What Is the Melting Point of Lead? — Complete Guide
Short intro:
This guide answers “what is the melting point of lead” in simple, measurable terms and explains how alloys, solders and compounds shift that temperature.
Practical tables, LSI keywords and FAQs help engineers, hobbyists and procurement teams pick the right materials.
SUMMARY BOX — WHAT YOU’LL LEARN & KEY STATISTICS
What you’ll learn
- The exact melting point of elemental lead in Celsius, Fahrenheit and Kelvin and what affects it.
- How lead behaves in solders, alloys (with tin, aluminum, bismuth) and as a compound (lead bromide).
- Practical implications for soldering, casting and safety.
Key statistics (output, reserves, vacancies)
- World mine production (2023, lead content): ~4.5 million tonnes. U.S. Geological Survey
- World refined lead production (2023 — refined/forecast): ~12.8 million tonnes (refined/2023 forecast; 2024 refined production forecasted ~13.5 million t). U.S. Geological Survey+1
- Identified world lead resources: more than 2 billion tonnes. U.S. Geological Survey
Why this matters: production and reserve numbers indicate supply context for industrial users; melting points guide processing, solder selection and safety procedures.
1) WHAT IS THE MELTING POINT OF LEAD
SEO snippet: Elemental lead (Pb) melts at about 327.46 °C (327.5 °C commonly quoted) — a low melting point for a heavy metal that affects casting and soldering processes. PubChem+1
Explanation & context
Elemental lead (atomic symbol Pb, atomic number 82) has a well-established melting point used worldwide in metallurgy and electronics: ≈ 327.46 °C (often rounded to 327.5 °C). In industrial practice you’ll see 327–327.5 °C recorded as the melting point for high-purity lead; small variations occur with impurities, pressure and particle size. PubChem+1
Why the exact figure matters
- Foundry and casting control: molds & heating profiles.
- Safety: handling molten lead requires temperature control above this mark.
- Soldering and alloy design: lead’s relatively low melting point compared to other heavy metals makes it suitable in low-temperature alloys.
LSI keywords: lead melting temp, Pb melting point °C, melting point of lead element, lead melting temperature, Pb 327.5 °C
Expanded FAQs (short):
Q: Is 327.5 °C the same in all tables? — A: Most authoritative sources list 327.46–327.5 °C; differences come from rounding and measurement standards. PubChem
Q: Does pressure change lead’s melting point? — A: Very slightly; standard values assume ambient pressure.
Q: Can impurities lower the melting point? — A: Yes — alloying and contamination change melting/freezing behavior (see tin–lead section).
External links:
- <a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/element/Lead" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">PubChem — Lead (melting point & properties)</a>. PubChem
2) WHAT IS THE MELTING POINT OF LEAD-FREE SOLDER
SEO snippet: Most common lead-free solders (e.g., SAC305) melt in the ~217–220 °C range, significantly higher than eutectic Sn–Pb solders. AIM Solder+1
Explanation & context
Lead-free solders (commonly Sn–Ag–Cu alloys, with SAC305 = Sn96.5/Ag3.0/Cu0.5 as a typical composition) have liquidus/solidus ranges around 217–220 °C, with recommended peak reflow temperatures in the 240–250 °C window for surface mount assembly. The higher melting point matters for PCB thermal design and component selection. AIM Solder+1
Practical implications
- Process changes: Higher reflow temps require validated PCB lamination and component ratings.
- Mechanical advantages: Lead-free joints can give better mechanical strength in some contexts, but may worsen thermal fatigue for sensitive components. allelcoelec.com
LSI keywords: lead free solder melting point, SAC305 melting temp, SnAgCu melting temperature, RoHS solder temp, lead-free reflow
Expanded FAQs (short):
Q: Why are lead-free solders hotter? — A: Sn–Ag–Cu compositions have higher liquidus than Sn–Pb eutectic. AIM Solder
Q: Will switching to lead-free damage components? — A: Components must be rated to the higher reflow peak (often 260 °C transient tolerance).
Q: What is SAC305 exactly? — A: A common lead-free alloy: Sn96.5/Ag3.0/Cu0.5 (melting ~217–220 °C). AIM Solder
External links:
- <a href="https://www.aimsolder.com/products/sac305-lead-free-solder-alloy/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AIM Solder — SAC305 product data (melting range)</a>. AIM Solder
3) WHAT IS THE MELTING POINT OF LEAD SOLDER
SEO snippet: Common tin–lead solders have melting ranges; eutectic Sn63Pb37 melts at 183 °C, while other ratios (e.g., 60/40) melt over a range (solidus→liquidus). AIM Solder+1
Explanation & context
“Lead solder” usually refers to tin–lead alloys used historically in electronics and plumbing (where allowed). The eutectic composition Sn-63% / Pb-37% melts and solidifies sharply at 183 °C — useful for predictable soldering. Other mixes like 60/40 (Sn60Pb40) have a melting range (solidus to liquidus) and commonly used 60/40 melts around 188–190 °C at their liquidus. AIM Solder+1
Why eutectic matters
- Eutectic alloys change phase at a single temperature (no pasty zone), giving crisp wetting and solidification.
