Antimony (pure)

Ingots are approx. 20kg. Smaller quantities are sold by breaking the large ingots into chunks. To alloy this properly, a temperature of 630 degrees C is needed. For this reason home hobbyists and shooters find it easier to use antimony already alloyed with either tin or lead.

 

 

Antimony Master Alloy

The melting point of antimony is 630 degrees C, higher than most hobbyists can melt and alloy correctly. To make adding antimony easy, we offer antimony ‘Master Alloys’. These are 20% antimony alloyed with either tin or lead, for easy addition to other metal, usually for the purpose of hardening it. Once antimony has been alloyed with tin or lead, the melting temperature is significantly lower than pure antimony and much easier to work with. In this way you can introduce antimony to harden tin or lead without segregation of antimony in the final alloy, and without the need for special high temperature melting apparatus.

 

Babbitt Metal

The original alloy devised by Babbitt himself was 4 lb copper, 8 lb antimony, and 24 lb tin (11.1% copper, 22.2% antimony, 66.6% tin). The name has come to mean many soft lining and anti-friction bearing metals as listed in our products list under Bearing Metal.

 

Bearing Metal

Bearing metal is also known as Babbitt Metal, White-metal, and Anti-friction alloy.

The grades we make as standard are:

• A metal – conforming to ASTM B23 no. 2:  Highly ductile, fatigue resistant, used to take heavy loads at high speeds and for massive bearings and large con-rod bearings not subjected to shock. Used in a wide range of applications including setting knife guides for sawmills.  People restoring old cars often seek bearing or Babbitt metal, and this is the one they need.

• A1 – conforming to ASTM B23 no. 3: Special tin-based alloy for use in crushers. Used for heavy duty quarry and metallurgical crushers.

• AR: Best quality whitemetal for heavy-duty, shock-loaded conditions and recommended for diesel engines.

• 400: Highly ductile and corrosion resistant underwater metal, recommended where there is contact with salt water, such as stern shafts.

• No.4: Lead-based lower cost alloy widely used in windmills.

    Other formulae are made to customer specification.

    Assays are available if required.

 

Bismuth

Bismuth is available in slabs of approximately 15kg.  This is a necessary component of the low-melting or fusible alloys.

 

Small quantities are available as chunks broken from the slab.

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Bismuth has become popular for making bismuth crystals as seen on videos on internet. It can be remelted and cast again, so often just 500 grams or 1 kg is enough for this purpose.

 

Bismuth has the unusual property of expanding as it cools.

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Britannia Metal

This is tin hardened with from 5 to 10% antimony. It frequently contains a small amount of copper. It was used as a base metal of ornamental plated goods. Typically it was about 93% tin, 5% antimony, 2% copper. Our lead-free pewter ‘93/6/1’ has 1% more antimony and 1% less copper for better casting properties.

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Bullet Casting Alloys

Using alloys of consistent formula, rather than scrap, eliminates the need for testing and adjusting for variations.

• 2% tin, 6% antimony, 92% lead in 5kg ingots - known as hardball. This is by far the most popular with target shooters and generally preferred to Lyman no.2. 

• 'Lyman No. 2' - 5% tin, 5% antimony, 90% lead in 5kg ingots.

• Tin/lead alloys to suit black powder shooters: 1:16, 1:20, 1:25, 1:30 in 5kg ingots

• Linotype - in 5kg ingots

• Pure lead -  5kg ingots or 25 kg ingots.

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Cadmium

This is available for electroplating in balls of approx. 500 grams each.

 

Casting Alloy

SPIN-CASTING ALLOYS, JEWELLERY CASTING ALLOYS:

The consistent high quality of our alloys is the reason spin-casters favour our metal, whether they make jewellery, badges, key-rings or souvenirs. Because the alloys never vary, casters can work out the optimum temperatures and other variables for their design, and can rely on consistent results because every batch of alloy is strictly to exact formula for each grade. This can save the cost of re-working or additional finishing which is necessary if metal differs. Our CA grade is the best-selling alloy, suitable for jewellery, or larger items, and with an excellent surface for plating favoured by electro-platers! Discuss your requirements with us to determine the most suitable alloy for your design and your budget. We have several grades and price ranges.

