This is yet another variation of a fusible alloy?which is manufactured by Cerrobend and other smelters.? And yes it is pretty strong and can be brittle.? ?An AI search disclosed that Cerrobend “is?a metal alloy made of bismuth, lead, tin, and cadmium?that is also known as Wood's metal, Lipowitz's alloy, Bendalloy, Pewtalloy, and MCP 158. ?It's a eutectic alloy with a low melting point of 158° F (70° C), which is 54° F below the boiling point of water.? Cerrobend is useful in many industries because of its low melting point and controlled shrinkage, including: Soldering, Making custom metal parts, Anchoring bushings in drill jigs, Cores for spinning, Tube-bending filler, X-ray and electron radiotherapy shielding blocks?.”

·??????? ?

“Cerrobend is easy and relatively safe to handle, flows freely when molten, and slightly expands after solidifying in a tube to create a snug fit and accurate bends.?It can also be reused without significant loss or deterioration if handled properly.?However, Cerrobend's fumes and skin exposure are toxic, so it's important to take precautions when using it,.?“

We used to use it to make custom shielding blocks for high energy radiation therapy of cancer patients.? A hot-wire pantograph-like ?device was used to cut out molds for the shields from Styrofoam slabs, and the resulting openings then filled with the molten alloy and left to solidify.? When the patient finished their several-week-long course of therapy, the shield blocks were re-melted in a heavy duty temperature-controlled “coffee maker” and the metal reused.?

?

Jerry F.

?