Tin Bronze C90500
Material Introduction
Tin Bronze C90500 is a premium-grade copper-tin alloy renowned for its exceptional bearing properties, excellent corrosion resistance, and reliable performance in demanding mechanical applications. As a genuine gunmetal alloy with high tin content and no lead additions, C90500 offers superior strength and wear characteristics compared to many leaded bronzes. This alloy combines the historic reliability of traditional bronze with modern manufacturing consistency, making it ideal for heavy-duty bearing surfaces, pump components, and marine applications where longevity and reliability are critical. When processed through Neway's advanced copper die casting capabilities and precision-controlled metal casting processes, C90500 consistently delivers components with excellent dimensional stability, pressure tightness, and superior surface characteristics for the most demanding industrial applications.
Alternative Material Options
For applications requiring improved machinability and pressure tightness, Leaded Bronze C83600 offers enhanced cutting performance. When higher strength and superior corrosion resistance are required for marine applications, Aluminum Bronze C95400 provides excellent performance. For cost-sensitive applications where some bearing properties can be sacrificed, Semi-Red Brass C84400 offers an economical alternative. In applications requiring high-strength and excellent weldability, Silicon Bronze C65500 serves as a premium solution. For general-purpose applications where lead content is acceptable, Leaded Gunmetal C83300 provides good overall characteristics. When considering non-copper alternatives for bearing applications, high-performance A390 aluminum alloy may be a suitable option for specific applications.
International Equivalent / Comparable Grade
Country/Region | Equivalent / Comparable Grade | Specific Commercial Brands | Notes |
USA (ASTM/UNS) | C90500 (G Bronze) | Ampco C90500, Concast Tin Bronze, Aviva Metals C90500 | Standard UNS designation for 88-10-2 tin bronze alloy. |
Europe (EN) | CuSn10-C (CC481K) | KME CuSn10, Wieland CC481K, Luvata CuSn10 | European tin bronze grade with similar composition. |
Japan (JIS) | BsTB1 (CAC406) | JX Nippon BsTB1, Tsuchiya CAC406 | Japanese high-tin bronze specification matching C90500. |
Germany (DIN) | G-CuSn10 | Diehl Metall G-CuSn10, Aurubis G-CuSn10 | German specification for high-tin bronze castings. |
China (GB/T) | ZCuSn10Zn2 | Ningbo ZCuSn10Zn2, Zhongse Tin Bronze | Chinese tin bronze grade functionally equivalent to C90500. |
International (ISO) | CuSn10Zn2 | Various ISO-certified bronze foundries | International standard for high-tin bronze casting alloys. |
UK (BS) | LG3 (BS 1400) | British Standard LG3 Gunmetal | UK specification for lead-free gunmetal with high tin content. |
France (NF) | CuSn10Zn2 (A45) | Tréfimétaux A45, Fonderie de France CuSn10Zn2 | French tin bronze equivalent with similar mechanical properties. |
Design Purpose
Tin Bronze C90500 was specifically engineered to provide exceptional bearing properties and corrosion resistance in applications where lead content is undesirable or prohibited. The alloy's formulation addresses the critical need for a high-performance bronze that maintains excellent wear characteristics and structural integrity under heavy loads and corrosive conditions. With its substantial tin content (9.0-11.0%), C90500 forms hard, wear-resistant intermetallic compounds within a tough copper matrix, resulting in an ideal microstructure for bearing surfaces that can withstand significant pressure and shock loading. The zinc content enhances castability and provides additional strength, while the absence of lead ensures consistent mechanical properties throughout the casting and eliminates potential issues with lead segregation. This sophisticated design makes C90500 particularly well-suited for bearings in heavy machinery, marine propellers, and pump components, where reliability, longevity, and environmental compliance are essential requirements.
Chemical Composition
Element | Copper (Cu) | Tin (Sn) | Zinc (Zn) | Lead (Pb) | Iron (Fe) | Other Elements |
Composition (%) | 86.0-89.0 | 9.0-11.0 | 1.0-3.0 | ≤0.30 | ≤0.20 | ≤0.50 total |
Physical Properties
Property | Density | Melting Range | Thermal Conductivity | Electrical Conductivity | Thermal Expansion |
Value | 8.74 g/cm³ | 930-1000°C | 58 W/m·K | 13% IACS | 18.2 μm/m·°C |
Mechanical Properties
Property | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength (0.5%) | Elongation | Hardness | Impact Strength |
Value | 310 MPa | 152 MPa | 25% | 80 HB | 24 J |
Key Material Characteristics
Excellent bearing properties with low coefficient of friction
Superior wear resistance for heavy-duty applications
Outstanding corrosion resistance in freshwater and seawater
Good castability with reasonable fluidity and minimal shrinkage
High strength and toughness for demanding mechanical applications
Excellent pressure tightness for pump and valve components
Good machinability for a high-strength bronze alloy
Lead-free composition meets modern environmental standards
Excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking
Good fatigue strength for dynamic load applications
Manufacturability And Post Process
Copper Die Casting: Suitable for producing high-integrity components with good detail reproduction
Sand Casting and Centrifugal Casting: Ideal for large bearings, bushings, and marine components
Post Machining: Good machinability enables precision finishing of bearing surfaces and critical features
Grinding and Honing: Achieves precise dimensional tolerances and superior surface finish for bearing applications
Sand Blasting: Effective for surface preparation and creating uniform surface textures
Polishing: Produces high-quality surface finishes for reduced friction and improved wear characteristics
Boring and Turning: Capable of maintaining tight tolerances for bearing diameters and sealing surfaces
Suitable Surface Treatment
Polishing and Buffing: Achieves high-luster finishes for reduced friction and improved appearance
Clear Lacquering: Preserves natural bronze appearance while preventing oxidation
Chemical Patina: Creates antique or statuary finishes for architectural applications
Electropolishing: Creates micro-smooth surfaces that enhance corrosion resistance
Passivation Treatments: Enhance tarnish resistance while maintaining metallic appearance
Oxide Sealing: Chemical treatments that stabilize the surface for long-term durability
Common Industries and Applications
Heavy machinery: bushings, bearings, and wear plates for industrial equipment
Marine applications: propeller blades, stern bearings, and seawater pump components
Industrial pumps: impellers, casings, and wear rings for corrosive service
Valve components: valve bodies, stems, and seats for high-pressure applications
Mining equipment: bearings and bushings for heavy-duty machinery
Power generation: turbine components, bearing surfaces, and structural parts
Architectural applications: high-strength hardware and decorative elements
When to Choose This Material
Heavy-duty bearing applications: Excellent wear resistance and low friction characteristics
Marine and corrosive environments: Superior resistance to saltwater corrosion and erosion
Lead-free requirements: Meets modern environmental and health safety standards
High-pressure applications: Excellent pressure tightness for pump and valve components
Applications requiring consistent mechanical properties: Homogeneous structure without lead segregation
Components subject to shock loading: Good toughness and impact resistance
High-temperature service: Maintains strength and stability at elevated temperatures
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