 

Chamber Casting Alloy

Does the same as the U.S.-made alloy known as Cerrosafe. It is used to check gun chambers. Initially it expands, and then shrinks during the first 30 minutes after casting. At the end of one hour it is EXACTLY the chamber size. Other uses include supporting work pieces while machining. It starts to melt at 70 degrees C and is fully molten at 87.7 degrees C.   Can be remelted and used again and again.

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Chrome-Plating Anodes

These are made from a superior alloy to that generally used by other manufacturers to give longer trouble-free service. The copper rod centred in shaft to optimum length. Anodes are available from 750mm to 1250 mm (measured from contact point). The shape of the anode head was designed in consultation with top electro-plating specialists.

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Counterweights and lead casting

Hayes Metals can handle the casting of large counterweights, with capacity to melt 20 tonne lead. Recent jobs have included:

• 7 tonne and 9 tonne weights destined for furnaces in Africa and Kazakhstan.

• Containers for radiation sources

• weights for testing brakes on trucks

• weights for racing cars

• weights for large earth moving machinery used in mining.

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Fusible Alloys

Gammashield: A low-melting cadmium-free alloy recommended for use in hospitals for casting of shields used in radiation therapy. Available in 25 kg boxes, in rounds of 65mm diameter, it has melting point of 96 degrees C.

Lipowitz: Also known as Woods Metal, a cadmium-containing alloy which melts 74 degrees C – suitable for pipe bending and fusible links, for example. Available in rounds of 65mm diameter.

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Home or Hobby Casting Kits  

Suitable for melting small quantity of metal for casting sinkers, projectiles, model figurines, fishing lures, diving weights. The various sized pots have a capacity range from 5 kg kg of tin (which is less dense).

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6" Pot and windshield - $235 + GST

Gas burner with hose and regulator - $115.90 + GST

Ladle 2.5” -  $30.00 + GST

Ladle 3” (holds 1kg lead brimful) - $40.00 + GST

Ladle 4” (holds 2kg lead brimful) - $50.00 + GST

Digital Thermometer + Thermocouple with  Temperature range  -50 deg C - 750 deg C 

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Jewellery Casting Alloys

SPIN-CASTING ALLOYS, JEWELLERY CASTING ALLOYS:

The consistent high quality of our alloys is the reason spin-casters favour our metal, whether they make jewellery, badges, keyrings or souvenirs. Because the alloys never vary, casters can work out the optimum temperatures and other variables for their design, and can rely on consistent results because every batch of alloy is strictly to exact formula for each grade. This can save the cost of re-working or additional finishing which is necessary if metal differs. Our CA grade is the best-selling alloy, suitable for jewellery, or larger items, and with an excellent surface for plating is favoured by all the electro-platers!

Discuss your requirements with us to determine the most suitable alloy for your design and your budget.

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Ladles for Home Casting  

Durable, foundry-quality ladles with a good pouring spout and 40 cm handles, suitable for use with any of our alloys. Also suitable to heat directly over flame for melting metal in ladle.

2.5” - $30.00 + GST

3”    - $40.00 + GST

4”    - $50.00 + GST

It is OK to improvise by using an old spoon or a kitchen ladle, but, to avoid contaminants that may possibly leach into molten metal, it is best to avoid ladles that are chromed or plated.

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Lead

Ingots: Available in 25kg or 5kg ingots (approx)

Sheet lead: Available to order in widths from 150mm to 1400mm and thicknesses from 0.5 mm to 2.65 mm.

Lead Shot: Lead shot 10 and 25 kg bags

Recovered Lead Shot: Shot recovered from shooting range is cheaper and suitable for weights.  Contact  us to  enquire about availability. 

