Silicon Bronze C65500 is a high-performance copper alloy distinguished by its exceptional combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and excellent manufacturability. This lead-free bronze utilizes silicon as its primary alloying element, creating a material with mechanical properties approaching those of low-carbon steel while maintaining the corrosion resistance characteristic of copper-based alloys. Often referred to by its common name "Everdur," C65500 offers superior resistance to stress corrosion cracking and excellent weldability, making it ideal for fabrications and assemblies. When processed through Neway's advanced copper die casting capabilities and precision tool and die making systems, this alloy produces components with outstanding dimensional stability and surface quality, establishing it as the preferred choice for architectural, marine, and chemical processing applications where both strength and corrosion resistance are critical.

For applications requiring even higher strength and hardness, Silicon Bronze C87300 offers enhanced mechanical properties. When superior machinability is the primary requirement, Leaded Free-Cutting Brass C48500 provides exceptional cutting performance. For applications demanding maximum corrosion resistance in seawater environments, Aluminum Bronze C95400 serves as a premium alternative. In cost-sensitive applications where some strength can be sacrificed, Leaded Bronze C83600 offers an economical solution. For general-purpose applications that require good overall properties, Silicon Brass C87850 offers a balanced alternative. When considering non-copper alternatives for structural applications, high-strength A514 aluminum alloy may be evaluated for weight reduction prioritization.
Country/Region | Equivalent / Comparable Grade | Specific Commercial Brands | Notes |
USA (ASTM/UNS) | C65500 (High Silicon Bronze A) | Ampco C65500, Concast Silicon Bronze, Aviva Metals C65500 | Standard UNS designation for high-silicon bronze alloys. |
Europe (EN) | CuSi3Mn1 (CW118C) | KME CW118C, Wieland CuSi3Mn1, Luvata CW118C | European silicon bronze grade with similar manganese content. |
Japan (JIS) | C6561 (BsSC1) | JX Nippon C6561, Mitsubishi Shindoh BsSC1 | Japanese silicon bronze specification matching C65500 characteristics. |
Germany (DIN) | CuSi3Mn | Diehl Metall CuSi3Mn, Aurubis CuSi3Mn | German silicon bronze with comparable composition and properties. |
China (GB/T) | QSi3-1 | Ningbo QSi3-1, Zhongse Silicon Bronze | Chinese silicon bronze grade functionally equivalent to C65500. |
International (ISO) | CuSi3Mn1 | Various ISO-certified bronze mills and foundries | International standard for silicon bronze casting alloys. |
UK (BS) | CB101 (BS 2874) | British Standard CB101 Silicon Bronze | UK specification for silicon bronze rod and cast products. |
France (NF) | CuSi3Mn1 (A55) | Tréfimétaux A55, Fonderie de France CuSi3Mn1 | French silicon bronze equivalent with similar mechanical properties. |
Silicon Bronze C65500 was specifically engineered to bridge the performance gap between traditional copper alloys and ferrous materials, providing a corrosion-resistant alternative to steel in demanding applications. The alloy's sophisticated formulation addresses the critical need for a material that combines the excellent corrosion resistance of copper with mechanical strength approaching that of steel, while remaining readily weldable and fabricable. The strategic addition of silicon (2.8-3.8%) significantly enhances strength through solid solution hardening, improves fluidity for superior castability, and provides exceptional resistance to stress corrosion cracking. Manganese content further contributes to strength and acts as a deoxidizer, ensuring sound, dense castings. This carefully balanced design makes C65500 particularly well-suited for structural applications in corrosive environments, heavy-duty marine hardware, and architectural components where both aesthetic appeal and long-term durability are essential requirements.
Element | Copper (Cu) | Silicon (Si) | Manganese (Mn) | Zinc (Zn) | Iron (Fe) | Other Elements |
Composition (%) | 94.0-96.0 | 2.8-3.8 | 0.5-1.3 | ≤1.5 | ≤0.8 | ≤0.50 total |
Property | Density | Melting Range | Thermal Conductivity | Electrical Conductivity | Thermal Expansion |
Value | 8.53 g/cm³ | 955-1025°C | 46 W/m·K | 11% IACS | 18.0 μm/m·°C |
Property | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength (0.5%) | Elongation | Hardness | Impact Strength |
Value | 480 MPa | 195 MPa | 40% | 85 HB | 45 J |
Excellent combination of high strength and good ductility
Superior corrosion resistance in freshwater, seawater, and industrial atmospheres
Exceptional resistance to stress corrosion cracking
Excellent weldability using all common welding processes
Good castability with excellent fluidity and minimal shrinkage defects
Non-magnetic and non-sparking properties for hazardous environments
Good machinability for a high-strength copper alloy
Excellent fatigue strength for dynamic load applications
Attractive golden-brown color ideal for architectural applications
Good wear resistance and anti-galling properties
Copper Die Casting: Excellent fluidity enables production of complex, high-integrity castings
Sand Casting and Centrifugal Casting: Suitable for large structural components and heavy sections
Post Machining: Good machinability enables precision finishing of critical features
Welding and Fabrication: Excellent weldability using GTAW, GMAW, and SMAW processes
Hot and Cold Working: Responsive to both hot and cold forming operations
Sand Blasting: Effective for surface preparation and creating uniform matte finishes
Grinding and Polishing: Achieves high surface finishes from functional to decorative
Clear Chemical Patina: Stabilizes the surface and enhances tarnish resistance
Polishing and Clear Lacquering: Preserves bright golden appearance while preventing oxidation
Artificial Patination: Chemical treatments create statuary or antique finishes
Electropolishing: Creates micro-smooth surfaces that enhance corrosion resistance
Passivation: Mild acid treatments promote formation of uniform protective film
Oxide Sealing: Chemical treatments that stabilize the surface for long-term durability
Marine hardware: propeller shafts, stern bearings, and seawater system components
Architectural applications: structural sculptures, decorative grilles, and building hardware
Chemical processing: heat exchanger components, reactor parts, and corrosive service equipment
Industrial equipment: pump shafts, valve stems, and fasteners for corrosive environments
Electrical components: non-magnetic hardware and bus bar supports
Art and sculpture: structural elements requiring both strength and weather resistance
Safety equipment: non-sparking tools and hardware for explosive environments
Structural applications in corrosive environments: Combines steel-like strength with copper alloy corrosion resistance
Marine and coastal applications: Superior resistance to saltwater corrosion and biofouling
Non-sparking and non-magnetic requirements: Essential for safety in hazardous environments
Applications requiring extensive fabrication and welding: Excellent weldability simplifies manufacturing
Architectural projects requiring permanence: Develops stable, attractive patina that protects underlying metal
Components subject to dynamic loading: High fatigue strength ensures long-term reliability
Lead-free applications: Meets modern environmental and health safety standards