By: Jesus Guerrero and Edgar Enriquez
SRJC, ENGR45, Fall 2013
Background Of
Wood’s Metal
Wood’s metal is a eutectic,
fusible alloy with a melting
point of approximately 70 °C
(158 °F). It is a eutectic alloy of
50% bismuth, 26.7% lead,
13.3% tin, and 10% cadmium
by weight. The alloy was
proposed by Barnabas Wood
in 1860.
The simplest method of preparation is to heat the metals, in small
pieces, in a crucible, stirring constantly, as soon as fusion begins,
with a stick of hard wood. The stirring is important, in order to
prevent the metals, whose specific gravity varies considerably, from
being deposited in layers. The alloy softens at 140° F. and melts
completely at 158° F. The color is silvery white, with a luster like
polished silver, and the metal can be bent, hammered, and turned.
These properties would make it valuable for many purposes where a
beautiful appearance is of special importance, but on account of the
considerable amount of cadmium and bismuth which it contains, it
is rather expensive, and therefore limited in use
Fire Sprinklers
Medical Gas Cylinders
Thin Metal Tube Filler
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The seal between the valve block, and cylinder
body is made out of wood’s metal.
It will melt and allow contents of the cylinder
to escape.
Prevents cylinder to explode.
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Thin wall metals are filled with molten wood’s
metal.
After being cooled and solidified, the tube can
be bent.
The wood’s metal can then be removed by
heating the tube at 100 degrees Celsius.
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Heat melts and shrinks the metal.
Solder link snaps.
Water releases.
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Wikipedia Wood's metal
Wikipedia Fire Sprinkler
Wikipedia Gas Cylinder
Chestofbooks.com How to make Wood's metal
About.com What is Wood’s metal?