- Non-eutectic alloys go through a plastic “pasty” stage which can complicate joints.
LSI keywords: tin lead solder melting point, Sn63Pb37 183°C, 60/40 solder melt, leaded solder temp, solder eutectic
Expanded FAQs (short):
Q: Is Sn63Pb37 still used? — A: Yes in legacy and specialized applications (not potable water plumbing in many jurisdictions). Wikipedia
Q: Why did industry move to lead-free? — A: Environmental and health regulations (e.g., RoHS) and plumbing restrictions prompted change.
Q: Which solder gives the lowest melting point? — A: The Sn63Pb37 eutectic at 183 °C among common electronics solders.
External links:
- <a href="https://www.aimsolder.com/products/sn63-pb37-leaded-solder-alloy/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AIM Solder — Sn63/Pb37 data (eutectic 183 °C)</a>. AIM Solder
4) WHAT IS THE MELTING POINT OF LEAD IN CELSIUS
SEO snippet: 327.46 °C is the accepted value for lead’s melting point in Celsius (most tables round to 327.5 °C). Periodic Table+1
Detailed notes
- Standard references (periodic tables, NIST/PubChem datasets) list lead’s melting point as 327.46 °C (which equals ~600.61 K). These values are measured at standard pressure and high purity. Periodic Table+1
- For metallurgical practice, round to 327.5 °C when setting furnaces.
LSI keywords: Pb melting point °C, lead melting °C, 327.5 C lead, melting temperature lead Celsius
Expanded FAQs (short):
Q: Why are some sources quoting 327.0 or 327.4 °C? — A: Measurement precision and rounding; 327.46 °C is the precise standard figure. Periodic Table
External links:
- <a href="https://periodictable.com/Elements/082/data.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">PeriodicTable.com — Lead (thermal properties)</a>. Periodic Table
5) WHAT IS THE MELTING POINT OF LEAD IN FAHRENHEIT
SEO snippet: Lead’s melting point in Fahrenheit is ≈ 621.43–621.5 °F (commonly cited as 621.5 °F). Wikipedia+1
Quick conversion
- 327.46 °C = 621.43 °F (round commonly to 621.5 °F). Use 327.5 °C → 621.5 °F for furnace setpoints and tool calibration. PubChem
LSI keywords: lead melting point °F, Pb melt °F, 621 °F lead, convert lead melting point
Expanded FAQs (short):
Q: How to convert precisely? — A: Multiply °C × 9/5 + 32. For 327.46 °C → 621.43 °F.
Q: Which unit to display in specs? — A: Use the unit your audience expects; many labs use °C, foundries sometimes use °F.
External links:
- <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Wikipedia — Lead (properties & melting point)</a>. Wikipedia
6) WHAT IS THE MELTING POINT OF LEAD BROMIDE
SEO snippet: Lead(II) bromide (PbBr₂) melts at ≈ 370.6–371 °C — significantly higher than elemental lead. Wikipedia+1
Explanation & context
Lead(II) bromide is an inorganic salt (white crystalline solid). Its melting point is in the ~370–371 °C range — higher than elemental lead due to ionic lattice bonding in the compound. This matters when heating Pb-containing chemicals during synthesis or purification. Wikipedia+1
Safety note: Lead(II) bromide is toxic — observe chemical handling rules, and never assume contamination is safe at or below its melting point. Wikipedia
LSI keywords: PbBr2 melting point, lead dibromide melt, lead bromide temperature, lead halide melting point
Expanded FAQs (short):
Q: Is PbBr₂ used industrially? — A: It’s a niche chemical for some syntheses and specialist applications; less common than lead oxide or lead acetate. Wikipedia
Q: Does PbBr₂ vaporize when heated? — A: It decomposes/vaporizes at much higher temperatures (boiling point listed higher; always consult MSDS).
