Silicon Bronze (High Strength) C87300
Material Introduction
Silicon Bronze C87300 is a high-strength, corrosion-resistant copper alloy renowned for its exceptional combination of mechanical properties, marine-environment durability, and excellent castability. Often referred to as "Everdur," this alloy utilizes silicon as its primary alloying element, which significantly enhances its strength, fluidity, and resistance to corrosion and wear. Unlike many brasses or tin bronzes, C87300 offers high strength comparable to some steels while maintaining the classic corrosion resistance of copper-based alloys. When utilized with Neway's advanced copper die casting expertise and precision tool and die making, it produces robust, long-lasting components for the most demanding applications in marine, architectural, and industrial settings.
Alternative Material Options
For applications requiring higher conductivity and general-purpose corrosion resistance, Silicon Bronze C65500 is a suitable alternative. When superior machinability is needed for complex post-casting operations, Leaded Free-Cutting Brass C48500 is an excellent choice. For applications demanding exceptional resistance to seawater corrosion and cavitation erosion, Aluminum Bronze C95400 offers superior performance. If a more cost-effective, general-purpose bronze is acceptable, Leaded Bronze C83600 can be considered. For non-copper alternatives where weight is a critical factor, high-strength A514 aluminum or ZA-8 zinc alloy may be considered, although this comes at the expense of significant compromises in corrosion resistance.
International Equivalent / Comparable Grade
Country/Region | Equivalent / Comparable Grade | Specific Commercial Brands | Notes |
USA (ASTM/UNS) | C87300 (Everdur) | Ampco C87300, Concast Silicon Bronze, Aviva Metals C87300 | Standard UNS designation for high-strength silicon bronze. |
Europe (EN) | CuSi3Mn1 | KME CuSi3Mn1, Wieland Silicon Bronze | European silicon bronze grade with similar manganese and silicon content. |
Japan (JIS) | CAC702 (CAC2) | JX Nippon CAC702, Tsuchiya CAC2 | Japanese cast silicon bronze equivalent with high strength. |
Germany (DIN) | G-CuSi3Mn | Diehl Metall G-CuSi3Mn, Aurubis G-CuSi3Mn | German cast silicon bronze specification. |
China (GB/T) | ZCuSi3Mn1 | Ningbo ZCuSi3Mn1, Zhongse Silicon Bronze | Chinese silicon bronze grade with comparable composition and properties. |
International (ISO) | CuSi3Mn1 | Various ISO-certified foundries | International standard for silicon bronze casting alloys. |
UK (BS) | CB3 (BS 1400) | British Standard CB3 Silicon Bronze | UK specification for high-strength silicon bronze castings. |
Design Purpose
Silicon Bronze C87300 was specifically engineered to bridge the gap between the excellent corrosion resistance of copper alloys and the high mechanical strength typically associated with steels. Its formulation was driven by the need for a durable, non-sparking, and non-magnetic material capable of withstanding the combined challenges of heavy loads and aggressive environments, particularly in marine and chemical processing applications. The addition of silicon dramatically improves castability, allowing for the production of sound, dense castings with complex geometries and thin sections that are free from the porosity and segregation issues common in other high-strength bronzes. This makes it an ideal choice for critical structural components exposed to seawater, such as propeller blades, pump parts, and heavy-duty marine hardware, where failure is not an option.
Chemical Composition
Element | Copper (Cu) | Silicon (Si) | Manganese (Mn) | Zinc (Zn) | Iron (Fe) | Other Elements |
Composition (%) | 94.0-96.0 | 2.8-3.5 | 0.5-1.3 | < 1.5 | < 0.8 | < 0.5 total |
Physical Properties
Property | Density | Melting Range | Thermal Conductivity | Electrical Conductivity | Thermal Expansion |
Value | 8.4 g/cm³ | 950-1020°C | 45 W/m·K | 12% IACS | 18.5 μm/m·°C |
Mechanical Properties
Property | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength (0.5%) | Elongation | Hardness | Impact Strength (Charpy) |
Value | 550 MPa | 270 MPa | 20% | 150 HB | 35 J |
Key Material Characteristics
Exceptional high strength combined with outstanding toughness and ductility
Superior corrosion resistance in seawater, freshwater, and industrial atmospheres
Excellent castability with high fluidity, low shrinkage, and minimal porosity
Good wear and galling resistance for moving components and bearing surfaces
Non-magnetic and non-sparking properties for safe use in hazardous environments
High fatigue strength for components subjected to dynamic and cyclic loading
Retains mechanical properties at both low and elevated temperatures
Pressure-tight castings suitable for valves, pumps, and hydraulic components
Attractive, rich golden-brown color ideal for architectural applications
Good weldability and machinability for fabrication and repair
Manufacturability And Post Process
Copper Die Casting: Excellent fluidity allows for the production of complex, high-integrity castings.
Sand Casting and Centrifugal Casting: Suitable for large, heavy-section components.
Post Machining: Good machinability for a high-strength alloy; produces discontinuous chips.
Welding and Joining: Highly weldable using SMAW, GTAW, and GMAW processes with matching filler metal.
Sand Blasting: Effective for surface cleaning and creating uniform matte finishes.
Grinding and Polishing: Achieves high surface finishes, from functional to mirror-like.
Suitable Surface Treatment
Clear Chemical Patina: Stabilizes the surface and enhances tarnish resistance while allowing the alloy's color to develop naturally.
Polishing and Clear Lacquering: Preserves the bright, golden "as-cast" appearance.
Electropolishing: Creates a smooth, micro-etch-free surface that enhances corrosion resistance.
Artificial Patination: Chemical treatments can be used to achieve specific architectural colors, such as statuary bronze.
Passivation: Mild acid treatments can be used to remove surface oxides and promote the formation of a uniform protective film.
Common Industries and Applications
Marine components: propeller blades, shafts, stern bearings, and underwater hardware
Architectural fittings: heavy-duty door hardware, decorative grilles, and structural sculptures for coastal environments
Industrial equipment: pump casings, valve bodies, gears, and non-sparking tools
Chemical processing: fasteners, bolts, and components resistant to various corrosives
Power generation: bus bar supports, breaker components, and non-magnetic structural parts
Art and sculpture: large, structural cast sculptures requiring strength and weather resistance
When to Choose This Material
Marine and coastal applications: Unmatched resistance to saltwater corrosion and biofouling.
High-strength structural components: Tensile strength over 500 MPa rivals many carbon steels.
Non-magnetic and non-sparking requirements: Essential for safety in explosive or sensitive electronic environments.
Complex, high-integrity castings: Excellent fluidity ensures sound castings in intricate shapes.
Components subject to shock and impact: High toughness and elongation prevent brittle fracture.
Atmospheric and chemical exposure: Superior resistance to a wide range of corrosive media.
Architectural projects requiring permanence: Develops a stable, attractive patina that protects the underlying metal.
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