fusible alloy

Fusible alloys, also known as fusible metals, are a group of alloys that melt at temperatures below that of tin (232° C or 449° F). These alloys are typically made from metals with low melting points, such as tin, bismuth, and lead.1

Fusible alloys have several distinctive properties beyond their low melting points. They can be formulated to either grow, remain dimensionally stable, or shrink to specific degrees upon solidification. This makes them useful in applications like machining, where they can embed small objects securely, or in pipe bending as temporary internal supports that can be melted out later.2

These alloys are also employed as safety thermal fuses in fire detection and control systems, and as temperature indicators in components where other methods are not feasible. Additionally, they are used as sealing materials in applications such as double-glazing panels. Examples include Darcet's alloy, which melts at 98° C, and Wood's metal, which melts at 70° C.21