softening properties of zinc

[caspian45]

I am looking for a way to soften zinc to make it as close to the softness of lead as possible. This is not for structural use, it is for simulating lead without the hazards.

any ideas?

thanks
chris

 

[bithkits]

how about something like lead free solder?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solder#Lead-free_solder

Adriaan.
I am a Mechatronics Engineer/part time Master's student from South Africa.

http://www.martin-electronics.co.za

 

[caspian45]

I looked into that, but need to keep costs relative to zinc/lead ($1.50/lb). That's why i was hoping to use zinc as a base metal. I'm needing a few hundred pounds.

thanks

 

[swall]

You can expect better answers if you elaborate on what the nature of the project is, i.e. what attributes of the test material are important.

 

[caspian45]

The project is to find a cost effective replacement for lead in the use of making test tool marks for forensic applications. Currently, lead is used which has related health hazards. Removing lead from the equation is the goal.

thanks

 

[moltenmetal]

I hope to be proven wrong, but I think you're barking up the wrong tree here, trying to make one metal have the desirable properties of another without adding cost.

You could try bismuth or tin or alloys of either as lead substitutes if softness/malleability is what you're after, but you're not getting away without this costing you substantially more than zinc will- or lead for that matter.

Any of these materials will be very easy to recycle if "test tool marks" are made in specimens that are then disposed of.

 

[1gibson]

Does it need to be metallic? Surely you can find a wax with appropriate hardness.

 

[Jmoore1]

do the opposite of killing a metal?