Excellent example; compared to SAC305, there is an 8 deg. C difference. 8 deg. C. does not sound like a lot, but 8 deg. C is actually quite a bit compared to 8 deg. F.

So you cannot assume all "lead-free" alloys melt at the same temperature, and some are eutectic, others are not, and some are most definitely not (have an extended pasty range).
These are all things to consider, especially when dealing with selective solder machines, wave solder machines, and rework solder fountain machine settings and temperature settings.
I consider the "radical departure" alloys such as SnBi to be in a different class of lead-free altogether. To me, lead-free typically means alloys such as Sn100, Sn100C, SAC305, KL100D and other closely related alloys with very similar properties. SnBi does not exhibit properties similar to those. 

-----Original Message-----
From: Nutting, Phil [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
Sent: Thursday, February 05, 2015 8:39 AM
To: TechNet E-Mail Forum; Stadem, Richard D.
Subject: RE: [TN] LF Solder melting point

We are using Metallic Resources SC995e lead free solder in both bar and wire form.  Here are the specifications.

The lead-free solder alloy is Sn99.5/Cu0.5/Co.
It melts at 228°C with a recommended operating temperature range of 260-275°C.

Phil

-----Original Message-----
From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Stadem, Richard D.
Sent: Thursday, February 05, 2015 8:47 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [TN] LF Solder melting point

Sn100C also has a slightly different melting point, and is commonly referred to as lead free. Depending on how various SN100 alloys are doped can also affect their melting point as much as 10 deg. C.

-----Original Message-----
From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Guy Ramsey
Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2015 11:16 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [TN] LF Solder melting point

Just had this conversation today. I think most people think SAC305 when they think Pb-free. But, SnBi is also Pb-free. Quite a difference in melting point. 
If you are thinking this way, about 220 celsius. SnBi, about 140 celsius. I say about because I like a little silver added for mechanical performance. 


-----Original Message-----
From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of David Hillman
Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2015 12:08 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [TN] LF Solder melting point

What alloy are you interested in?

Dave Hillman
Rockwell Collins
[log in to unmask]

On Wed, Feb 4, 2015 at 11:05 AM, Victor Hernandez < [log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Fellow TechNetters:
>
>    At what temperature does LF solder began to melt?
>
> Victor,
>
>
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