Bronze Copper Alloy :
Chemical composition and Selection Guide， Custom Machined Bronze Parts & Bearings

Bearing Bronze Solutions – Tailored for Efficiency & Strength

bearings Bronze Standards, Bearings and bushings, High-Temperature Bearings, Customer Driven, Service Focused, Purpose Led for Your High Temperature Bushings

Bronze is a versatile copper alloy, primarily composed of copper and tin, but it can also include other elements such as aluminum, lead, and nickel to enhance its properties. Below is a detailed overview of the chemical composition, types, and selection criteria for different bronze alloys, particularly focusing on tin bronzes, aluminum bronzes, and self-lubricating bronze bearings. We provide a wide variety of bushings, including Wicket Gate Bushings and Gate Valve Bushings, tailored for the Hydro Industry. Removing any component from a hydro turbine is a complex, costly, and time-intensive process, as these systems are designed to operate continuously for extended periods without shutdown.

Self-Lubricated Bronze Bearings
Bronze copper alloys, including ASTM and EN standards for both casting and wrought forms, are commonly used in bearing bushings due to their excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and self-lubricating capabilities when integrated with graphite.
Bearings, Bushings, and More Bronze, Graphite
Bearing bronze alloys according to ASTM B505, ASTM B271, ASTM B22 include various compositions such as CuSn5Zn5Pb5, CuSn6, CuSn7Pb6Zn4, CuSn10, C52100, CuSn12, CuSn14, CuAl10Fe2, CuAl10Ni5Fe5, CuSn10Pb10, CuSn7Pb15, and CuSn5Pb20, each designed for specific applications in bearings and bushings due to their excellent mechanical properties and wear resistance.
Self-Lubrication Options for Bronze Bearings Material

Plain & Self-Lubricating Bushing Material：Graphite Impregnated Brass, Chemical Composition of Bronze Alloys

Bronze alloys are categorized based on their primary alloying elements:

Tin Bronzes: These typically contain copper and tin as the main components. The addition of tin enhances strength and corrosion resistance. Common tin bronzes include:

  • C90300: 90% Cu, 10% Sn
  • C90500: 88% Cu, 12% Sn
  • C90700: 85% Cu, 15% Sn

Aluminum Bronzes: These alloys use aluminum as the principal alloying element. They are known for their high strength and corrosion resistance. Common compositions include:

  • CuAl5: 4.0–6.5% Al
  • CuAl8: 7.0–9.0% Al
  • CuAl10Ni5Fe4 (2.0966): 8.5–11.0% Al, 4.0–6.0% Ni, and up to 5.0% Fe

Leaded Bronzes: These contain lead for improved machinability and reduced friction but at the cost of some strength.

The presence of other elements like iron, nickel, and manganese can further enhance specific properties such as wear resistance and machinability

Types of Bronze Bearings

Tin Bronze Bearings: Tin bronzes are prized for their excellent wear resistance and ability to withstand high loads. They are suitable for applications requiring good corrosion resistance in seawater and brines. However, they require clean lubrication systems due to their hardness, which limits their ability to conform to rough surfaces1.

Aluminum Bronze Bearings: Aluminum bronzes offer superior strength and corrosion resistance compared to tin bronzes. They are particularly effective in marine environments due to their resistance to seawater corrosion. The addition of nickel can improve ductility without compromising strength. Aluminum bronze bearings are ideal for heavy-duty applications such as marine equipment and aerospace components35.

Self-Lubricating Bronze Bearings: Self-lubricating bronze bearings are designed to reduce maintenance needs by incorporating lubricants within the bearing material itself. Two common methods include:

Graphite Plugging: Bearings are machined with holes filled with solid graphite plugs that provide lubrication through a thin coating on the bearing surface during operation.

Wrapped Bronze Bearings made of CuSn8 with Grease Reservoirs
impregnated bronze bearings Metric Bronze Bushings mold and die tooling Nickel Aluminum Bronze: CuAl10Ni5Fe5 offers superior salt water corrosion resistance.

Selection Guide for Bronze Bearings, graphite bearings bushings

When selecting a bronze bearing material, consider the following factors:

  • Load Requirements: Determine the load capacity needed for your application.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Choose aluminum bronzes for marine applications or environments with high corrosion potential.
  • Lubrication Needs: If maintenance is a concern, self-lubricating options may be preferable.
  • Machinability: For applications requiring complex shapes or precise tolerances, consider leaded bronzes or alloys with enhanced machinability.
  • Temperature Resistance: Aluminum bronzes generally perform better at higher temperatures compared to tin bronzes.

By understanding these characteristics and selecting the appropriate alloy based on specific application requirements, engineers can optimize performance and longevity in various industrial settings.

