Metals: Melting Temperatures

The temperature history of various parts can sometimes be determined by observation of molten metals. If aluminum in the vicinity has melted but copper has not, then it is possible to put upper and lower bounds on the highest temperature reached at a particular location. If there is evidence of molten steel, there is a strong indication of some type of accelerant and a higher likelihood of arson. Published melting temperatures of various metals are shown below.

Material

Melting
Point (°F)

Aluminum [1]

1220

Brass [2]

1700-1850

Bronze [2]

1615-1940

Cast Iron [3]

2150-2300

Copper [1]

1985

Lead [1]

622

Nickel [1]

2651

Steel [4]

2600-2750

Tin [5]

450

Zinc [5]

786
Melting Temperatures of Metals

 

References

  1. Shackelford, J., Introduction to Materials Science for Engineers, Prentice Hall, 2000.
  2. ASM Handbook, Volume 2, ASM International 1990.
  3. Properties of Some Metals and Alloys, International Nickel Company, Inc., 1968.
  4. Avallone, E.A. et al., Marks’ Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers, McGraw-Hill, 1986.
  5. Shackelford, J.F., et al., The CRC Materials Science and Engineering Handbook, CRC Press, 1992.