Laboratory analysis and expertise on tin-lead alloys (SnPb)

Chemical analysis Characterization of materials
More than 140 people
More than 140 people at your service
5200 m² laboratory
5200 m² laboratory + 99% of services are provided in-house
Accredited laboratory
Accredited laboratory COFRAC ISO 17025

Our laboratory is an expert in the metallurgy and analysis of alloys, particularly tin-lead (SnPb), and offers its expertise in analysing the chemical composition and controlling the grades of metal alloys.

Your needs: to carry out an analysis of the SnPb alloy

SnPb (tin-lead) alloy is a widely used metallic material, particularly in electronic and electrical soldering applications.

SnPb alloys are composed of tin (Sn) and lead (Pb) in varying proportions. Other elements, such as copper, nickel or iron, can be added to improve its mechanical properties, heat resistance and durability.

There are several types of SnPb, classified according to their chemical composition and physico-chemical characteristics:

The different types of SnPb and alloys

There are several types of SnPb (tin-lead) alloys, each with specific properties adapted to different uses, mainly in brazing, electronic welding and electrotechnical applications.

Here are the main types, classified according to their composition, melting point and use:

Sn63Pb37 alloy - Eutectic
Sn60Pb40 alloy
Sn50Pb50 alloy
SnPbAg alloys (tin-lead-silver)
Lead-rich alloys (Sn40Pb60, Sn30Pb70)

Analysis of SnPb composition: essential quality control

Analysis of the chemical composition of SnPb enables the presence and concentration of essential alloying elements, such as tin, lead or silver, to be verified, ensuring the conformity of materials for safety- and performance-critical applications.

Our analysis methods for SnPb alloys

We use advanced analytical techniques, such as spectrometry and ICP analysis, to accurately detect the chemical composition of SnPb and its alloys. These methods can be used to measure elemental content and ensure material quality.

Our technical resources

Elemental analyzers C,H,O,N,S

Elemental analyzers

Carbon, Sulphur (C/S)

Elemental analyzers

Nitrogen, Oxygen and Hydrogen (N / O / H)

Spark Spectrometry SEO

Basic analysis techniques ICP-AES and ICP-MS

SEM

Our analysis of metals and alloys

Titanium : TiAl, T40, TA6V

Cobalt : Cobalt Stellite Grade 6, Cobalt Stellite Grade 21

Nickel (Nitinol, Inconel 718, Inconel 625, René 77, Hastelloy X) 

Copper: brass, bronze

Aluminium: AS7G06

Tin : SAC 305, SAC 0807, Tin-Lead (SNPB)

Composition analysis enables quality control and ensures the conformity of SnPb for demanding industrial applications.

To see further: our expertise on SNPB alloys

In addition to routine metallurgical analyses, the FILAB laboratory can provide you with expert metallurgical analysis and failure studies on your SnPb samples:

Study of fracture surfaces on SnPb

Study of ageing (corrosion, surface alteration, etc.) on SnPb

Thickness measurement of SnPb part coatings

Study of corrosion resistance on SnPb

Analysis and characterization of SnPb surfaces (roughness, defects, etc.)

Study of microstructures on SnPb material

Analysis of SnPb alloys according to ISO and NF standards

Our laboratory complies with the reference standards for the analysis of SnPb alloys, guaranteeing results that comply with ISO and NF standards.

Applications of SnPb alloy analysis

SnPb alloy analysis is commonplace in sectors where SnPb is widely used, such as aerospace, electronics and medical applications. Whether to check the corrosion resistance, durability or safety of materials.

Why choose our laboratory for SnPb analysis?

Our FILAB laboratory offers services dedicated to the analysis of SnPb and its alloys, tailored to the specific needs of each industry. SnPb composition analysis can be used to address a number of industrial issues:

Quality control: guaranteeing that SnPb complies with technical specifications and industry standards to ensure product durability, safety and performance.
Optimising performance: precisely tailoring the composition of SnPb to suit conditions of use, such as corrosion resistance in medical or aeronautical environments.
Regulatory compliance: check that SnPb meets standards (ISO, NF) and legal requirements specific to certain industries.
Failure prevention: identify undesirable elements or compositional deviations that could compromise the strength and stability of the alloy under extreme conditions.

FAQ

How can you tell the difference between a SnPb alloy and a lead-free alloy?

By chemical analysis (ICP-OES or XRF) to detect the presence of lead.

Visually, the difference is almost invisible: only an analysis can tell the difference. Lead-free alloys often contain silver (Ag), copper (Cu) or bismuth (Bi) in place of lead.

What is the impact of a poor SnPb composition on the quality of a weld?

Poor SnPb alloy composition can have several negative impacts on the quality of a weld.
Firstly, an incorrect melting point can lead to poor wettability, or even cold solder joints, compromising adhesion and conductivity.
Too much lead makes the solder more brittle, with an increased risk of delamination under mechanical or thermal stress.
The presence of impurities such as aluminium, sulphur or phosphorus can lead to excessive oxidation, cracking or poor adhesion to the substrate.
Finally, heterogeneity in the alloy composition leads to overall mechanical fragility of the weld and promotes premature fatigue under stress.

What are the authorised regulatory thresholds for lead?
  • RoHS Directive (EU): maximum threshold = 0.1% (1000 ppm) lead in electrical/electronic equipment, unless exempted.

  • REACH: lead is a SVHC (substance of very high concern). Its presence must be declared as > 0.1% in certain products.

How to ensure RoHS compliance for a component containing SnPb
  • Quantitative chemical analysis (ICP-MS or ICP-OES)

  • Rapid screening (XRF) of finished parts

  • By supplier attestation + laboratory control

  • In the case of exemption (critical sectors), technical documentation must justify the use of SnPb

The filab advantages
A highly qualified team
A highly qualified team
Responsiveness in responding to and processing requests
Responsiveness in responding to and processing requests
A COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
A COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
(Staves available on www.cofrac.com - Accreditation number: 1-1793)
A complete analytical park of 5,200m²
A complete analytical park of 5,200m²
Tailor-made support
Tailor-made support
Emmanuel BUIRET Metallurgical Specialist
Ask for your quote