The melting point of tin is 231.93 °C, rounded to 232 °C. This makes tin one of the easiest metals to melt, ideal for those starting with casting. If you want to melt tin yourself, you do so in a melting furnace that easily reaches this temperature.
What is the melting point of tin?
The melting point of tin is 231.93 °C, the temperature at which solid tin turns into liquid tin. Tin has the symbol Sn and atomic number 50, and only boils at 2,602 °C. It is a soft, silvery-white metal with a density of about 7.3 grams per cubic centimeter.
That 231.93 °C is so reliable that the melting point of tin is internationally recognized as a calibration point for thermometers. Moreover, tin hardly expands when melting, allowing it to flow calmly into a mold and reproduce sharp details well. This is a great advantage for casting.
What is the melting point of solder?
The melting point of solder is lower than that of pure tin, because other metals have been added. Lead-based solder with 60% tin and 40% lead melts around 185 °C. The eutectic ratio of 63% tin and 37% lead even melts at 183 °C.
Lead-free solder, the standard in electronics since 2006, melts at a higher temperature, starting from approximately 217 °C. Solder usually contains a core of resin that improves flow. Thanks to its low melting point, solder connects components without damaging surrounding materials, for example on circuit boards or pipes.
Tin in bronze: the melting point of a tin alloy
Tin in bronze forms a tin alloy with a much higher melting point than pure tin. Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin, where the copper determines the melting temperature. Depending on the ratio, bronze melts between approximately 900 and 1,000 °C.
Therefore, those who cast bronze need a furnace and crucible that can withstand much more heat than for pure tin. Pure tin itself is often cast into pewter objects and figurines, where its softness and low melting point are particularly useful. The tin in bronze does slightly lower the melting point of copper and makes the whole more castable.
Tin pest: why tin deteriorates at low temperatures
Tin pest is the deterioration of tin at low temperatures, well below the melting point. Below 13.2 °C, normal white tin slowly transforms into grey tin, a brittle form that crumbles apart. The metal expands and eventually disintegrates into powder.
This is something to consider for castings that are left outdoors or in the cold. A small amount of antimony or bismuth in the alloy inhibits tin pest and keeps the tin stable.
Getting started with tin melting yourself
Getting started with tin melting yourself begins with the right equipment and a little practice. Due to its low melting point, tin is the friendliest metal to learn casting with, before moving on to hotter melting copper or bronze.
At Parrot Shopping, we help you get started with the furnaces, crucibles and molds to begin immediately, and with advice that guides you through every step.
