Melting Point of Metals

In basic principle, the melting point of metals is the temperature that changes them from solids to liquids. This measurement affects how and where they can be used. It also affects fabrication and workability, meaning how the metal is manufactured.

The melting point of metals is also directly related to thermal conduction and thermal expansion. This and the melting point will ultimately affect how a metal is used. The lower the melting point, the more thermal conduction or expansion it demonstrates. 

Metal melting points are also particularly important when it comes to welding services, which is just one of the sheet metal fabrication services we offer here at Salamander Fabrications. Our dedicated team of experts is happy to talk to you about our services any time you like, but for now, continue reading for more information on the melting point of metals.

Why is the melting point of metals so important?

The melting point of any metal affects how the metal is alloyed. This refers to the process of combining a metal with one or more other elements, and it must occur in a liquid state. Metal melting points also dictate how the metal is used. For example, the aerospace or oil and gas industries often require metals that can handle extreme heat.

Melting point of metals chart

Our handy melting point of metals chart shows a number of common and also rare metals, along with their properties, applications, benefits, and melting points.

Metal	Melting Point (°C)	Properties	Applications	Benefits
Aluminium	660°C	Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, good conductivity	Used in casting, extrusion, and alloys for automotive, aerospace, and packaging	Low density, easily machinable, recyclable
Copper	1,085°C	Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, ductile	Electrical wiring, plumbing, heat exchangers, coinage	High conductivity, corrosion-resistant
Iron	1,538°C	Strong, tough, magnetic, prone to rusting unless alloyed	Steel production, cast iron components, tools, construction	High strength, widely available, cost-effective
Gold	1,064°C	Highly malleable, ductile, corrosion-resistant, conductive	Jewellery, electronics, currency, coatings	Doesn’t tarnish, excellent conductivity
Silver	961°C	Best electrical conductor, antibacterial, and reflective	Electrical contacts, jewellery, mirrors, medical instruments	High conductivity, antimicrobial, high reflectivity
Titanium	1,668°C	High strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion-resistant	Aerospace, medical implants, sports equipment	Lightweight, strong, biocompatible
Zinc	419°C	Corrosion-resistant, low melting point, brittle	Galvanising steel, die casting, batteries	Protects steel from rust, easy to cast
Lead	327°C	Soft, dense, corrosion-resistant, toxic	Batteries, radiation shielding, ammunition	High density, soundproofing, radiation-shielding
Nickel	1,455°C	High-temperature resistance, corrosion-resistant, strong	Superalloys, stainless steel, batteries	Heat-resistant, enhanced steel properties
Platinum	1,768°C	Highly corrosion-resistant, dense, excellent catalyst	Jewellery, catalytic converters, lab equipment	Doesn’t corrode, high melting point
Magnesium	650°C	Lightweight, strong, flammable in powder form	Aerospace, automotive, fireworks, alloys	Very light, good strength-to-weight ratio
Tungsten	3,422°C	Highest melting point, very dense, hard	Light bulb filaments, electrodes, military applications	Heat-resistant, extremely strong
Chromium	1,907°C	Hard, corrosion-resistant, shiny	Stainless steel production, coatings, plating	Improves steel hardness and corrosion resistance
Cobalt	1,495°C	Magnetic, wear-resistant, retains strength at high temperatures	Superalloys, magnets, batteries	Heat-resistant, strengthens alloys
Palladium	1,555°C	Corrosion-resistant, ductile, catalyst	Catalytic converters, jewellery, fuel cells	Non-reactive, used in emissions control
Rhodium	1,964°C	Extremely corrosion-resistant, highly reflective	Used in catalytic converters, jewellery, mirrors, coatings	Very rare; enhances durability and reflectivity
Osmium	3,033°C	Densest naturally occurring metal, hard, brittle	High-wear alloys, fountain pen nibs, electrical contacts	High hardness, corrosion-resistant
Iridium	2,447°C	Extremely corrosion-resistant, hard, dense	Electrical contacts, spark plugs, aerospace components	Resists extreme temperatures, very strong
Rhenium	3,180°C	Very high melting point, good creep resistance	Jet engine components, thermocouples, electrical contacts	Handles extreme heat, improves superalloys
Hafnium	2,227°C	High melting point, absorbs neutrons	Used in nuclear control rods, aerospace applications	Heat-resistant, good for high-radiation environments

How to measure the melting point of metals

There are several methods for measuring melting points, each with its own benefits and limitations.

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

This is a highly accurate method often used in research and industry. The technique works by measuring the heat flow required to increase the temperature of a sample piece of metal. When the sample reaches its melting point, there is a change in the amount of heat needed, which can be detected precisely. This is highly accurate but involves expensive equipment and a time consuming process.

Pyrometry (optical methods)

Pyrometers are used to measure temperature remotely without direct contact with the sample piece of metal. This is especially useful for metals with high melting points, where conventional thermometers may be ineffective or dangerous to use. The accuracy depends on the material and surface properties of the metal.