Future Trends in Bronze Copper Alloy Bearings for Engineering and Design, High Temperature Bushings

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Selection Guide for Bearing Bronze Bushing Materials, Bronze Copper Alloy Bushing Bearing

When choosing bearing bronze materials such as CuSn5Zn5Pb5, CuSn6, CuSn7Pb6Zn4, CuSn10, C52100, CuSn12, CuSn14, CuAl10Fe2, CuAl10Ni5Fe5, CuSn10Pb10, CuSn7Pb15, and CuSn5Pb20, several factors need to be considered:

Load Capacity: Choose a material that can withstand the expected load without deforming or failing. High-strength bronzes are preferred for heavy-duty applications.

Temperature Resistance: Ensure the selected bronze can withstand the operational temperature without losing its mechanical properties. Aluminum bronzes are particularly effective in high-temperature settings.

Wear Characteristics: Opt for materials with high wear resistance if the application involves significant friction and abrasion. Bearing bronzes like C93200 Bronze 932 (Bearing Bronze) Product Guide are specifically formulated for low friction and high load-bearing capacity.

C93200 (SAE 660) Bronze Characteristics: C93200, also known as SAE 660 bearing bronze, is a high-leaded tin bronze alloy that is widely used in various industrial applications. Its key attributes include:

Strength and Wear Resistance: C93200 exhibits good tensile strength (minimum of 35,000 psi) and yield strength (minimum of 20,000 psi), making it suitable for load-bearing applications.

Machinability: This alloy has excellent machinability, allowing for easy fabrication into bushings and other components.

Corrosion Resistance: C93200 is resistant to dezincification and offers reasonable corrosion resistance, particularly in marine environments, which is beneficial for outdoor applications like fixed wheel gates.

Anti-Friction Properties: The alloy has inherent anti-friction characteristics, making it ideal for applications where smooth operation is critical

The combination of C93200 bronze with graphite provides an optimal solution due to:

Durability: The wear resistance of C93200 ensures that the bushings will last under continuous operation in potentially harsh environments.

Reliability: The self-lubricating properties of the graphite ensure consistent performance without the need for constant maintenance, which is crucial in remote or difficult-to-access locations.

Cost Efficiency: Reduced maintenance needs translate into lower operational costs over time, making graphite-impregnated bronze bushings a cost-effective choice for fixed wheel gate applications

Corrosion Resistance: If the bushing will be exposed to moisture or chemicals, select a bronze alloy with superior corrosion resistance.

Bearing bronze alloys specified by ASTM standards B505, B271, and B22 include a variety of copper-tin and copper-aluminum compositions tailored for different applications. Key alloys include:

  • CuSn5Zn5Pb5: A leaded bronze known for its excellent machinability and wear resistance.
  • CuSn6: A tin bronze offering good strength and corrosion resistance.
  • CuSn7Pb6Zn4: A leaded tin bronze with enhanced machinability.
  • CuSn10: A high-tin bronze that provides good wear resistance.
  • C52100: A phosphor bronze alloy known for its high strength and fatigue resistance.
  • CuSn12: Offers excellent wear properties and is used in high-load applications.
  • CuSn14: Known for its strength and corrosion resistance.
  • CuAl10Fe2: An aluminum bronze with good strength and corrosion resistance.
  • CuAl10Ni5Fe5: A nickel-aluminum bronze with enhanced mechanical properties.
  • CuSn10Pb10: A leaded bronze suitable for high-load applications.
  • CuSn7Pb15: Offers good machinability and is used in general bearing applications.
  • CuSn5Pb20: A high-lead content bronze that enhances machinability.

These alloys are commonly used in applications such as bushings, bearings, and thrust washers, where low friction, wear resistance, and durability are critical.

hydro-self-lubricating bushings
bronze lube bushings
Bronze Bushings with Graphite for Fixed Wheel Gates

Applications for Fixed Wheel Gates

Fixed wheel gates are commonly used in water management systems such as dams and irrigation channels. Using C93200 (SAE 660) Material Standard ASTM B505 bronze bushings with graphite for fixed wheel gates combines the strength and durability of bronze with the low-friction benefits of graphite. This combination enhances performance, reduces maintenance needs, and increases reliability in demanding environments.

CAST BRONZE2
centrifugal cast bronze self-lubricating bushing bearings
Graphite Integration Benefits， Upper Guide Bearing

Graphite Integration Benefits

Self-Lubrication: The graphite embedded within the bronze acts as a solid lubricant, reducing friction between the bushing and its mating surfaces. This self-lubricating property minimizes the need for external lubrication systems, which is particularly advantageous in hard-to-reach areas.

CAST BRONZE4
bronze graphite bushings, centrifugal cast bronze self-lubricating bearings
Temperature and Chemical Resistance
These bushings can operate effectively across a wide temperature range and are resistant to many chemicals, making them suitable for various environmental conditions. These products are needed across a range of industries and provide a great solution for inaccessible moving parts which need lubrication.
CAST BRONZE3
centrifugal cast bronze self-lubricating bearings
High Load Capacity
Graphite-embedded bushings can withstand high loads and pressures without significant wear. This characteristic makes them suitable for applications such as fixed wheel gates that experience substantial mechanical stress. Bushing material product manufacturing provider for fast, precise parts and materials. Call us today.

