Product Data Sheet
MCP 137/Metspec 281 Alloy
UPDATED ON 2012-07
TYPICAL USES
The principal uses of the alloy depend on the density difference between liquid and solid and the
dimensional changes after solidification being both very small, the actual magnitude of the latter
depending on the dimensions and thermal treatment of the material. MCP 137 (otherwise referred to as
Cerrotru) is suitable for such applications as precise work holding (as in the encapsulation of turbine
blades, to enable the root to be machined) and fusible core technology, where the alloy is used in a
manner analogous to the lost wax in investment casting. Additionally, the hardness is sufficient to permit
its use in press tools, which, though rather low compressive strength restricts their life, can be used for
prototype and short run production work. Other applications include proof casting, thermal fuses and lead
free soldering.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
MCP 137 is an alloy of Bismuth (58%) and Tin. For most purposes it can be regarded as the system eutectic,
to which it is certainly very close (most reported values appear in the range 57-58% Bi)(1). The solid is a
mixture of the -and - phases, respectively the solid solutions of Bismuth in Tin and of Tin in Bismuth. In
common with all alloys of low melting point, MCP 137 undergoes a slow equilibration after solidification,
producing changes in physical properties. The changes may be accelerated by annealing.
Characteristic
Typical Value
8.58 g/cm3
Density
Brinell Hardness
23
Melting Point
135C
Specific heat at 25C (solid)
Specific heat at 120C (liquid)
Enthalpy of fusion
0.167 J/g.C
0.155 J/g.C
49.1 J/g
Electrical resistivity
Compressive Properties: Proof stress at 2 days and 70 days
(0.2% set)
(1.0% set)
Tensile Properties: Data at 2 days and 70 days
Proof stress 0.2% set
Tensile Strength
Elongation (% in 5.65A)
59.0 [Link]
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41.6 rising to 46.7 MPa
49.4 rising to 58.3 MPa
32.1 rising to 42.1 MPa
60.1 rising to 62.3 MPa
80 falling to 55
The analytical purity is determined by ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma)
To order please contact sales@[Link]
Product Data Sheet
MCP 137/Metspec 281 Alloy
UPDATED ON 2012-07
Fig. 1 SOLIDIFICATION
The trace obtained by solidification
from a homogeneous melt of a
sample of 300g indicates a single
arrest (following slight supercooling)
at about 1350C. For this alloy, the
level plateau defines very precisely
the temperature at solidification.
This temperature may be compared
with those found in melting of both
newly and solidified and matured
samples (fig. 2).
Fig. 2
MELTING
The structural changes that take
place after solidification are made
apparent by the technique of
differential scanning calorimetry
(DSC). The behavior of matured
alloy is here compared with that of a
newly solidified specimen.
The onset temperature for melting,
like the latent heat of fusion, is
found to have altered slightly in
older specimens. The curves for
these extremes of treatment are
reproducible. The differences in
melting behavior between specimens of different ages (or which have had different thermal conditioning)
are insufficient to be of practical significance. The curve remains stable after the specimen has reached the
equilibrated condition.
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The analytical purity is determined by ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma)
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Product Data Sheet
MCP 137/Metspec 281 Alloy
UPDATED ON 2012-07
Fig. 3
GROWTH & SHRINKAGE
The linear dimensional changes after
casting are sensitive to the size and
shape of the specimen, which affect
the rate of cooling after solidification
and, in consequence, equilibration of
the
internal
structure.
The
differences ultimately disappear, to
be barely apparent between fully
mature specimens. Curve A is for a
10mm square bar, 250mm in length,
which shows a net growth of 0.055%
after about 16 hours (rising to 0.10%
after 6 months). The lower curve B is
for a faster quenched small specimen
of 5 x 5 x 2mm.
Fig. 4
THERMAL EXPANSION
The structural changes that occur in
equilibrating solid alloys influence the
thermal expansion. The coefficient of
thermal expansion of MCP 137 is
reasonably constant for almost any
specimen up to about 900C, at about
16 17 x 10-6. 0C-1. Above that
temperature, the influence of
structural
changes
begins
to
predominate, resulting in net
contraction which is smaller for
artificially aged (i.e. annealed)
specimens than for those newly cast
and
chilled.
More
prolonged
annealing extends the range of
constant linear expansion.
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The analytical purity is determined by ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma)
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Product Data Sheet
MCP 137/Metspec 281 Alloy
UPDATED ON 2012-07
Fig. 5
ELASTICITY
The storage modulus E of a newly cast
specimen decreases slowly with
temperature, while the loss modulus E
passes through a maximum (in the
range 70-800C) which itself tends to
increase as the specimen ages. The
storage modulus is stable during
isothermal holds. Annealing at 1300C
significantly raises the subsequent
elasticity at 200C.
Fig. 6
VISCOSITY
Like that of most fusible alloys, the
viscosity of MCP 137 is quite low and
probably Newtonian. However, other
effects (including high surface tension)
within the working temperature range
influence practical measurements,
falsely
suggesting
non-Newtonian
behaviour. The values indicated in the
diagram were obtained by means of a
Brookfield RVT viscometer, using 3 litres
of liquid alloy in a cylindrical container
with alloy depth being roughly equal to
diameter. The figure illustrates changes
apparent under conditions such as
might be encountered in practical use. Viscosity is, in fact, so low that it is rarely a serious consideration in
designing systems in which large quantities of alloy are circulated.
5N Plus Inc.
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The analytical purity is determined by ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma)
To order please contact sales@[Link]
Product Data Sheet
MCP 137/Metspec 281 Alloy
UPDATED ON 2012-07
Fig. 7 THE BISMUTH-TIN PHASE
DIAGRAM
The diagram is based on
published data (e.g. [Link] &
K. Anderko, constitution of Binary
Alloys; C.J. Smithells, Metals
Reference Book). There is a slight
uncertainty in the eutectic
composition, with most reports in
the range of 42-43% Tin.
The Alloy MCP 137 contains 42% Tin.
STORAGE AND USE
Store products in their original packaging.
Wear protective equipment recommended by the Safety Data Sheet.
5N Plus Inc.
[Link]
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The analytical purity is determined by ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma)
To order please contact sales@[Link]
