What Is Cerromatrix

[Driz]

I just had an old work colleague drop me off some plumbers ingots. Among them were similar shaped disks but thinner. They are called CERROMATRIX. What is it ??

[rsrocket1]

https://dl.asminternational.org/alloy-digest/article-abstract/27/4/Bi-4/4255/CERROMATRIX-AlloyLow-Melting-Controlled-Shrinkage?redirectedFrom=fulltext

From the above link:
CERROMATRIX Alloy is a bismuth-base non-eutectic alloy that melts over the low temperature range of 218-440 F. Its low melting temperature and controlled-shrinkage characteristics make it a valuable tool of industry for such operations as anchoring punches in dies, repairing broken dies and filling blow holes in castings. This datasheet provides information on composition, physical properties, hardness, and tensile properties. It also includes information on casting, heat treating, and machining. Filing Code: Bi-4. Producer or source: Cerro Metal Products.

[Driz]

What would a plumber do with that I wonder . I assume it came from long ago retired plumbers stash��

[Sasquatch-1]

What would a plumber do with that I wonder . I assume it came from long ago retired plumbers stash��

Waste line joints in older houses were sealed with an oakum filler and lead.

[fastdadio]

What would a plumber do with that I wonder . I assume it came from long ago retired plumbers stash��

I'm not sure what a plumber would do with it other that what is suggested here. I do know one use of this material is the use of fuse links for fire dampers in commercial HVAC air ducts. Also used as a safety valve packing in fuel oil valves. In commercial ducting, there is a spring loaded damper held open with a link made of this material that when subjected to high air temps, will melt and the damper will shut preventing the super heated air from rising through the building. Same theroy in the use of spring loaded fuel valves. In most applications, there will also be a position limit switch on the damper that when tripped, it will shut down the air handler fans for that zone to prevent smoke circulation through the building.
This material is very brittle and will break before it will bend. I can see no use for it casting boolits.
A bit of further reading for those interested;
https://firedamper.com/basics-of-fusible-link-fire-dampers/
https://www.amazon.com/Fusible-Degree-Dayton-2TGJ3-Dampers/dp/B07D3F3YKN

[GregLaROCHE]

Maybe the plumber was working on fire suppression sprinklers.

[fastdadio]

Maybe the plumber was working on fire suppression sprinklers.

Possible explanation......