Lead has been around for centuries. The Romans used it in their plumbing system. At one time, it was a common component of such things as pipes and paint. This is no longer the case. Awareness of the toxicity of lead has resulted in discontinuing such usage. Yet, lead still continues to have practical applications.
The Use of Lead
Lead is an integral part of many different manufacturing and construction processes. These are as diverse as marine engineering and sports equipment manufacturing. Lead is used in various applications including the ones listed below:
- Lead acid batteries
- Bullets and shot
- Weights including scuba diving weight belts
- Part of solders
- Pewter
- Fusible alloys
- Radiation shield
- With brass tools to decrease the effect of machine wear
- Sculptures and artistic works
- Ballast keel of sailboats
- Coolant – in liquid form
- Component of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) plastic
Lead is generally employed where its main characteristics are advantageous.
Characteristics of Lead
Lead, whose chemical symbol is pb (plumbum), is often perceived as a heavy and poor grade metal. Although a bluish-white in color when first cut from ore, it quickly dulls upon exposure to air to a dreary gray. It may change to a silvery color when liquefied and combined with other metals. These actions are all possible because of its melting point
Lead is typified by a low melting point. It also is soft, malleable and is of a high density. Moreover, lead has corrosion-resistant qualities. A low melting point makes it easy to cast. After using a lead melting pot, you can effortlessly cast such things as small arms, ammunition and shotgun pellets. The fact that it is relatively inexpensive adds to it being in demand by many different industries and craft shops.
Melting Lead Using a Lead Melting Pot
In order to melt lead, you require a heat source such as you would find in a lead melting pot. The lead melting pot has to be hot enough to melt the lead, remove any impurities and to siphon off safely any toxins released by the melting of the lead. Lead’s melting point is 621.43.
Different types of lead melting pots are available. They are constructed to handle small or large jobs. Select a lead melting pot capable of fulfilling its purpose. Make sure it meets the highest standards possible. The toxic characteristics of lead are nothing to ignore.
