Leaded Bronze (Ounce Metal) C83600

Alternative Material Options

For applications requiring higher strength and wear resistance, Aluminum Bronze C95400 offers superior mechanical properties. When superior machinability is the primary concern for high-volume production, Leaded Free-Cutting Brass C48500 provides unparalleled cutting performance. For more cost-effective applications where the red color and some corrosion resistance are still desired, Semi-Red Brass C84400 serves as an economical alternative. In applications requiring higher tin content for improved corrosion resistance in specific environments, Tin Bronze C90500 offers a premium solution. For marine applications demanding exceptional resistance to seawater corrosion, Aluminum Bronze C95400 or Silicon Bronze C65500 may be considered. When lead-free compliance is mandatory, Silicon Brass C87850 provides a suitable alternative.

International Equivalent / Comparable Grade

Design Purpose

Leaded Bronze C83600 was specifically engineered to provide an optimal balance of castability, corrosion resistance, and machinability for general-purpose bronze applications. The alloy's formulation addresses the critical need for pressure-tight castings in plumbing and hydraulic applications while maintaining the excellent corrosion resistance characteristic of high-tin bronzes. The strategic inclusion of lead (4-6%) serves multiple purposes: it dramatically improves machinability by promoting chip breakage and reducing tool wear, enhances pressure tightness by filling micro-shrinkage porosity, and improves the alloy's anti-seizing and bearing properties. This sophisticated balance makes C83600 particularly well-suited for components that require extensive post-casting machining while maintaining leak-proof integrity under pressure, establishing it as the benchmark alloy for high-quality bronze valve bodies, pump casings, and plumbing fittings.

Chemical Composition

Physical Properties

Mechanical Properties

Key Material Characteristics

• Excellent corrosion resistance in freshwater, seawater, and industrial atmospheres

• Superior pressure tightness ideal for valves, pumps, and plumbing components

• Outstanding machinability with 90% rating compared to free-cutting brass

• Good castability with excellent fluidity and minimal shrinkage defects

• Excellent bearing properties and anti-galling characteristics

• Good wear resistance for moving components and valve seats

• Reliable performance across wide temperature ranges

• Attractive traditional bronze appearance for architectural applications

• Good weldability and repair capabilities when needed

• Historically proven reliability in demanding applications

Manufacturability And Post Process

• Copper Die Casting: Excellent fluidity enables production of complex, high-integrity castings with fine detail

• Sand Casting and Centrifugal Casting: Ideal for larger components and pressure-retaining parts

• Post Machining: Superior machinability enables high-speed operations with excellent surface finish

• Drilling and Tapping: Produces clean, precise threads with minimal tool wear and excellent chip formation

• Tumbling: Effective for deburring and achieving uniform surface radiusing

• Sand Blasting: Creates consistent surface textures for aesthetic or functional purposes

• Grinding and Polishing: Achieves high-quality surface finishes from functional to decorative

Suitable Surface Treatment

• Clear Lacquering: Preserves natural bronze appearance while preventing oxidation and tarnishing

• Chemical Patina: Creates antique or statuary finishes for architectural applications

• Electroplating: Compatible with nickel, chrome, and special finishes for decorative hardware

• Passivation Treatments: Enhance tarnish resistance while maintaining the alloy's natural color

• Polishing and Buffing: Achieves high-luster finishes for premium decorative applications

• Oxide Sealing: Chemical treatments that stabilize the surface and enhance corrosion resistance

Common Industries and Applications

• Plumbing fixtures: valve bodies, faucet components, and pipe fittings

• Marine hardware: seawater system components, fittings, and underwater applications

• Industrial valves: gate valves, globe valves, ball valves, and pressure control valves

• Pump components: casings, impellers, and wear rings for water and chemical service

• Architectural hardware: decorative door hardware, railings, and building fixtures

• General engineering: bearings, bushings, gears, and mechanical components

• Electrical components: conduit fittings, connector bodies, and electrical hardware

When to Choose This Material

• Pressure-containing applications: Superior pressure tightness ensures leak-proof performance in valves and fittings

• Components requiring extensive machining: Excellent machinability significantly reduces manufacturing costs and time

• Marine and corrosive environments: Proven corrosion resistance in freshwater, seawater, and chemical exposure

• Bearing and wear applications: Good anti-galling properties and wear resistance for moving components

• Architectural applications: Traditional bronze appearance with excellent corrosion resistance

• General-purpose bronze castings: Reliable, well-understood material with predictable performance

• Complex geometry components: Excellent castability enables production of intricate shapes and thin walls