Lead Wire: 4.7mm, 5.5mm, 6.2mm, 9mm. Others sizes made to order - also other alloys such as tin/lead 1:20.  N/A

Lead Slabs: Cast to order .Contact  us  with your specific requirement.

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Lead-lined Doors, Lead-lined Structural Ply, Lead Glass

Radiation shielding for X-Ray rooms and similar facilities is available to order.

For quotes please send email to info@hayesmetals.com.au with details and/or plan.

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Linotype

Northern Smelters’ linotype is 5% tin 11.5% antimony 83.5% lead. Originally formulated for use in the hot metal printing industry, this is a hard alloy which casts with very good detail.

Linotype is as an excellent casting alloy where low cost is important. It is often used in model figurines, badges and decorative items that will be electroplated, or fishing lures. It is a fairly brittle alloy, so it may not be suitable for castings with very thin sections, but detail is excellent and it plates well.

It also is very suitable for hardening lead for casting projectiles because the tin and antimony are in a ratio that is very suitable for mixing in equal parts with pure lead, or with less lead if a harder alloy is required.

In the printing industry linotype was used to cast lines of type, monotype was a harder alloy often higher in both tin and antimony. As the name says, mono- type was used to make single letters. Stereotype varied considerably. Within each group there was no set formula because printers each had their own preferences. Often scrap dealers, and people seeking scrap, are unaware of these differences, which can make a big difference to the suitability of an alloy for a particular purpose.

 

Low-Melting Alloys and Fusible Alloys 

Gammashield: Low-melting cadmium-free alloy is recommended for use in hospitals for casting of shields used in radiation therapy. Available in 25 kg boxes, in rounds of 65mm diameter, it has melting point of 96 degrees C.

 

Lipowitz: Also known as Woods Metal, a cadmium-containing alloy which melts at 74 degrees C – suitable for pipe-bending or fusible links. Available in rounds of 65mm diameter. 

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Model Metal, used for casting model soldiers etc., this melts at just 138 degrees C, gives good sharp detail, is not brittle, and flows freely. The low melting point prolongs the life of Prince August black rubber moulds.

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Chamber Casting Alloy: Used the same as the U.S.-made alloy known as Cerrosafe. It is used to check gun chambers. Initially it expands, and then shrinks during the first 30 minutes after casting. At the end of one hour it is EXACTLY the chamber size. Other uses include supporting work pieces while machining. It starts to melt at 70 degrees C and it is fully molten at 87.8 degrees C. Can be re-melted and used repeatedly.

 

Melting Pots for Home Casting  

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6” diameter - designed to hold up to 6 kg of molten lead-based metal or 5kg of tin-based alloy -  pot and windshield is $235.00 + GST

 

7” diameter – suitable to melt up to 14 kg lead-based metal or 9.5 kg tin-based alloy - pot and windshield $250.00 + GST

 

8" diameter deeper pot holds 22 kg lead or 12 kg tin-based alloy - pot and windshield $260.00 +GST

Ideal for making jewellery, model soldiers, sinkers, projectiles, fishing lures, chess sets...any hobby that involves melting tin or lead alloys. 

Designed to sit over a simple 2-ring gas burner, at the optimum height above the flame, with a shield to keep the flame and heat where needed. The bottom of the pot is fully rounded so metal can be easily scooped out with a ladle, and there is a bracket to hold a thermometer probe if required.

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Normally a ladle is used to cast from the pot. However, if emptying metal from the pot for storage, you can heat it without the windshield and pour directly from the spout into a mould or tray placed in position. No need to lift it from the bench - just let it rest on the two front legs and use the third as a handle to tip it forward to pour. (Note pouring lip on the 6" and 7" pots only)

 

These simple pots will last a lifetime and the temperature can be controlled more accurately using a thermometer than with a thermostat which may cut in and out with greater temperature variation than can be maintained by manually adjusting the gas flow.

