection sprinkler systems. These alloys, dating back to the 19th century with names like Field’s metal, Wood’s metal, and Rose’s metal (melting points between 62°C and 98°C), have evolved with modern technology to include precise compositions like Indalloy®158 and Indalloy®19, offering consistent melting behavior and an extended temperature range.
Powered by Indium Corporation
- Low-Melting Versatility
- Precision Support
- Passive Activation
Product Overview
Fusible alloys, characterized by their low melting points as low as 46°C (116°F), offer remarkable versatility by transitioning seamlessly between solid and molten states. This unique property makes them indispensable for precise and temporary applications. These alloys are excellent as precision support materials, securely holding and protecting workpieces during crucial finishing processes such as polishing and grinding. Additionally, the eutectic melting points of fusible alloys facilitate passive activation systems, ensuring the reliable and safe operation of devices like fire sprinklers without the need for electronic circuitry, thereby enhancing safety and simplicity.
Largest Range of Available Alloy Composition
Field’s metal, Wood’s metal, and many other alloy compositions are available. Available melting points start at 43°C/116°F and go up into the solder alloy range at above 200°C.
Precise Activation of Fire Sprinkler Systems
Melting activation is solely controlled by environmental temperature and thus enables the design of completely passive devices for fire detection.
Lens Blocking for Grinding and Polishing with Indalloy®116 & 19
Indalloy®116 and Indalloy®19 are the most popular alloys for lens blocking in the optical lens grinding industry, with melt points at 43°C/116°F and 60°C/140°F, respectively.
Low, Precise Melt Points and Melt-Point Ranges
Melting behavior is determined by precise control of the alloy composition. A wide range of alloys and melting points is available.
Benefits
Explore our large range of Indalloy® offerings and contact our technical support team if you need a specific temperature range for the desired melting point.
116°F
- Lowest melt point in the Bi-based fusible alloy system
- Widely used in lens blocking to process optical lenses
Indalloy®19 (Field’s Metal)
- Indium-Bismuth-Tin (InBiSn) alloy, popular in lens grinding
- Melt point at 60°C (140°F)
Indalloy®158 (Wood’s Metal)
- First patented by B. Woods in 1860
- Sold as Indalloy®158, melt point at 70°C (158°F)
Lead and Cadmium-Free Alloy Options
- Numerous alloys available
- Indalloy®19 and Indalloy®281 are the most popular alloys
Fusible Alloy/Low Melting Point Alloy Products
Many fusible alloys are based on the bismuth (Bi) alloy systems. Other metals (tin (Sn), indium (In), and many others) change the melting point, and precise control of the alloy composition needs to be ensured. A few examples of our most popular alloys (all of which are eutectic systems in which the liquidus coincides with the solidus point):
| Indalloy # | 117 | 136 | 19 | 158 | 281 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alloy composition | 44.7 Bi 22.6 Pb 19.1 In 8.3 Sn 5.3 Cd | 49 Bi 21 In 18 Pb 12 Sn | 51 In 32.5 Bi 16.5 Sn | 50 Bi 26.7 Pb 13.3 Sn 10 Cd | 58 Bi 42 Sn |
| Liquidus in °C (°F) | 47 (117) | 58 (136) | 60 (140) | 60 (140) | 138 (281) |
| E = Eutectic | E | E | E | E | E |
Product Data Sheets
Related Applications
Fusible Alloys/Low Melting Point Alloys are suitable for a wide range of applications.
PCB Assembly
Proven and cutting-edge materials for PCB assembly
High-Temperature Soldering
Offering high-temperature soldering materials for critical applications in harsh
Sealing: Cryogenic & Hermetic
Low temperature liquid & fusible alloys for precise melt
Related Markets
Indium Corporation’s Fusible Alloys/Low Melting Point Alloys are suited for many markets.
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