Bronze Product Guide
Bronze is an alloy of metal that is copper-based with tin as the main additive. This is not a hard and fast rule, however – some bronzes have phosphorus, manganese, aluminum or silicon as the main alloying ingredient.
The primary traits of Bronze alloys are that of toughness, wear resistance, strength, corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity. Depending on the alloy, there is a bronze for just about every application.
Bearing Bronze
SAE 660 is the most commonly used bronze in bushing and bearing applications. It is comparably easy to machine, and provides long life in applications where wear is a consideration.
| Bearing Bronze (C932), a/k/a SAE 660 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Properties | Ultimate Tensile Strength, ps | 35,000 |
| Yield Strength, psi | 20,000 | |
| Elongation in 2" | 10% | |
| Brinell Hardness | 65 | |
| Chemistry | Copper (Cu) | 81.0 - 85.0% |
| Tin (Sn) | 6.3 - 7.5% | |
| Lead | 6.0 - 8.0% | |
| Zinc | 2.0 - 4.0% |
Aluminum Bronze
Aluminum bronzes are most valued for their higher strength and corrosion resistance as compared to other bronze alloys. These alloys are tarnish-resistant and show low rates of corrosion in atmospheric conditions, low oxidation rates at high temperatures, and low reactivity with sulfurous compounds and other exhaust products of combustion. They are also resistant to corrosion in sea water. They prevent colonization by marine organisms including algae, barnacles, and mussels.
| Aluminum Bronze, C954 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Properties | Ultimate Tensile Strength, psi | 85,000 |
| Yield Strength, psi | 32,000 | |
| Elongation in 2" | 12% | |
| Brinell Hardness | 170 | |
| Chemistry | Copper (Cu) | 83.0% min |
| Iron (Fe) | 3.0 - 5.0% | |
| Aluminum (Al) | 10.0 - 11.5% |
Silicon Bronze
Silicon Bronze is a high-strength, highly corrosion resistant material with nonmagnetic properties. It is generally as strong as steel. Because of its composition, it is more difficult to machine. However, it is excellent for use in general marine applications, as well as pumps, heavy equipment, fittings, and boilers.
| Silicon Bronze, C655 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Properties | Ultimate Tensile Strength, psi | 85,000 |
| Yield Strength, psi | 55,000 | |
| Elongation in 2" | 20% | |
| Rockwell Hardness | B90 | |
| Chemistry | Copper (Cu) | 97.0% min |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.8% max | |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.5% max | |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0.6% max | |
| Lead (Pb) | 0.5% max | |
| Silicon (Si) | 2.8 - 3.8% | |
| Zinc (Zn) | 1.5% max |
Alcobra Metals states that all technical data is for comparison purposes only and is NOT FOR DESIGN. It has been compiled from sources we believe to be accurate but cannot guarantee. Please consult an Engineer.