Cast Bronze Alloys for Bearings: A Continuous Cast Selection Guide

Cast Bronze Alloys for Bearings: A Continuous Cast Selection Guide

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Bearing Material Selection · Technical Reference

Cast Bronze Alloys for Bearings: A Continuous Cast Selection Guide

A practical comparison of continuous cast bronze alloys used in sleeve bearings, bushings, thrust washers and wear plates — covering UNS C86300, C89835, C90300, C93200, C95400, C95500, C95510 and C95900, with composition, mechanical and physical data, typical applications and lead-free compliance notes.

Rev. 1.1Aug 2026Reference: ASTM B505 / B271 · SAE 620 · SAE 660 · SAE 430B · AMS 4880

1. What Is Continuous Cast Bronze?

In the continuous cast process, molten bronze is poured through a carbon graphite die surrounded by a water-cooled jacket. The water flow chills the metal and solidifies the cast tube, bar or shape as it leaves the die by gravity, and the casting is drawn out slowly by pinch rolls. Rapid, controlled cooling refines the grain structure and produces a homogeneous microstructure along the length of the bar.

Compared with other casting methods, continuous casting allows a controlled stock allowance, which reduces the machining needed to produce a finished bearing or bushing. The process is commonly used to produce bronze bar, tube and near-net shapes for machined sliding components.

2. Grade Selection Matrix (Cast)

The table below summarizes eight continuously cast bronze grades commonly specified for bearing and bushing applications. “Lead-free” in the compliance column refers to alloys with no intentionally added lead and a lead content within the limits of the referenced standard.

Table 1 — Cast bronze bearing grades: family, distinguishing traits and typical duty
Grade Family Distinguishing traits Typical bearing duty Lead status
C86300 Manganese bronze
(SAE 430B)		 High strength, high load capacity, corrosion resistant; not heat-treatable; leaded silicon-manganese bronze High-load, low-speed bearings; gears, cams, hydraulic cylinder parts Contains Pb
C89835 Bismuth tin bronze Lead-free replacement for C93200 / C83600 / C84400; bismuth replaces lead; good machinability (70); retains 70% machinability of free-cutting brass Faucets, pump components, water pump impellers, pipe fittings, housings, small gears Lead-free
C90300 High tin bronze
(SAE 620)		 Hard, strong tin bronze with good wear and corrosion resistance; can be soldered and brazed High-load, low-speed bearings and bushings; gears, pump components, valve parts Contains Pb*
C93200 Leaded tin bronze
(SAE 660)		 General-purpose bearing bronze; easy machining combined with strength, hardness and wear resistance Bushings, thrust washers, sleeve bearings, machine tool bearings, roll neck bearings Contains Pb
C95400 Aluminum bronze Widely specified cast aluminum bronze; good tensile strength, ductility, weldability and fatigue resistance Worm gears, bushings, pump parts, bearings, high-load and high-wear service Lead-free
C95500 Nickel-aluminum bronze Nickel-bearing aluminum bronze; high tensile strength, yield and compressive strength, high hardness Heavy-duty, high-shock, high-impact bearings; wear plates, valve seats Lead-free
C95510 Nickel-aluminum bronze
(AMS 4880)		 Nickel-aluminum bronze stocked per AMS 4880; abrasion resistance, ductility, hardness retention at moderate temperatures Bushings and bearings with abrasion and moderate-temperature requirements; heavy-duty wear parts Lead-free
C95900 Aluminum bronze High aluminum content (12.0–13.5%); high hardness and wear resistance; limited ductility; not tolerant of misalignment or dirty lubricants Gears, worm drives, valve guides and seats, heavy-duty wear parts against hardened shafts Lead-free

* C90300 contains a low lead limit (0.30% max) under ASTM B505; it is not classified as a lead-free alloy. See Section 6 for compliance guidance.

3. Application Matrix

The matrix maps each grade to representative bearing-related applications. “●” indicates a commonly cited application; “○” indicates a secondary or occasional use.

Table 2 — Application × grade matrix (bearing and sliding components)
Application area C86300 C89835 C90300 C93200 C95400 C95500 C95510 C95900
General bushings & sleeve bearings ● ○ ● ● ● ● ● ○
Thrust washers / wear plates ● ● ● ●
Gears, worm gears & cams ● ○ ● ● ● ● ●
Pumps & hydraulic components ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Valves & valve components ● ○ ● ● ● ● ●
Marine hardware & fittings ● ● ● ●
Potable water / plumbing components ● ○
Fasteners & machine parts ● ● ● ●

4. Alloy Data

Composition limits are per ASTM B505 / B271 where applicable. Mechanical values are minimums for continuously cast material at room temperature; physical values are typical (sources: CDA and manufacturer data sheets). Confirm values against the relevant standard and the supplier certificate before final design.

