Search a growing reference database of metals and alloys by grade, designation, UNS number, family or common name. View approximate melting range, solidus and liquidus temperatures, and typical applications.
The melting temperature of a metal is the temperature at which its solid phase changes into liquid. For pure metals, this transition generally occurs at a specific temperature at a defined pressure. Commercial engineering alloys behave differently because they contain several elements and can therefore melt across a temperature interval.
Two temperatures are particularly useful when discussing alloy melting behavior. The solidus is the approximate temperature below which the alloy is completely solid. The liquidus is the approximate temperature above which it is completely liquid. Between these temperatures, solid and liquid phases can coexist.
This distinction is important in welding, casting, brazing, heat treatment and other manufacturing processes. A grade with a lower melting range may require a different process window from another alloy even when the two materials look similar or have comparable mechanical properties.
| Material | Approx. Melting Range | Family | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Aluminum | ~660°C | Pure metal | Electrical, transport and general manufacturing |
| 6061 Aluminum | ~582–652°C | Aluminum alloy | Machined parts, structures and fabrication |
| 7075 Aluminum | ~477–635°C | Aluminum alloy | High-strength aerospace and engineering components |
| Pure Copper | ~1085°C | Pure metal | Electrical and thermal applications |
| C360 Brass | ~885–900°C | Copper alloy | Machined fittings and components |
| A36 Steel | ~1425–1540°C | Carbon steel | Structural fabrication |
| 4140 Steel | ~1416–1450°C | Alloy steel | Shafts, gears and machine components |
| 304 Stainless Steel | ~1400–1450°C | Stainless steel | General corrosion-resistant fabrication |
| 316 Stainless Steel | ~1375–1400°C | Stainless steel | Chemical, marine and chloride service |
| Titanium Grade 5 | ~1604–1660°C | Titanium alloy | Aerospace and high-performance applications |
| Nickel Alloy 625 | ~1290–1350°C | Nickel alloy | Severe corrosion and high-temperature service |
A metal does not need to approach its melting temperature before temperature becomes an engineering concern. Increasing temperature can reduce yield strength and tensile strength, accelerate oxidation and corrosion, change dimensional stability and increase creep deformation.
For this reason, a component designed for high-temperature service must be evaluated using temperature-dependent material properties rather than simply comparing melting points. Pressure equipment, furnace components, engine parts and high-temperature tooling require particularly careful evaluation.
Melting point remains highly useful for manufacturing decisions. It helps when comparing casting materials, establishing approximate process temperatures and understanding whether a material can be melted using a particular furnace or heat source.
| Application | Why Melting Data Matters | What Else Should Be Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Casting | Helps determine furnace capability and approximate pouring/process temperatures. | Fluidity, solidification range, shrinkage, oxidation and mold compatibility. |
| Welding | Shows the approximate temperature required to melt the base material. | Welding process, heat input, HAZ behavior, filler metal and preheat requirements. |
| Brazing | Helps ensure the filler melts below the base material. | Filler temperature, joint clearance, flux and base-metal compatibility. |
| Heat treatment | Provides an upper boundary for processes involving elevated temperatures. | Transformation temperatures, solution treatment range, aging and quenching requirements. |
| Furnace design | Helps determine whether the equipment can reach the required material-processing temperature. | Atmosphere, heating rate, temperature uniformity and furnace load. |
| High-temperature service | Provides basic information about phase stability. | Strength, creep, oxidation, corrosion and thermal cycling behavior. |
What is the melting point of steel? Steel does not have one universal melting point. Depending on composition, carbon content and alloying elements, common steels melt across ranges roughly in the 1370–1530°C region.
What is the melting point of stainless steel 304? 304 stainless steel has an approximate melting range of 1400–1450°C.
What is the melting point of stainless steel 316? 316 stainless steel has an approximate melting range of 1375–1400°C.
What is the melting point of aluminum 6061? 6061 aluminum has an approximate melting range of 582–652°C.
What is the melting point of aluminum 7075? 7075 aluminum has an approximate melting range of 477–635°C. Its relatively broad range is one reason alloy composition matters when discussing aluminum melting behavior.
What is the melting point of pure copper? Pure copper melts at approximately 1085°C.
What is the melting point of brass? Brass does not have one universal melting point because brass is a family of copper-zinc alloys. Depending on composition, melting can occur over ranges around 850–1000°C.
What is the melting point of titanium? Pure titanium melts at about 1668°C. Titanium alloys have different melting ranges; Grade 5 titanium is approximately 1604–1660°C.
What is the melting point of nickel alloy 625? Nickel Alloy 625 has an approximate melting range of 1290–1350°C.
Why do alloy melting points differ? Alloying elements alter the phase relationships of the material. Different proportions of iron, carbon, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, copper, aluminum and other elements can significantly change the solidus and liquidus temperatures.
What are solidus and liquidus temperatures? The solidus is the approximate upper temperature at which an alloy remains completely solid. The liquidus is the approximate temperature above which it is completely liquid. Between them, solid and liquid phases coexist.
Can melting point be used as the maximum operating temperature? No. Maximum service temperature is usually much lower and depends on mechanical strength, creep, oxidation, corrosion, phase stability and the particular application.
Does alloy temper change melting point? Temper and heat treatment can change many mechanical properties substantially, but the fundamental melting behavior is primarily controlled by chemical composition. Small compositional differences can still affect the reported melting range.