External links:
- <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead(II)_bromide" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Wikipedia — Lead(II) bromide (physical properties)</a>. Wikipedia
7) WHAT IS THE MELTING POINT OF LEAD IN KELVIN
SEO snippet: Lead’s melting point in absolute temperature is ≈ 600.61 K (327.46 °C). Periodic Table+1
Technical note
When using Kelvin for thermodynamic calculations, use 600.61 K (or 600.65 K if rounding from 327.5 °C). Kelvin is required for equations involving enthalpy, heat capacity and phase transitions. Periodic Table
LSI keywords: Pb melting K, lead 600 K, melting point Kelvin lead, 600.61 K Pb
Expanded FAQs (short):
Q: Which constant should labs use? — A: Use the value consistent with other thermophysical constants (600.61 K is standard). Periodic Table
External links:
- <a href="https://periodictable.com/Elements/082/data.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">PeriodicTable.com — Lead (melting in Kelvin)</a>. Periodic Table
8) WHAT IS THE MELTING POINT OF LEAD AND TIN
SEO snippet: Tin-lead (Sn–Pb) alloys show a range of melting behavior: the eutectic Sn63Pb37 melts sharply at 183 °C, while other ratios melt over a range (solidus → liquidus) — higher lead content raises liquidus. Solder Paste, Solder Flux - FCT Solder+1
Detailed explanation
The Sn–Pb phase diagram governs melting behavior:
- Eutectic (63% Sn / 37% Pb): single melting point 183 °C — favorite for crisp soldering. Solder Paste, Solder Flux - FCT Solder
- Non-eutectic alloys (e.g., 60/40, 50/50): these have a solidus (where melting starts) and liquidus (fully liquid). The greater the lead fraction, the closer the alloy’s liquidus moves toward lead’s melting temp. See alloy melting tables and phase diagrams for exact solidus/liquidus values. technic.com
Practical notes
- For solder selection, eutectic alloys simplify thermal profiling because they do not have a pasty range.
- For casting and metallurgical joining, non-eutectic compositions require controlled cooling to avoid weak pasty zones.
LSI keywords: Sn Pb melting point, tin lead eutectic 183, Sn63Pb37, tin lead phase diagram, solder melting range
Expanded FAQs (short):
Q: Does adding tin always lower melting point? — A: Adding tin to lead reduces the melting point up to the eutectic composition; past that point behavior changes per the phase diagram. Solder Paste, Solder Flux - FCT Solder
Q: Can you solder at lead’s melting point? — A: No — soldering uses eutectic or solder alloy melting temps (often much lower or higher depending on alloy).
External links:
- <a href="https://www.technic.com/sites/default/files/resources/Solder%20Alloy%20Melting%20Temperature.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Technic — Solder alloy melting temperature reference (solidus/liquidus tables)</a>. technic.com
9) WHAT IS THE MELTING POINT OF LEAD WIRE
SEO snippet: Lead wire (electrical/ballast wire or casting wire), if near-pure lead, melts at ~327.5 °C; solder-cored wire melts according to the solder alloy (e.g., Sn63Pb37 at 183 °C or SAC305 ~217–220 °C). PubChem+1
Practical distinctions
- Pure lead wire (99%+ Pb): same melting point as elemental lead (≈327.5 °C). PubChem
- Solder-cored wire: the core alloy determines melting — many solder wires are Sn63Pb37 (eutectic 183 °C) or lead-free alloys (SAC305 ~217–220 °C). This affects melting behavior during hand soldering or wave soldering. AIM Solder+1
Safety & process note
Always confirm the wire’s datasheet: “lead wire” can mean plain lead, leaded solder wire, or other alloys. Use the label/DS to set temperatures.
LSI keywords: lead wire melt, solder wire melting temp, pure lead wire melting, solder core wire melting point
Expanded FAQs (short):
Q: How to tell which wire I have? — A: Check manufacturer label or material SDS; visual inspection is not reliable.
Q: Can I melt lead wire in a toaster oven? — A: No — melting lead safely requires proper ventilation and PPE to avoid fumes and exposure.
External links:
- <a href="https://www.aimsolder.com/products/sn63-pb37-leaded-solder-alloy/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AIM Solder — leaded solder wire / Sn63Pb37 product info</a>. AIM Solder
10) WHAT IS THE MELTING POINT OF LEAD AND ALUMINUM
SEO snippet: Aluminum–lead is a monotectic/immiscible system rather than a simple low-melting alloy; Al–Pb mixtures show phase separation and monotectic reactions (monotectic point ≈ 659 °C); no practical low-temperature Al–Pb “solder” exists. CompuTherm+1
Why Al–Pb is different
Aluminum and lead are largely immiscible in the solid state and exhibit a liquid miscibility gap and monotectic reactions in their phase diagram. This means:
- There’s no simple eutectic that yields a low single melting point like Sn–Pb.
