Understanding Custom Bronze Bearings: A Guide to Copper Alloy Grades and Codes

When choosing a bearing material for machinery or engineering applications, one of the most crucial decisions is the selection of the right copper alloy. Bronze bearings, in particular, are highly valued for their strength, durability, and resistance to wear. However, with so many different alloy grades and codes available, it can be challenging to understand what each one means and how it affects the performance of your bearing.

In this blog post, we’ll break down a copper alloy reference table, explaining the materials used in custom bronze bearings and helping you decode the terminology behind each grade and code.

Copper Alloy Grades and Their Codes

Here is a reference table outlining the most common copper alloy grades and their respective codes:

Key Analysis and Explanation

1. Classification Naming Issues
   The term “Leaded Bronze” is often used incorrectly in some grades (e.g., CuAl10Fe2-C), which are actually aluminum bronzes, not leaded bronzes. To clarify:
   • Tin Bronze: The primary alloying element is tin (e.g., CuSn10-C).
   • Aluminum Bronze: The primary alloying element is aluminum (e.g., CuAl10Fe2-C).
   • Leaded Bronze: This type should contain a significant amount of lead (Pb), as seen in grades like CuSn5Zn5Pb5-C.

   Recommendation: The term “Leaded Bronze” should be revised to “Aluminum Bronze” for clarity and accuracy.

2. Understanding the Alloy Compositions
   • Multi-element Brass (CuZn25Al5Mn4Fe3-C): This alloy contains 25% zinc, 5% aluminum, 4% manganese, and 3% iron. It is known for its high strength and wear resistance, making it ideal for applications that require durable performance under load.
   • Tin Bronze (CuSn10-C): Containing 10% tin, this alloy is a popular choice for bearings and gears due to its excellent wear resistance and ability to handle high-pressure applications.
   • Tin-Lead Bronze (CuSn5Zn5Pb5-C): Composed of 5% tin, 5% zinc, and 5% lead, this alloy combines the lubricating properties of lead with the corrosion resistance of tin and zinc, making it ideal for low-pressure sliding bearings.
3. Understanding Alloy Codes
   • The CC prefix likely represents the copper alloy category.
   • The numbers in the middle (e.g., 762, 480) may refer to composition or standard numbers.
   • The suffix letters provide additional information about the alloy’s characteristics:
     • K generally denotes casting (e.g., CC480K).
     • G may indicate special treatments (e.g., CC331G for aluminum bronze).
     • S may represent a special purpose (e.g., CC762S).

Applications for Custom Bronze Bearings

Now that we’ve decoded the alloy grades, let’s look at some common applications for custom bronze bearings:

• Tin Bronze (CC480K): This material is frequently used for marine components such as ship fittings and valves, where corrosion resistance and durability are critical.
• Aluminum Bronze (CC331G, formerly Leaded Bronze): Commonly used in high-stress applications like ship propellers or components that require high strength and resistance to seawater corrosion.
• Tin-Lead Bronze (CC493K): With its excellent self-lubricating properties, this alloy is perfect for sliding bearings, low-pressure seals, and bushings.

Conclusion

When choosing a bronze bearing material, understanding the composition and properties of different copper alloys is essential to ensuring the right fit for your application. By decoding the alloy grades and codes, you can better navigate the range of materials available, selecting the optimal option for your needs.

Whether you’re manufacturing machinery, ship parts, or high-performance components, custom bronze bearings offer unmatched durability, strength, and wear resistance. By working with a supplier that understands the nuances of alloy composition and bearing design, you can ensure a long-lasting, efficient solution.

If you have any questions or need assistance with choosing the right custom bronze bearing material for your project, feel free to reach out to us!