Thermocouples

These are widely used in industrial settings to measure temperatures in a variety of processes other than just metal melting. A thermocouple is made of two different metals joined at one end, creating a voltage that changes with temperature. The voltage can then be correlated with the temperature of the metal. This is inexpensive, widely available, and versatile. However, calibration is required, and it offers limited precision at extremely high temperatures.

For more information, you can check out our other blog on metals – ‘The Different Types of Metals; Their Properties, And Their Applications’. 

Factors that affect the melting point of metals

Metal melting points depend on several factors that can influence the strength of atomic bonds and structural arrangements.

Atomic bonding

Metals are characterised by metallic bonding. The strength of metallic bonds correlates with how much energy is needed to separate the atoms and cause the metal to melt. Stronger bonds need more heat and vice versa. 

Atomic structure

The arrangement of the atoms in a metal also denotes how tightly they are packed together. The tighter they are, the more energy is required for them to change state. Face centred cubic (FCC) structures are less resistant to temperature change, which often results in a lower melting point. Body centred cubic (BCC) and hexagonal close packed (HCP) structures tend to have higher melting points due to tighter atomic interactions.

Impurities

When a metal is impure, the atoms are arranged irregularly, which creates defects in the atomic structure. This can either lower or raise the melting point, depending on the impurity.

Pressure

Higher pressure generally results in a higher melting point because atoms are forced into tighter arrangements, making it harder to separate them. This typically applies to high-altitude or deep earth applications.

Atmospheric conditions

Oxygen levels or the presence of oxidizing agents can affect a metal’s melting point.

Pure metal vs. Alloy melting points

There are some interesting differences when it comes to comparing the melting points of pure metals and their alloys. Pure metals usually have a specific melting point that corresponds to the temperature at which their atomic bonds break down.

On the other hand, as alloys are mixtures of two or more metals, they can often have a wide range of melting points rather than a single point. For example, brass (an alloy of copper and zinc) melts between 900°C and 940°C, while pure copper melts at 1,085°C specifically.

Some alloys are designed to have lower melting points, especially for their use or application. For example, solder (a tin-lead alloy) has a melting point ideal for joining electronic components, as it can melt easily without damaging sensitive parts. Equally, some alloys are designed for high temperature applications. For example, stainless steel (iron-based alloy) has a high melting point due to the addition of chromium, which enhances the alloy’s strength.

The importance of the melting point of metals in terms of welding services

The melting point of metals is crucial in welding because it determines the amount of heat needed to join metals together without causing excessive distortion or damage. Metals with high melting points require more heat and specialised welding techniques. Metals with low melting points risk overheating or warping. Understanding melting points helps in selecting the right welding method, filler material, and heat control to ensure strong, defect-free joints.

Here at Salamander Fabrications we use a number of different types of welding techniques, such as MIG, TIG, and spot welding. Our team consists of qualified, well-trained welders who have meticulously built up their expertise and use cutting-edge tools on every job. Our welding capabilities are also coded in line with numerous standards and specifications.

Our welding specifications

• EN 15614-1: Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials. Part 1: Arc and gas welding of steels and arc welding of nickel and nickel alloys.
• EN 15614-2: Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials. Part 2: Arc welding of aluminium and its alloys.
• EN 9606-1: Qualification testing of welders. Fusion welding – steels.
• EN 9606-2: Qualification test of welders. Fusion welding – aluminium and aluminium alloys.

Other metal forming techniques

Below, we’ll explore some other metal forming techniques:

Casting

Casting processes like investment casting and sand casting are used to create complex shapes from molten metals like cast iron. The casting equipment must have a higher melting point than the metal being cast, or it will be unable to fulfil its function.

Cutting and shaping

The melting point of metals isn’t relevant here, but this is still an extremely popular metal fabrication technique. Metals can be cut and shaped using various methods such as shearing, sawing, laser cutting, and plasma cutting.

Heat treatment

Heat treatment can include annealing, quenching, and tempering. These are used to improve hardness, strength, and ductility. The melting point will undoubtedly influence the effectiveness of heat treatment, as more heat may be needed for success.

Sheet metal folding

Sheets of metal can be bent into shape using CNC press brakes or folding machines. Sheet metal folding allows for accurate bends and angles, essential for manufacturing parts with tight tolerances.

Coating and finishing

Coating and finishing processes like painting or powder coating services are used to improve aesthetic appearance and corrosion resistance. This is particularly useful for outdoor applications where durability and appearance are key.

Forming and fabrication

Sheet metal fabrication may involve bending, rolling, or stamping metals into various forms. These methods are used to produce sheet metal parts, structural sections, and other custom components.

Contact Salamander Fabrications for all of your sheet metal fabrication enquiries

Here at Salamander Fabrications, we’re happy to share our knowledge and expertise for any project you have in mind.

We have been the UK’s chosen choice for sheet metal fabrication solutions for over 50 years, with an expert team providing end-to-end machining services. If you would like some more information or advice, please feel free to contact us, give us a call on 01484 843599 or send an email to sales@salamanderfabs.com. Our friendly sales team will be more than happy to help!