Melting Points of Common Metals: Engineering Reference and Limitations

Material Properties Guide

Melting point is important in casting, welding, brazing, heat treatment and high-temperature service, but engineers must distinguish the melting behavior of pure elements from the melting range of alloys.

Representative melting points

Pure metals vs alloys

A pure crystalline element has a characteristic melting point at a given pressure. Most engineering alloys melt over a temperature range between solidus and liquidus temperatures. Phase diagrams are therefore more useful than a single melting point for casting and welding metallurgy.

Why melting behavior matters

It influences furnace design, casting temperature, filler-metal selection, heat-affected-zone behavior and the maximum temperature at which a material can retain adequate structure. Service temperature is usually far below melting because creep, oxidation, phase instability or loss of strength can control much earlier.

Key takeaways

• This guide is written for practical engineering and technical understanding.
• Property values can vary with purity, processing route, temperature, microstructure and test method.
• For design or procurement decisions, verify values against the applicable material specification and current standard.

Frequently asked questions

Does a higher melting point always mean better high-temperature performance?

No. Creep strength, oxidation resistance, phase stability and thermal cycling can be more important than melting point alone.

What are solidus and liquidus temperatures?

Below the solidus an alloy is fully solid; above the liquidus it is fully liquid. Between them, solid and liquid phases can coexist.

Why is zinc easy to melt?

Its melting point is relatively low at about 420°C, which is useful in processes such as galvanizing and die casting.

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