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Model Metals

These are recommended for use by Prince August for use with their moulds www.princeaugust.ie,

The low melting temperatures prolong the life of all silicon moulds.

 

Model Metal – ideal where low melting temperature is preferred:

Melts at just 138 degrees, gives good sharp detail, is not brittle, and flows freely. The low melting point prolongs the life of black rubber moulds.
260 gram (approx) per stick    35cm x 1.5cm diameter (approx)

 

High Tin Pewter for models – ideal if you require a lead free alloy: 

This melts at 233 degrees C, very good flow properties, good detail and surface. Good colour, may be polished to a fine pewter finish if required. High Tin pewter is available in sticks of approx 800 grams measuring 35cm x 2.5 x1cm

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Prince August "Standard Alloy" for models – ideal if economy is most important:

Melting range 183-212 degrees C. Good detail, flows well, strong, and with shiny surface. Available in sticks of approx 150 grams measuring 30cm long and 7mm diameter

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 *If necessary, sticks can be cut to smaller size with a side-cutter or similar tool. Alternately, the stick may be supported (wearing a heat-proof glove!) until sufficient metal has melted in ladle or pot and the unmelted portion set aside until needed. 

 

 

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Patination Oil: 

Prevents unsightly white staining on tiles below new sheet lead work and gives an attractive clear shine to the lead. Available in 500ml or 1 litre bottles. $75 p/bottle plus GST.

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Pewter

Hayes Metals pewter is lead-free.

Most grades of lead-free pewter are pure *tin hardened with varying amounts of antimony and copper, and melting at approx. 235 degrees C.

 

Different grades suit centrifugal casting or hand-casting, bulky or filigree designs. It can be electroplated, polished to a high shine, or finished with a patina. Talk to us - discuss your needs. 

 

 

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93/6/1 is used commercially for centrifugal casting of a large range of objects including food utensils, drink coasters, jewellery, and ornaments. Melting temperature is 235 degrees C - available in ingots approx 3.3 kg.

HT is higher in tin and generally preferred for hand or gravity casting, such as for use at home or art and science departments of schools. Can be used in jewellery or ornaments, etc. Melting temperature is 235 degrees C.

SP grade contains a small amount of silver which gives it a slightly lighter colour, excellent surface, and melting range from 220 degrees to 230 degrees C.

*Contrary to common usage of the word, ‘tin’ is NOT used for tin cans, roofs or sheds! The mis-use of the word stems from 'tinned cans' and other applications of tin, where tin's properties of protecting food from contamination and iron from rusting have been valuable. 'Tin' roofs and sheds are zinc-coated steel - i.e. galvanised iron or zincalume! 
 

Tin is a beautiful lustrous white metal, 'silvery' in appearance. It oxidises to a soft dull grey (not black like sterling silver!), If it becomes dull it can be polished again to a bright 'silvery' colour. It is the most expensive of the 'base' metals, approximately three times the value of copper and ten times the value of lead.

 

Tin is low-melting and malleable. This property allows it to be beaten to give an attractive patina, but to make it hard enough for most practical uses it needs to be hardened by small additions of other metals. In the past, lead was sometimes used for this purpose, but the modern standards we apply strictly exclude lead in our pewter.

 

Solder – Leadfree

Package size is 10kg box.

High quality solder that surpasses industry specification for electronics manufacturing

Certificate of Conformance or Analysis Certificate for each batch available

Analysis for periodic quality monitoring during operation is offered with report by independent NATA-approved laboratory

Alloy known as SAC305 (96.5% tin, 0.5% copper, 3.0% silver) most commonly requested, but other grades available to specification.

 

Tin/silver top up alloy: to correct copper level of solder in usage we make alloy of tin and silver, no copper.

 

 

Solder – tin/lead

40/60 solder 450mm x 250 gram (approx) sticks in 25kg package.

50/50 solder 450mm x 250 gram (approx) sticks in 25kg package.

