Metals are well known for their strong resistance to extreme conditions. They are used in manufacturing parts exposed to heavy loads and high-temperature environments. From furnaces to jet engines, metals are used in many industries due to their high melting point.
Several points should be considered when selecting a metal for a high-temperature application. One of the most important ones is the melting point which differs from metal to metal.
If you ask yourself – what temperature do metals melt at? We have covered you with the melting point and additional information for the most popular metals. At the end of the article, you can also find a chart designed to understand these points better.
Summary
The melting temperature differs from metal to metal. While Aluminum melts at 1,221 degrees Fahrenheit, you will need much more heat if you want to melt Titanium. This metal has a melting point of 3,034 degrees Fahrenheit and is used jewelry, surgical tools and mobile phones.
What temperature does metal melt at?
Looking for several metals’ melting points manually can be annoying, especially if you are working against time. That is why we thought about your needs and created this chart where you can find the melting points quickly.
While the temperatures metals melt at differ between the different materials, it normally ranges from -37.89 to 6191 degrees F.
| Metal | Melting point (degrees F) |
| Aluminum | 1221 |
| Copper | 1984 |
| Steel | 2500 – 2800 |
| Gold | 1948 |
| Tungsten | 6191 |
| Lead | 621.5 |
| Brass | 1710 |
| Iron | 2800 |
| Titanium | 3034 |
| Silver | 1763 |
| Tin | 449.5 |
| Platinum | 3215 |
| Solder | 360 – 370 |
| Stainless | 2550 – 2790 |
| Zinc | 787.2 |
| Mercury | -37.89 |
| Nickel | 2651 |
| Magnesium | 1202 |
| Bronze | 1675 |
| Cast iron | 2200 |
| Carbon steel | 2500 – 2800 |
Table of Contents
- What temperature does metal melt at?
- What is a melting point?
- Is it high or low for metal?
- What are melting and boiling points?
What is a melting point?
The melting point of any metal represents the temperature where the metal begins to transform from a solid phase into a liquid phase. When this temperature is reached, there is a perfect balance between a metal’s solid and liquid phases.
Once this optimal temperature is reached, more heat can be added to melt the metal completely. However, this procedure will not raise the overall temperature.
Once the metal is in a liquid phase, additional heat can be added to raise the temperature further. Each metal has its melting point, and many factors influence this limit.
Is it high or low for metal?
Metals have a high melting point because they are giant lattice structures. It means the number of electrostatic forces that must be broken down is extremely large and requires a high boiling point. Because of this, all metals will be in a solid state at room temperature.
But not all metals have high melting points. For example, gallium can melt in your hand. Bismuth will easily melt under low heat, such as the one produced by a kitchen stove. Because it can melt at a point that is below room temperature, mercury is the only liquid metal.
What are melting and boiling points?
The melting point depends on the project and the materials you are using. They will impact the final result. When you expose metals to extreme temperatures, you need to be aware of their melting point to avoid undesirable results.
For example, some iron alloys have a melting point of 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit while copper alloys melt at 1,675 degrees. The boiling point refers to the temperature and pressure at which the liquid becomes gas.
While some metals can melt easily, the boiling process is much more complicated. But if you continue melting metal and continuously increase the temperature, it will eventually boil.
Aluminum
Aluminum has a melting point of 1,220 degrees Fahrenheit.
This metal is used in many industries because it is soft and malleable. Silver in color, aluminum is used to manufacture several products such as:
- cans
- kitchen utensils
- and window frames.
Because it is a lightweight material, it is also commonly used in the aviation industry.
Copper
Copper will melt at 1,985 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is a preferred material in many industries because it is a great conductor. That is why you often find copper in electric generators or household electrical wirings. Computers and TVs also use this material in abundance. For most applications, copper is used in its pure form and does not need any modifications.
Steel
The melting point of steel is relatively high, and it melts at 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit.
This material is one of the most important worldwide, especially in the engineering and construction industries. It is used in cars, construction products, cargo ships, and washing machines.
It is also a highly durable material and can withstand severe conditions. It does not break easily, which makes it a top choice for durable components.
Gold
Gold melts at 1,950 degrees Fahrenheit. Melting this metal is a common operation, especially in the jewelry industry.
It is a precious metal that is highly valuable. Gold is considered to be a symbol of luxury, and it also has an important place in our society. We use gold to manufacture medals, jewelry, and wedding rings. The value of gold is constantly increasing because of its rarity.
Bronze
Although not as strong as steel, you will find out that bronze is still highly durable and has a high melting point. It melts at 1,675 degrees Fahrenheit and is considered one of the strongest metals resistant to corrosion.
In today’s world, you can expect to see bronze being used in musical instruments and wires. The naval industry makes great use of this material since it has high corrosion resistance, making it ideal for underwater applications.
Cast iron
With a lower melting point than steel, cast iron still takes a long time to change from a solid to a liquid state. You need to reach a temperature of 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit.
From expert cooks to kitchen enthusiasts, everyone is familiar with cast iron. It is mainly used for cookware that includes deep fryers and frying pans, thanks to its strength and durability. Cast iron can also be used to manufacture machine parts or hand tools.
Carbon steel
There are 4 different types of this metal, and they are classified into low, medium, high, and ultra-high carbon steel. While the low one has a melting point of 2,570 degrees Fahrenheit, the ultra-high carbon steel melts at 2,800 degrees.
It is considered heavy duty thanks to its durability and strength. Carbon steel is mainly used in structural applications for buildings and bridges. Anything that requires immense strength and resistance will use this metal in its composition.
Uses:
- Axles
- Gears
- Shafts
- Pipelines
