Nov 13 2012
Topics Covered
IntroductionChemical CompositionPhysical PropertiesMechanical PropertiesThermal PropertiesOther DesignationsFabrication and Heat Treatment Annealing Cold Working Welding Machinability Hot Working
Introduction
Phosphor bronze alloys were of great significance in the Bronze Age. The addition of phosphor in bronze alloys increase wear resistance, fatigue resistance and hardness, thus allowing the usage of the phosphor bronze alloys in shafts, fasteners, valve spindles, masonry fixings, bearings, springs and gears.
Bronze copper alloys are available in different forms and some of them include:
- Phosphor bronze
- Tin bronze
- Aluminium/Aluminum bronze
- Silicon bronze
- Architectural bronze
- Manganese bronze
UNS C52100 phosphor bronze copper alloy has good spring qualities, ductility and strength. The following datasheet provides an overview of UNS C52100 alloy.
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of UNS C52100 phosphor bronze copper alloy is outlined in the following table.
| Element |
Content (%) |
| Cu, Copper |
92.0 |
| Sn, Tin |
8.0 |
| P, Phosphorus |
trace |
Physical Properties
The following table shows the physical properties of UNS C52100 phosphor bronze copper alloy.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Density |
8.80 g/cm3 |
0.318 lb/in³ |
| Melting point |
882°C |
1620°F |
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of UNS C52100 phosphor bronze copper alloy are displayed in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Tensile strength |
379-965 MPa |
55000-140000 psi |
| Yield strength (depending on temper) |
165-552 MPa |
23900-80100 psi |
| Elongation at break (in 50.8 mm) |
70% |
70% |
| Machinability (UNS C36000 (free-cutting brass) = 100) |
20 |
20 |
| Shear modulus |
41 GPa |
5950 ksi |
| Poisson's ratio |
0.34 |
0.34 |
| Elastic modulus |
117 GPa |
16969 ksi |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of UNS C52100 phosphor bronze copper alloy are given in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Thermal expansion co-efficient (20-300°C/68-572°F) |
18.2 µm/m°C |
10.1 µin/in°F |
| Thermal conductivity (20°C/68°F) |
62 W/mK |
430 BTU in/hr.ft².°F |
Other Designations
Equivalent materials to UNS C52100 phosphor bronze copper alloy are:
- ASME SFA5.7
- ASTM B103
- ASTM B139
- ASTM B159
- MIL E-23765/3
- SAE J461
- SAE J463
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
Annealing
UNS C52100 alloy is annealed between 482 and 677°C (900 and 1250°F).
Cold Working
UNS C52100 alloy has good cold working capacity.
Welding
Welding processes that can be used for UNS C52100 alloy include oxyacetylene welding, butt welding, soldering, seam welding, brazing, spot welding, coated metal arc welding and gas shielded arc welding.
Machinability
The machinability rating of UNS C52100 alloy is 20.
Hot Working
UNS C52100 alloy has poor hot forming capacity.