

There are a lot of factors to consider when processing metals with different thermal properties. ²Obtained from MatWeb Accounting for Melting Points During Fabrication To provide context on the range of temperatures that metals can melt over, here is a table of some commonly processed metals and their melting points. It is also worth noting that metal alloys melt over a range based on their chemistry, which can be higher or lower than the melting temperatures of their pure constituents. From mercury, which is a liquid at room temperature and solidifies at around -39☌ (-38☏), to tungsten, which has the highest melting point at 3422☌ (6192☏). The range of melting temperatures for different metals and metal alloys is very wide. This means casting metals with high melting points is much more expensive. For example, CNC machining aluminum without proper cooling can cause the product to melt or deform, meaning a higher melting point can be beneficial for machining.Ĭonversely, casting metals that have a higher melting point requires significantly more energy and equipment that has a higher temperature resistance. Melting points can influence how a material is processed as well. These examples describe the importance of having a sufficiently high melting point for a product’s final application. Other examples include having cookware that won’t melt, indoor heaters and boilers made of temperature-resistant materials, and jet engine parts that won’t melt or deform when exposed to high temperatures.

Examples of the Importance of Melting Pointsįor example, waste management facilities must have robust, heat-resistance equipment that can withstand the heat of waste incinerators, while facilities that melt recycled glass must be able to heat and transport the molten glass at temperatures of 1500 ☌ (2700 ☏) or higher.

In an industrial setting, this could mean that parts fail while machinery is running, damaging equipment and product, causing downtime, and possibly even endangering workers’ lives. Especially since softening of the metal can reduce the material’s strength long before reaching the melting point.
