SPECIALTY ALLOYS

AIM specialty alloys consist of, but are not limited to, Indium, Bismuth,
Cadmium, Gold and Gallium. The term "specialty" is used to describe solders
that do not meet the standard tin-lead temperature range. AIM has developed
solder products that meet customer needs on either side of 183C.
Indium alloys are a good choice to solder gold surfaces when the gold has to remain intact. These
alloys show excellent fatigue resistance when thermal
mismatches are encountered. Indium alloys have a
range of melting points, the lowest being the indium/tin
alloy 118C eutectic. These alloys perform very well
when operating temperatures do not exceed 120C.
Indium is a unique, low-melting, ductile metal that will
weld to itself under relatively low pressure and will
wet metallic and non-metallic surfaces.

Indium Alloys
In
In
In
In
In
In
In
In
In
In
In
In

99
80
70
60
52
50
40
30
26
25
20
19

Ag
5

In
99.9
80
70
60
52
50
40
30
26
25
20
19

Pb

Sn

Melting Point C Density lb/in3

156
142-149
165-175
173-181
118
178-210
195-225
245-260
134-181
226-228
130-154
270-280

15
30
40
48
50
60
70
36.5
75
26
81

37.5
54

Bismuth alloys are the least expensive of the low

temperature alloys, and bismuth is considered to be a
less toxic metal. Bismuth/tin alloys are considered to
be safe for potable water systems. These alloys do
not wet as well and have lower peel strength as compared to tin/lead alloys.

Bismuth Alloys

Bi

Pb

Sn Melting
Melting Point
Point C
C

Bi 58
Bi 52
Bi 46
Bi 14
Bi 8

58
52
46
14
8

32
20
43
46

42
16
34
43
46

Cadmium alloys are typically used for EMF shielding

when cadmium content is in the 70% range. Cadmium
alloys are an excellent choice for low temperature
soldering when a mechanical joint is needed on
aluminum or other difficult-to-solder materials.

Cadmium
Cadmium Alloys Ag

Cd

Pb

Sn

70
18
1

32
32

30
50
65

.2639
.2834
.2956
.3072
.2635
.3198
.3355
.3590
.3040
.3599
.2950
.3707

3
Density lb/in
lb/in3

138
100
100-105
144-163
120-167

.3090
.3465
.3500
.3245
.3166

3
Melting
Melting Point
Point C
C Density lb/in
lb/in3

Cd 70
Cd 18
Cd 1

3.5

Gold alloys are the best choice when soldering to

gold-based materials. They are considered to be high
reliability alloys, with excellent thermal and mechanical characteristics. Gold alloys are excellent for corrosion resistance when hermetic seals need to be
formed.

Gold Alloys

Au

Fusible alloys containing Bismuth/Indium/Tin have a

wide range of fusible applications. Due to the low
temperature and expansion characteristics of these
alloys, they can be used in lens fixturing, radiation
shielding, sprinkler head assembly, proof casting,
turbine blade machining, and tube bending.

Fusible
Alloys
Product

Bi

Cd

In

Pb

3
Sn Melting
Melting Point
Point C
C Density lb/in
lb/in3

AIM 47
AIM 70
AIM 124
AIM 138/170
AIM 70/88

45
50
55
40
42

5
10

19

23
27
45

8
13

Gallium alloys are low temperature alloys that can be

liquid at room temperature. These alloys can be used
to replace Hg in applications such as motion switches
and thermostats. Gallium/Indium alloys are also used
for thermal management applications.

Gallium Alloys

Ga

In

Ga 75
Ga 62

75.5
62.5

24.5
21.5

Au
Au
Au
Au
Au

99
97
88
82
80

Ge

98
96.8
87.5 12.5
82
80

In

Si

140-160
145
216-219

Sn Melting Point C Density

Density lb/in3
lb/in3

2
3.2

370-800
370
356
451-485
280

18
20

38

.2770
.3051
.2657

.6113
.5564
.5301
.5383
.5242

47
70
124
138-170
70-88

60
11

.3307
.3458
.3769
.2930
.3541

3
Sn Melting
Melting Point
Point C
C Density lb/in
lb/in3

16

15.7
10.7

.2294
.2348

The information contained herein is based on data considered accurate and is offered at no charge.
Product information is based upon the assumption of proper handling and operating conditions. No
warranty is expressed or implied regarding the accuracy of this data. Liability is expressly disclaimed for any loss or injury arising out of the use of this information or the use of any materials
designated.