Zinc Coffin Soldering
50/50 tin-lead solder sticks for hermetic sealing of coffins and zinc-plated sheet metal boxes
Traditional Sn50Pb50 alloy for hermetic perimeter sealing of zinc coffins. Our 50/50 tin-lead solder sticks are the standard for funeral, industrial and sheet metal sectors, compliant with Italian DPR 285/1990 art. 30. ISO 9001:2015 certified.
Why Choose Dickmann 50/50 for Zinc Coffins
Reference traditional alloy of the sector, certified industrial quality
Zinc Coffin Soldering Process
Standard operating sequence for hermetic perimeter soldering
Sheet metal preparation and cleaning
Sand the edges of the case and lid to remove oxides and patinas. Brush with metal brush to remove residues. The surface must be smooth and free of impurities.
Chemical pickling
Apply diluted hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid) to the edges to be soldered. Pickling removes the surface zinc oxide and allows the 50/50 alloy to properly wet the sheet. Wear PPE: gloves, goggles, mask with filter for acid vapors.
Lid positioning
Place the lid on the case so the edge matches uniformly. Lock with clips or weights to avoid shifting during soldering. Verify the flatness of contact surfaces.
Heating with gas soldering iron
Heat the sheet metal at the starting point with a gas (LPG, propane or butane) or electric soldering iron until reaching ~200°C. Do not exceed 350°C to avoid damaging the zinc coating.
Application of 50/50 solder stick
Rest the half-moon section solder stick (flat side down) on the hot point. The alloy progressively begins to melt. Pour uniformly along the entire perimeter of the lid, maintaining a continuous bead of 3-5 mm.
Bead shaping
Within the pasty range (183-216°C) the alloy remains workable: with the soldering iron tip or spatula, shape the bead to achieve uniform finish and rounded profile. This step is impossible with eutectic alloys (Sn63Pb37).
Cooling and inspection
Let cool naturally (do not force with water). Visually inspect the bead for micro-holes, cracks or discontinuities. Verify hermeticity with pressure test or continuous visual check.
Safety: Operator safety: ensure adequate ventilation in the work area, wear compliant PPE (FFP3 mask against lead fumes, gloves, goggles). Health surveillance with annual blood lead testing is mandatory under Italian D.Lgs 81/2008.
Dickmann 50/50 Alloy: Specs for Zinc Coffins
Technical data for Sn50/Pb50 stick in the standard configuration for coffin soldering
| Characteristic | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | Sn 50 / Pb 50 | % | Balanced tin-lead |
| Solidus / Liquidus | 183 / 216 | °C | Pasty range 33°C |
| Density | 8.9 | g/cm³ | At 20°C |
| Stick cross-section | 10 x 6 | mm | Half-moon, '50%' embossed |
| Standard length | 410 | mm | Sheet metal industry standard |
| Packaging | 25 | kg/box | Pallet on request |
| Standard coffin zinc thickness | 0.66 | mm | DPR 285/1990 reference |
| Derogation zinc thickness | 0.74 | mm | In-derogation burial |
Application Sectors for Zinc Soldering
Where 50/50 soldering of coffins and zinc-plated cases is used
Funeral Sector
Hermetic sealing of internal zinc coffins inside funeral caskets per Italian DPR 285/1990 art. 30. Continuous perimeter soldering to guarantee hermetic closure of the casket during burial, transport and cremation.
Industrial Packaging
Sealing of zinc-plated sheet metal cases and containers for shipping sensitive materials: electronics, precision instruments, museum goods. Hermetic soldering guaranteed against moisture and infiltrations.
Exhumations and Cemetery Items
Soldering of ossuary boxes, zinc-plated ossuaries, remains containers. Dedicated supply for funeral homes and stonemasons with 25 kg boxes of ready-to-use sticks.
Specialty Building Sheet Metal
Soldering of complex flashings, zinc gutter joints, repairs and restorations of zinc roofs. 50/50 allows fine bead shaping on visible joints and curves.
Hot Soldering vs Cold Soldering
Comparison between the traditional 50/50 stick method and structural adhesives
| Characteristic | 50/50 (hot) | Cold soldering (adhesive) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| DPR 285/1990 compliance | Yes (historical) | Yes (Min. Health Circ. 24/6/1993 n.24) | Both |
| Hermeticity | Excellent — continuous metallurgical bond | Good — depends on adhesive | 50/50 ✅ |
| Processing time | 20-40 min (standard perimeter) | 10-20 min + drying time | Adhesive |
| Skill required | Qualified solderer | General labor | Adhesive |
| Operator safety | Lead fumes + acid — PPE mandatory | Solvent vapors — PPE advised | Adhesive |
| Joint mechanical strength | 30-35 kg/mm² (weak in tension) | Variable per adhesive | Equivalent |
| Long-term durability | Decades — metal does not degrade | Variable — some adhesives fail | 50/50 ✅ |
| Tradition and acceptance | Historical standard, widely accepted | Recent — some dioceses do not accept it | 50/50 |
Hot soldering with 50/50 sticks remains the most widespread and accepted standard for funeral coffins. Cold soldering is a legitimate alternative since 1993 but has not yet replaced traditional soldering.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zinc Coffin Soldering
Everything you need to know before ordering
Request a Quote for Zinc Coffin Soldering
Explore our 50/50 tin-lead solder sticks hub.
Phone
+39 02 6604 7053