Melting Point of Metals: Chart and Practical Guide

The melting point of metals is useful information for welders, fabricators, contractors and anyone selecting material for a project. It tells you when a solid metal begins changing into a liquid, which can affect casting, welding, and high-temperature applications. 

However, melting temperature is only one part of how metal responds to heat. A material can soften, expand or lose strength well before it becomes liquid. Understanding that difference can help you make better decisions about material selection, fabrication, and service conditions. 

Looking for a quick comparison? View or download Eagle National Steel’s metal melting point chart for approximate temperatures in Celsius and Fahrenheit. 

What Is the Melting Point of a Metal? 

A melting point is the temperature at which a solid begins transitioning into a liquid. Pure metals tend to melt at a more specific temperature because their composition is consistent. 

Alloys combine two or more elements to achieve useful properties. Steel, for example, is primarily iron combined with carbon and may also include manganese or other alloying elements. Those additions and impurities affect how the material behaves. As a result, alloys commonly melt across a range instead of at one exact temperature. 

That is why brass, aluminum bronze, stainless steel and alloy steel can have different melting points depending on their grades and formulations. Even metals that look similar may respond differently when exposed to heat. 

Why Do Melting Temperatures Matter? 

Knowing a material’s melting range can help with several practical decisions: 

Material Selection  

A high melting point may be valuable in high-temperature environments, but strength retention, thermal expansion, and corrosion resistance matter, too. 

Welding and Fabrication  

Understanding the base metal and filler material — and following proper welding and inspection methods — helps a welder control heat input and reduce problems such as warping or burn-through. 

Casting and Manufacturing  

The furnaces, tools and molds must tolerate temperatures higher than the molten material.

Specialized Applications  

Some metals and alloys are chosen for aerospace, furnace, electrical and other demanding uses because of how they perform around extreme heat. 

These factors are especially important when joining or cutting different materials. Aluminum, magnesium, and zinc melt at much lower temperatures than metals such as chromium and tungsten. That difference affects the equipment, technique, and safety measures required for the job. If your project also requires clean, repeatable cuts, learn why professional steel cutting may be worthwhile. 

Which Metals Have the Highest and Lowest Melting Points? 

Tungsten has the highest melting point among pure metals. Rhenium, tantalum, and osmium also tolerate extremely high temperatures. Inconel, a family of nickel-based alloys, is commonly used in demanding applications because it maintains useful properties in high-heat and corrosive environments. 

At the lower end, bismuth, cadmium, lead, and some solder materials melt at relatively low temperatures. Other common metals and elements, including copper, silver, gold, platinum, nickel, titanium, cobalt, rhodium and palladium, fall at different points across the range. Cast iron also has a different melting range than most common steels because of its higher carbon content. 

Phosphorus is a nonmetal and silicon is a metalloid, but small amounts of these elements may be used in steelmaking to influence properties such as strength, hardness or how ductile the finished material is. 

What Is the Melting Point of Steel? 

There is no single melting point of steel because steel includes many grades and compositions. In general, carbon steel melts at approximately 2,597–2,800°F, while stainless steel melts at approximately 2,507–2,786°F. Alloy steel varies by grade and by the amount of alloying elements present. 

Carbon steel is a common choice for construction and general fabrication because it offers a practical balance of strength, workability, availability, and cost. Stainless grades contain more chromium to improve corrosion resistance. Other alloy steel grades may include manganese, nickel, or molybdenum to achieve a particular performance goal. 

Before ordering material, review how to order steel for a construction project and confirm which grade fits the loads, environment and fabrication process for your project. You can also explore Eagle National Steel’s structural steel products to see commonly available shapes. 

Does Steel Have to Melt to Fail? 

No. Steel can lose strength or deform before reaching its melting temperature. According to the American Institute of Steel Construction, structural steel retains about half of its strength at 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit, even though it melts at approximately 2,700°F. 

For that reason, a melting point chart should not be used as a safe operating limit or fire rating. High heat can change a metal’s strength, stiffness and dimensions long before it becomes liquid. Structural fire protection and high-heat applications require engineering based on the full assembly, exposure, loads, codes, and material properties. 

Choose the Right Metal for Your Project with Eagle Steel 

The melting point of metals helps you compare materials, but it cannot answer every selection question. Consider the grade, strength, corrosion exposure, weldability, steel shape, and expected service temperature along with the melting range. 

Eagle National Steel supplies a wide range of steel products and inventory for contractors, fabricators and DIY customers. We also carry industrial welding supplies to help you complete the job. Visit our showroom and steel yard in Hutchins, TX, or contact us to discuss what you need for your next project.