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Bronze CNC Machining
Common Bronze Alloy Grades and Characteristics
Bronze typically refers to a family of alloys with copper as the base, primarily alloyed with elements such as tin, aluminum, silicon, and manganese. Compared to brass (copper-zinc alloys), bronze generally offers higher strength, a lower coefficient of friction, and better chemical corrosion resistance (especially against seawater). Its outstanding wear resistance and self-lubricating properties make it irreplaceable in bearing and bushing applications.
1. C93200 / SAE 660 (High-Leaded Tin Bronze - Bearing Bronze)
● Characteristics: This is the most widely used bearing bronze. The added lead forms soft particles within the alloy, providing excellent self-lubricating and anti-galling properties, making it ideal for operation under insufficient lubrication or high-load, low-speed conditions. It is easy to machine and offers good wear resistance.
● Typical Applications: General-purpose bearings, bushings, thrust washers, pump components, low-load gears.
C93200 Typical Properties (As Sand-Cast)
| Property | Value | Notes |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 240 - 330 | Good overall strength |
| Yield Strength (0.5% Extension, MPa) | 124 | |
| Elongation at Break (%) | 18 | Good ductility |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 65 | |
| Density (g/cm³) | 8.93 | |
| Key Composition | Cu-83%, Sn-7%, Pb-7%, Zn-3% | High lead content provides self-lubrication |
| Note: Values are typical ranges, specific to casting and processing conditions. |
2. C95400 (Aluminum Bronze)
● Characteristics: A high-strength, high-hardness aluminum bronze. Its corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and fatigue strength are among the best of all bronzes, with performance comparable to many steels. It retains strength at elevated temperatures and offers excellent impact and cavitation resistance.
● Typical Applications: Heavy-duty bearings, gears, valve seats, pump housings, propellers and components for seawater use, chemical processing equipment.
C95400 Typical Properties (Heat-Treated Condition)
| Property | Value | Notes |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 620 - 760 | Very high strength, comparable to low-alloy steels |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset, MPa) | 275 | |
| Elongation at Break (%) | 12-18 | |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 170 - 210 | High hardness, very wear-resistant |
| Density (g/cm³) | 7.45 | Lighter than tin bronze |
| Key Composition | Cu-85%, Al-11%, Fe-4% | Tin-free, uses aluminum and iron as main alloying elements |
| Note: Values are typical ranges, specific to heat treatment condition. |
3. C54400 (Phosphor Bronze)
● Characteristics: A tin bronze containing a small amount of phosphorus. Phosphorus increases the alloy's elastic limit, fatigue strength, and wear resistance. This material offers excellent spring properties, good wear and corrosion resistance, and is easily machined into precision parts.
● Typical Applications: Electrical connectors, springs, diaphragms, bellows, wear plates, precision gears.
C54400 Typical Properties (Cold Worked Condition)
| Property | Value | Notes |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 520 - 690 | High strength, especially suitable for elastic elements |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset, MPa) | 380 - 550 | High yield strength |
| Elongation at Break (%) | 10-15 | |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | 78 - 90 | |
| Density (g/cm³) | 8.8 | |
| Key Composition | Cu-88%, Sn-4%, Zn-4%, P-0.2-0.5% | Phosphorus acts as a deoxidizer and enhances properties |
| Note: Values are typical ranges, specific to the degree of cold work. |
4. C65500 (High-Silicon Bronze)
● Characteristics: A bronze with excellent corrosion resistance, particularly outstanding in sulfuric acid and sulfate environments. It combines high strength, high corrosion resistance, and good formability and weldability, making it widely used in chemical and marine industries.
● Typical Applications: Chemical processing equipment components, heat exchanger tube sheets, marine fittings, pump valves, fasteners, welded structures.
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Finishes and Post-Processing Options
Bronze parts can undergo various surface treatments based on application needs:
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Mechanical Finishing:
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Electroplating
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Patination/Antiquing
Design and Machining Considerations
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Material Selection is Key:
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Machinability:
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Design Optimization:
For bearing-type parts, pay attention to the design of oil grooves and holes to facilitate lubrication. Utilize bronze's good thermal conductivity to design heat dissipation structures.
Request a Custom Bronze CNC Machining Quote
Bronze is a material that perfectly combines historical heritage with modern engineering. Please feel free to provide your part drawings and technical requirements if you need recommendations for the most suitable bronze grade for your specific application or to obtain a machining quote.