C54400 (also known as CuSn4Pb4Zn4, or Phosphor Bronze B-2) is a leaded phosphor bronze alloy renowned for its excellent machinability, strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. This alloy is commonly used in bearings, electrical connectors, bushings, thrust washers, and other engineered components where performance and durability are critical.
Chemical Composition (%)
| Element | Min / Range (%) | Max (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | Balance | — |
| Tin (Sn) | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| Lead (Pb) | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 1.5 | 4.5 |
| Iron (Fe) | — | 0.10 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.01 | 0.50 |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | ~ 8.89 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | Solidus ~ 1700 °F (≈ 927 °C), Liquidus ~ 1830 °F (≈ 999 °C) |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~ 19% IACS (at 20 °C) |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~ 86.5 W/m·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | ~ 16.6 × 10⁻⁶ /°C (20-300 °C) |
| Modulus of Elasticity (Tension) | ≈ 103,400 MPa |
Mechanical Properties
| Section / Size Range | Temper / Hardness Condition | Tensile Strength (min) | Yield Strength (0.5% extension) | Elongation Min (%) | Hardness (Rockwell B) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Over 1/16″ to 1/4″ round/hex | H04 | ~ 450 MPa | ~ — (yield not always specified) | ~ 8% | HRB ~ 86 |
| Over 1/4″ to 1/2″ round/hex | H04 | ~ 415 MPa | — | ~ 10% | HRB ~ 86 |
| Over 1/2″ to 1″ | H04 | ~ 380 MPa | — | ~ 12% | HRB ~ 86 |
| Over 1″ | H04 | ~ 345 MPa | — | ~ 15% | HRB ~ 86 |
Key Features & Advantages
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Free Machinability: Lead and phosphorus improve machinability; rated ~ 80 on standard machinability scales.
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Wear & Bearing Performance: Tin and phosphorus help with wear resistance and bearing properties under load.
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Corrosion Resistance: Good resistance to oxidation and corrosion in many environments due to the tin content.
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Good Physical Stability: Dimensional stability and strength under mechanical stress.
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Versatile Formability: Can be cold worked, drawn, formed, and annealed.
Fabrication, Tempers & Recommended Processes
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Tempers: H04 (hard), “B-2” is common in free-cutting hardness.
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Annealing Range: ~ 900-1250 °F (~ 482-676 °C) for stress relief and improved ductility.
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Forming Processes: Suitable for drawing, blanking, bending, stamping, machining. Welding is limited (soldering and brazing are preferred).
Typical Applications
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Bearings, bushings, thrust washers, and wear-parts
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Electrical connectors and switchgear components
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Valves, gears, pinions, shafts
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Spring washers, sleeve bearings
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Precision machined parts where high-strength combined with machinability is needed
Why Conex Casting for C54400?
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We supply grade-certified C54400 with strict specification compliance (ASTM, SAE, JIS equivalents)
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Large stock in bars, rods, wire, and shapes ready for machining & finishing
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Technical support for selecting correct temper, form, and size
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Global shipping & timely delivery