Alloys
Fusible Alloys/Low Melting Point Alloys
Fusible alloys, known for their lower melting points compared to solder alloys, are easily liquefied with moderate heat, making them ideal for temporary solid state during processing or as temperature sensors, such as in fire detection sprinkler systems. Originally developed in the 19th century and known by names such as Field’s metal, Wood’s metal, and Rose’s metal, these alloys have evolved with modern materials technology to include precise compositions like Indalloy®117, Indalloy®158, and Indalloy®19, delivering consistent melting behavior across an extended temperature range.
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Product Overview
Fusible alloys, characterized by their low melting points as low as 47°C (117°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 serve as 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 47°C/117°F and go up into the solder alloy range at above 200°C.
Lens Blocking for Grinding and Polishing with Indalloy®117 & Indalloy®19
Indalloy®117 and Indalloy®19 are the most popular alloys for lens blocking in the optical lens grinding industry, with melt points at 47°C/117°F and 60°C/140°F, respectively.
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. Indalloy®158 is a popular alloy choice for fire sprinkler systems.
Custom Alloy Development
Melting behavior is determined by precise control of the alloy composition. We offer a wide range of alloy options and melting points. We also work with customers to develop custom alloys with target melting points and other properties tailored to their application needs.
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.
Indalloy®117
- Lowest melting point in the bismuth-based fusible alloy system
- Widely used in lens blocking to process optical lenses
Indalloy®19 (Field’s Metal)
- Indium-Bismuth-Tin (InBiSn) alloy
- Popular lead-cadmium free alternative in lens grinding
- Melting point at 60°C (140°F)
Indalloy®158 (Wood’s Metal)
- First patented by B. Woods in 1860
- Melting point at 70°C (158°F)
Lead and Cadmium-Free Alloy Options
- Numerous alloy options available
- Indalloy®19 and Indalloy®281 are our 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 |
Related Applications
Fusible Alloys/Low Melting Point Alloys are suitable for a wide range of applications.
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Indium Corporation’s Fusible Alloys/Low Melting Point Alloys are suited for many markets.
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