Lead alloys for industry & technology

Lead alloys are indispensable in numerous industries due to their high density, good formability and corrosion resistance. We offer a broad portfolio of lead alloys in various formats, including ingots, blocks and wires. These products are used in mechanical engineering, radiation protection, construction and electronics where stability and density are crucial. Thanks to their versatile properties, Feinhütte's lead alloys are also sought-after materials in the electroplating and construction industries.

 

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Element selection

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Sn99,9SnNi0,05Ge0,005 (AOX255)SnCu3Ni0,05Ge+ (SCN3005Ge+)Bi50Pb50Bi58Sn42Bi57Sn42Ag1 (BSn42A1)In52Sn48In99,99Pb50Sn50Pb60Bi40Pb60Sn40Pb65Bi35Pb65Sn35Pb67Sn33Pb70Bi30Pb70Sn30Pb75Bi25Pb75Sb15Sn10 (WM10)Pb75Sn25Pb87Sb13Pb90Bi10Pb90Sb10Pb91Sb9Pb92Sb6Sn2Pb92Sb8Pb92Sn8Pb93,5Sn5Ag1,5Pb93Sb5Sn2Pb93Sb7Pb93Sn7Pb94Sb6Pb95Sb4Sn1Pb95Sb5Pb96Sb4Pb97Sb3Pb98Sb2Pb99,94Pb99,97Pb99,99Pb99Sb1Sn60Pb40 (SnPb40)Sn63Pb37ESn64Pb36 (SnPb36)Sn70Zn30Sn77,2In20Ag2,8Sn80Pb15Sb5Sn80Sb12Cu6Pb2 (WM80)Sn81,3Sb12Cu6Zn0,6Ag0,1Sn83Sb11Cu6Sn87,7Sb7,5Cu3,5Cd1As0,1Ni0,2 (V841)Sn88Sb8Cu4Sn89Sb7,5Cu3,5 (V840)Sn89Sb7,5Cu3,5 (WM89)Sn90Sb10Sn92Cu8 (SC8)Sn95,5Ag3,8Cu0,7 (SAC3807)Sn95,5Ag4Cu0,5 (SAC405)Sn95Ag5 (SAC500)Sn96,2Ag3,8 (SAC380)Sn96,3Ag3,7 (SAC370)Sn96,5Ag3,5 (SAC350)Sn96,5Ag3Cu0,5 (SAC305)Sn96,5Cu3Ni0,5Sn96Ag3,5Cu0,5 (SAC3505)Sn96Ag4 (SAC400)Sn97,1Ag2,6Cu0,3 (SAC2603)Sn97,4Ag2,6Sn97Ag3 (SAC300)Sn97Cu3 (SC3)Sn98Ag2 (SAC200)Sn99,15Cu0,7Ni0,15Sn99,25Cu0,7Ni0,05Sn99,3Cu0,7Sn99,7Ag0,3 (SAC0300)Sn99,85Ni0,15Sn99,9 [Pb<0,005]Sn99,9 [Pb<0,01]Sn99,95Ni0,05Sn99,99 [GreenTin+]Sn99,9Ni0,1Sn99Ag0,3Cu0,7 (SAC0307)Sn99Ge1SnAg0,05Cu0,5Ni0,07Ge0,015 (AOX571)SnAg0,3Cu0,7Ni0,05Ge0,015 (AOX751)SnAg3Cu0,5Ni0,07Ge0,015 (AOX3571)SnCu3Ni0,05Ge (SCN3005+)SnCu0,7Ni0,05Ge0,005 (AOX755)Pb97,5Sb2,5Pb95,5Sb4,5Pb98,8Sb1,2Pb99,55Sb0,45Pb96,5Sb3,5Pb99,1Sb0,9Pb99,4Sb0,6Bi50Pb26,7Sn13,3Cd10Sn99,9 [GreenTin]Sn80,5Sb12Cu5,5Cd1,2As0,5Ni0,3 (WM80Cd)Sn88Sb8Cu4 (Therm89)Sn81Sb12Cu5Cd1,2As0,5Ni0,3 (ThermV80/V738)Sn95,5Ag3,8Cu0,7 (SAC3807)SnAgCu;SnAg;SnCuSn96,2Ag3,8 (SAC380)SnAgCu;SnAg;SnCu

Typical lead alloys

Compositions, properties & advantages

Depending on the alloy composition, lead alloys can be optimally adapted to technical requirements. Whether lead-containing solders, casting alloys or materials for bearings and shielding - each composition has specific advantages. The following table provides an overview of common lead alloys, their areas of application and characteristic material properties:

 Lead-antimony alloysLead-tin alloysLead-silver alloysLead-bismuth alloys
BeispielePbSb10Pb60Sn40Pb93,5Sn5Ag1,5Pb60Bi40, Pb70Bi30
 Einsatzgebiete

Batteries

bearings

Cable sheathing

Counterweights

Soldering technology

Seals

Electrical engineering

Special solders

High temperature applications

Electrical engineering

Plumb bobs

Balance weights

Special casting

Eigenschaften

high strength

good castability

increased hardness

good wettability

low melting point (~183-238°C)

leaded soft solder

Very good electrical conductivity

temperature resistance

silver alloyed

Reduced melting point

good castability

low stress

These values serve as an example. Other compositions can be requested. We will be happy to advise you on the optimum lead alloy for your application.