- The system shows separation into Al-rich and Pb-rich phases, making cast alloys prone to segregation rather than a uniform low-melting alloy. CompuTherm+1
Metallurgical note
Al–Pb alloys are sometimes used in specialized tribological (bearing) contexts where the immiscible Pb phase can provide lubrication, but they are not melting-point-engineered alloys for low-temperature joining. Expect monotectic/solidus behavior near 659 °C (depending on composition and processing). SpringerLink
LSI keywords: Al Pb phase diagram, aluminum lead melting, Al–Pb monotectic, immiscible Al Pb, lead in aluminum alloys
Expanded FAQs (short):
Q: Can you solder aluminum to lead? — A: Not effectively — dissimilar metallurgy and oxidation make soldering problematic; mechanical joining or specialized brazing is required.
Q: Is there an Al–Pb eutectic? — A: No simple low-temperature eutectic; the system shows monotectic behavior.
External links:
- <a href="https://computherm.com/al-pb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CompuTherm — Al–Pb phase data & invariant reactions</a>. CompuTherm
11) CONCLUSION
SEO snippet: Elemental lead melts at ≈ 327.46 °C (621.5 °F / 600.61 K); alloys and compounds vary widely — tin-lead eutectic at 183 °C, SAC305 lead-free alloys at ~217–220 °C, and lead bromide at ~371 °C — choose materials and processes based on these thermophysical facts. Wikipedia+3PubChem+3AIM Solder+3
Key takeaways
- Elemental Lead: ~327.46 °C (standard value). PubChem
- Lead-tin solders: eutectic Sn63Pb37 = 183 °C; other mixes have ranges. AIM Solder
- Lead-free solders: SAC alloys ≈ 217–220 °C (processes must adapt). AIM Solder
- Compounds/alloys differ: PbBr₂ ~371 °C; Al–Pb monotectic/immiscible behavior near ~659 °C region. Wikipedia+1
Actionable guidance
- For soldering, pick an alloy whose melting behavior matches your process window (eutectic if you want sharp melting). Solder Paste, Solder Flux - FCT Solder
- For casting, control furnace to exceed lead’s melting point with margin while minimizing dwell at higher temps to reduce oxidation and vaporization. PubChem
- For safety, prevent fumes, use ventilation and PPE, and follow local regulations on lead use and disposal.
External links (general references):
- <a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/element/Lead" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">PubChem — Lead (element data)</a>. PubChem
- <a href="https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2024/mcs2024-lead.pdf" target="_blank">USGS — Mineral Commodity Summaries (Lead chapter, 2024)</a>. U.S. Geological Survey
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SEO snippet: Novintrades is a next-generation B2B marketplace connecting global buyers and sellers across oil products, chemicals (including metal feedstocks), minerals and industrial supplies — combining product listings, reportages and SEO-driven content for discovery.
About Novintrades (optimized)
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SEO snippet for Novintrades section: Discover suppliers of metal feedstocks, oil products and chemicals and read in-depth reportages to inform procurement decisions.
LSI keywords (Novintrades): B2B marketplace chemicals, industrial suppliers online, Novintrades products, buy lead feedstock, reportages for industry, industrial trade platform
Call to action & community invite
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External links:
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FAQ (Expanded — General)
Q: What is the single best number to remember for lead’s melting point?
A: 327.5 °C (rounded) — accurate enough for everyday engineering use. PubChem
Q: Which solder melts at the lowest temperature?
A: Among common electronics solders, Sn63Pb37 (183 °C) is the lowest single-point (eutectic) melting alloy. AIM Solder
Q: Are lead fumes dangerous at melting point?
A: Lead fumes and oxides can form at elevated temperatures—use ventilation, capture systems and PPE; follow OSHA/EU guidance. (Consult local OSH documents.)
Q: Can I use lead with food/drinking systems?
A: No. Many jurisdictions ban lead in potable water systems; check local regulations (Safe Drinking Water Act and equivalents). Wikipedia
SOURCES & REFERENCES (select authoritative sources used above)
- PubChem — Lead (element data and thermal properties). PubChem
- PeriodicTable.com — Lead (melting point, Kelvin conversion). Periodic Table
- Wikipedia — Lead (overview & melting point). Wikipedia
- AIM Solder — SAC305 (lead-free solder) and Sn63Pb37 product pages. AIM Solder+1
- Technic — Solder alloy melting temperature (solidus/liquidus tables). technic.com
- USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries — Lead chapter (production & reserves). U.S. Geological Survey
- Lead(II) bromide (PbBr₂) — Wikipedia / ChemicalBook references. Wikipedia+1
- Al–Pb phase & monotectic behaviour — CompuTherm / peer literature. CompuTherm+1