Custom Aluminum Bronze Bearing Parts，CNC Machining Service， Prototype Design & Engineer, a range of products including self-lubricating bushes and bearings

Bronze Copper Alloy, Chemical composition，

A Guide to Different Types of Bronze Alloys

While brass and bronze are both coppers-based alloys, bronze is more resistant to corrosion and harder than brass, making it more suitable for applications where the materials will be exposed to moisture or other harsh conditions. There are different types of bronze alloys, each with its own unique properties and applications. When compared with normal plain bearings, bronze graphite bushes bearings are superior in wear resistance, seizure resistance and friction properties!

CuSn5Zn5Pb5 Bronze Bearing, a copper alloy containing tin and zinc.

Copper CuSn5Zn5Pb5 is a base alloy known for its excellent toughness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and elasticity. It requires good lubrication to operate under high specific loads. This tin copper alloy is also referred to as red bronze or leaded gunmetal.

CuSn6 bronze bearing, copper-tin-phosphorus alloy.

CuSn6 offers a strong blend of strength, cold formability, and hardness. It is wear-resistant, exhibits good corrosion resistance and weldability. Its high strength, elasticity, and favorable machining properties make it suitable for various springs and flexible metal pipes.

CuSn7Pb6Zn4 Bronze Bearing, Copper Alloy with Tin and Lead

CuSn7Pb6Zn4, also known as red bronze or leaded gunmetal, is a tin-lead bronze alloy. It is free-cutting and retains favorable thermal conductivity and lubrication due to its lead content. This semi-hard material exhibits a good balance of resistance and elongation, and is resistant to wear, corrosion, and seawater, making it suitable for general use.

CuSN8 Bronze Bearing, Copper Tin Phosphorus Alloy

Phosphorus bronze alloy C52100 (C521) combines tin, enhancing corrosion resistance and strength, while phosphorus boosts wear resistance and rigidity. These alloys are recognized for their toughness, strength, low friction coefficient, and fine grain structure.

CuSn10 Bronze Bearing, Copper Alloy with Tin

The CuSn10 CuSn-based alloy is noted for its remarkable hardness, toughness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and elasticity. It requires effective lubrication to handle high specific loads. To prevent tension during welding and cooling, which occurs at high temperatures over a short range, careful attention is necessary.

CuSn12 Bronze Bearing, a tin bronze copper alloy.

The material has excellent wear resistance and is resistant to corrosion and salt water. The CuSn12Ni2-C alloys, derived from this material, offer enhanced stability, wear resistance, and improved anti-friction properties. Alloy CuSn12, categorized as C90800, meets the Federal Law on Lead Reduction in Drinking Water.

CuSn14 Bronze Bearing, Tin Bronze Copper Alloy

The CuSn14 alloy is a hard, tough bronze known for its good sliding properties and exceptional corrosion resistance. It endures significant forces, impacts, wear, abrasion, fatigue, and high temperatures, while also resisting high hydraulic pressures and exhibiting good anti-friction qualities. Additionally, it offers decent resistance to cavitation and seawater corrosion.

CuAl10Fe2 bronze bearings, a bronze copper-aluminum-iron alloy.

Aluminum bronzes like CuAl10Fe2 offer enhanced hardness and corrosion resistance compared to other bronze alloys. They are ideal for applications that require high corrosion resistance, particularly in marine environments. In CuAl10Fe2 and C95500, aluminum, iron, and nickel reinforce these alloys.

CuAl10Ni5Fe5 bronze bearings, a copper-aluminum-nickel-iron alloy.

Bronze nickel aluminum bronzes like CuAl10Ni5Fe5 offer enhanced hardness and corrosion resistance compared to other bronze alloys. This makes them ideal for applications requiring high corrosion resistance, particularly in marine environments. CuAl10Ni5Fe5 is recognized as the strongest copper alloy.

CuSn10Pb10 Lead Bronzes Bronze Bearings, Tin-Lead Bronze Copper Alloy

Tin bronzes with high lead content offer excellent machinability, thermal conductivity, and lubrication properties. Alloys like CuSn10Pb10 are particularly suitable for bearing applications where lubrication may be compromised.

CuSn7Pb15 Bronze Bearings – Bronze Copper Tin-Lead Alloy tin and zinc.

The CuSn7Pb15 alloy contains 7 to 30 percent lead. These high-lead tin bronzes allow for easy machining while retaining good thermal conductivity and lubrication, making them ideal for bearing applications where lubrication limits may be compromised.

CuSn5Pb20 Bronze Bearings – Bronze Copper Alloy with Tin and Lead

High-lead content alloys can encase foreign particles due to their malleability, thereby protecting the wear surface of coupling components like shafts. These alloys excel in harsh environments where dirt and other contaminants are present.

Lubrication Bearing Comparison Guide: Copper, Brass, and Bronze Bushings
Bronze bushings and bearings offer low friction for metal-to-metal contact and are also valued in nautical applications for their corrosion resistance.