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Pure lead and special alloys

For special applications

For demanding technical applications where material purity, radiation protection or processability are paramount, we supply pure to high-purity lead in grades Pb99.94 to Pb99.99.

Learn more about pure lead

Not every application can be covered with a standard alloy. That is why we also offer a range of special multi-material alloys that are particularly suitable for small series and research work.

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The right format for your process

Lead alloys are essential for many branches of industry due to their special properties. In electronics, they are used as a reliable soldering material, particularly in the production of printed circuit boards and electrical connections. In mechanical engineering and the automotive industry, their high density and stability ensure durable components that can withstand high loads. In radiation protection, especially in medical technology, lead offers effective protection against radiation due to its dense structure. Lead-containing alloys also play a key role in electroplating and in the construction industry, for example for anti-corrosion coatings or as a sealing material. Feinhütte supplies these alloys in various formats such as ingots, blocks, wires or rods, tailored to specific industrial requirements.

 

Production in Germany

Our production takes place entirely at our site in Halsbrücke - with a dedicated team that produces quality with responsibility.

Consistent quality & traceability

Each batch is analyzed and documented in our own laboratory - for consistent quality and complete traceability.

Practiced circular economy & raw material recycling

We close material cycles and return valuable metals to production in a resource-saving and sustainable way.

Lead alloys for various industries

Lead alloys are versatile - depending on their composition, they fulfill very different requirements. Whether mechanically resilient, corrosion-resistant or radiation-shielding: we offer the right lead-based alloy for almost every industry.

  • Radiation protection in medical technology

  • Components in mechanical engineering

  • Soldered joints in electronics

  • Corrosion protection in electroplating

  • Counterweights and trim weights in the automotive industry

  • Sealing material in the construction industry

Back into the cycle - with our recycling service

For real sustainability

Lead is almost 100 % recyclable. That is why we offer you the opportunity to return old materials, production residues or lead-containing residues in a targeted manner. Our 360° recycling service ensures that lead is efficiently processed and reused in a closed material cycle - in a resource-saving and economical way.

Find out more about the 360° service

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Fast, transparent and uncomplicated - request your individual offer now!


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Contact information

According to the Chemicals Prohibition Ordinance (§ 5 ChemVerbotsV), lead-containing substances may only be sold to commercial customers with the appropriate expertise. Sale to private individuals is prohibited by law. We therefore reserve the right to request appropriate proof when placing orders.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Pure lead has a low electrical conductivity; additives such as silver or tin significantly improve this. Alloys are specially formulated for optimum conductivity for applications in electrical engineering.

Lead alloys vary greatly in melting point, depending on their composition. Pure lead melts at approx. 327 °C, PbSn alloys (e.g. Pb60Sn40) can have significantly lower melting points of around 183-238 °C. Lead-bismuth alloys have even lower melting ranges, which makes them ideal for soft solders.

Lead alloys are widely used in various industries:

  • Radiation protection and medical technology: shielding such as X-ray aprons or medical devices that block ionizing radiation.

  • Cable and energy technology: sheathing and shielding of cables for protection and electrical insulation.

  • Mechanical and plant engineering: plain bearings, seals and counterweights with high wear resistance.

  • Electrical engineering and electronics: Solders and connections with good flow properties and conductivity.

  • Foundry industry: casting molds and lead casting products with defined material properties.

These versatile areas of application continue to make lead alloys an important material in industry.

The use of lead is not generally prohibited, but it is subject to strict legal regulations. In the European Union, for example, the RoHS Directive and the REACH register apply, which restrict or regulate the use of lead in certain products and applications.

Lead is still indispensable in many technical applications, particularly in radiation protection, battery technology and electrical engineering. In contrast, there are often bans or strict limits for food contact or toys.

 

We manufacture lead alloys both in accordance with industry-specific standards and in compliance with legal requirements such as RoHS and REACH, insofar as this is relevant to the application.

Lead itself is toxic and must be processed safely. Our lead alloys are manufactured, processed and recycled under strict safety and environmental regulations. Alternatives are recommended for applications with direct skin contact or food contact.

The sale and purchase of lead is subject to legal regulations, as lead is considered a toxic heavy metal. In principle, commercial companies are allowed to purchase lead for technical and industrial applications that comply with the applicable environmental and safety regulations.

Private individuals are often subject to restrictions or require special permits, depending on the country and intended use. Trade in lead is also subject to reporting and verification requirements to ensure environmental and health protection.

We recommend that you find out about the national and European regulations before making a purchase and seek specialist advice if necessary.

 

Yes, depending on the application, various alternatives to lead alloys are available, particularly for environmental and health reasons.

  • Plastics with lead substitutes or composite materials are sometimes used for radiation protection, but these often require a higher thickness or lower density.

  • In the field of solders, there are lead-free alloys based on tin, silver, copper or indium, which are increasingly becoming standard and meet the requirements of the RoHS Directive.

  • In mechanical engineering, bronze or brass alloys are sometimes used as a substitute when lead is used as a soft or sliding metal.

The choice of alternative depends heavily on the specific technical requirements.

 

Contact our team of experts directly via our contact form or by phone. We will be happy to advise you on alloy composition, delivery forms and other details.