60/40 solder 350mm stick in 25kg box.

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63/37 High purity tin/lead solder (63Sn37Pb), 350mm sticks in 10kg or 25kg package.

Premium grade radiator solder 650mm length, 6-7 mm thick, in 25kg package (antimonial solder 38/2/60)

Trade grade radiator solder 650mm length, 6-7mm thick, in 25kg package (antimonial solder 33/2/65)

 

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Thermometers for Home Casting  

You can cast successfully without a thermometer but you may have some trial and error and some rejects, not always casting the same.
For consistent results, without trial and error, you need a thermometer. The ideal temperature for casting depends on the melting point of the alloy you are using and the design of each mould. When you find the temperature that works best for your job, a thermometer is handy to test that and record it. Then you can work at the ideal temperature every time, saving time.
Digital Thermometer with thermocouple - 50 degrees C -  900 degrees C

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Tin Electro-Plating Anodes

Tin pellets – 23 grams, suitable for use in baskets.

Tin balls – 16mm diameter for use in baskets.

Tin slab anodes (weights approximate):

40” x 6” x 1” (1016mm x 152mm x  25mm) -  27.4 kg

30” x 9” x ½” (762mm x 228mm x 25mm) – 17.5 kg

24” x 6” x 1”  (609mm x 101mm x 12.7mm) – 16.6 kg

24” x 4” x ½” (609mm x 101mm x 12.7mm) – 5.6 kg

800mm x 150mm x 25mm - 21.6 kg

Slabs in any size up to 20” x 9”  (508mm x 457mm) in thickness of ½ inch or 1 inch (12.5 mm to 25 mm).

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Tin - High Purity

All tin supplied by Hayes Metals exceeds industry standards, and is available if required with a Certificate of Analysis. Every batch of tin used by Hayes Metals Pty Ltd is sampled, and tested by an independent NATA approved laboratory to confirm quality of all material we supply.

Ingots – approximately 25 kg

Bars – approximately 3kg

Sticks – approximately 500gm or 750gm

Pellets – 23 grams - used in electroplating baskets, or small additions of tin in foundries

Granules – irregularly shaped, from about 3mm to 5mm diameter.

200 gram buttons – exact weight (+/- 5gm) for accurate addition to furnace charge etc.

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*Contrary to common usage of the word, ‘tin’ is NOT used for tin cans, roofs or sheds! The mis-use of the word stems from 'tinned cans' and other applications of tin, where tin's properties of protecting food from contamination and iron from rusting have been valuable. 'Tin' roofs and sheds are zinc-coated steel - i.e. galvanised iron or zincalume! 

Tin is a beautiful lustrous white metal, 'silvery' in appearance. It oxidises to a soft dull grey (not black like sterling silver!), If it becomes dull it can be polished again to a bright 'silvery' colour. It is the most expensive of the 'base' metals, approximately three times the value of copper and ten times the value of lead.

Tin is low-melting and malleable. This property allows it to be beaten to give an attractive patina, but to make it hard enough for most practical uses it needs to be hardened by small additions of other metals. In the past, lead was sometimes used for this purpose, but the modern standards we apply strictly exclude lead in our pewter.

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Tin/Silver Correction Alloy

This is a tin/silver top up alloy used to correct copper level of tin/copper/silver lead-free solder, such as SAC305, that has picked up additional copper in usage. This alloy is tin with required level of silver, but no copper.

 

White-metal

This is a generic name given to alloys of tin, lead and antimony and all copper-zinc alloys containing more than 60% zinc. It includes pewter, soft solder, Britannia metal, type-metals, antifriction alloys, bearing alloys and Babbitt metal.

 

Wiping Metal

Tin 30% Lead 70% with melting range from 183 C to 255 C, traditionally used for car body filling and sought for authentic restoration of old vehicles. Additionally, we offer Tin 25% Lead 75% which has a workable ("pasty") range of 183 C to 268 C.