4.1 C86300 — Manganese Bronze (SAE 430B)

Tough, corrosion-resistant alloy with good wear characteristics; suited to high-load, low-speed service such as gears, bushings, cams and hydraulic cylinder parts. Requires reliable lubrication and is typically used with hardened shafts.

Chemical composition (% max unless shown as range or min)
Cu Sn Pb Zn Fe Ni* Al Mn Si
60.00–66.00 0.20 0.20 22.00–28.00 2.00–4.00 1.00 5.00–7.50 2.50–5.00 —
Mechanical and physical properties
Property US customary Metric
Tensile strength, min 110 ksi 758 MPa
Yield strength @ 0.5% ext., min 62 ksi 427 MPa
Elongation in 2 in. / 50 mm, min 14% 14%
Brinell hardness 223 (3000 kg) 223 (3000 kg)
Machinability rating 8 (FCB = 100) 8
Melting point — liquidus / solidus 1693 / 1625 °F 923 / 885 °C
Density 0.283 lb/in³ @ 68 °F 7.83 g/cm³ @ 20 °C
Electrical conductivity 8% IACS @ 68 °F 0.046 MS/cm @ 20 °C
Thermal conductivity 20.5 Btu·ft/(hr·ft²·°F) 35.5 W/(m·K)
Coefficient of thermal expansion 12 × 10⁻⁶ /°F (68–572 °F) 20.7 × 10⁻⁶ /°C (20–300 °C)
Modulus of elasticity 14,200 ksi 97,900 MPa

* Ni including Co. Fabrication note: coated metal arc welding rated “good”; soldering, brazing, oxyacetylene and gas shielded arc welding rated “poor”.

4.2 C89835 — Bismuth Tin Bronze (Lead-free)

A lead-free substitute for C93200, C83600 and C84400, with bismuth replacing lead. Properties are similar to C93200; because bismuth does not lubricate as effectively as lead, a constant supply of lubrication is recommended for bearing applications.

Chemical composition (% max unless shown as range or min)
Cu Sn Pb Zn Fe Ni* Sb P S Al Bi Si
85.0–89.0 6.00–7.50 0.09 2.0–4.0 0.20 1.00 0.35 0.10 0.08 0.005 1.70–2.70 0.005
Mechanical and physical properties
Property US customary Metric
Tensile strength, min 30 ksi 207 MPa
Yield strength @ 0.5% ext., min 14 ksi 97 MPa
Elongation in 2 in. / 50 mm, min 6% 6%
Brinell hardness 65 (500 kg) 65 (500 kg)
Machinability rating 70 (FCB = 100) 70
Melting point — liquidus / solidus 1855 / 1445 °F 1012 / 785 °C
Density 0.321 lb/in³ @ 68 °F 8.89 g/cm³ @ 20 °C
Electrical conductivity 14.5% IACS @ 68 °F 0.084 MS/cm @ 20 °C
Thermal conductivity 38.0 Btu·ft/(hr·ft²·°F) 65.8 W/(m·K)
Coefficient of thermal expansion 10 × 10⁻⁶ /°F (68–392 °F) 17.3 × 10⁻⁶ /°C (20–200 °C)
Modulus of elasticity 16,900 ksi 116,522 MPa

* Ni including Co. Fabrication note: soldering rated “excellent”, brazing “good”; oxyacetylene, gas shielded arc and coated metal arc welding not recommended.

4.3 C90300 — High Tin Bronze (SAE 620)

Hard, strong tin bronze used in high-load, low-speed applications; withstands wear and corrosion and can be welded, brazed or soldered. Final components require good alignment and lubrication of mated parts.

Chemical composition (% max unless shown as range or min)
Cu Sn Pb Zn Fe Ni Sb P S Al Si
86.0–89.0 7.50–9.00 0.30 3.00–5.00 0.20 1.00 0.20 0.05 0.05 0.005 0.005
Mechanical and physical properties
Property US customary Metric
Tensile strength, min 44 ksi 303 MPa
Yield strength @ 0.5% ext., min 22 ksi 152 MPa
Elongation in 2 in. / 50 mm, min 18% 18%
Brinell hardness 70 (500 kg) 70 (500 kg)
Machinability rating 30 (FCB = 100) 30
Melting point — liquidus / solidus 1832 / 1570 °F 1000 / 854 °C
Density 0.318 lb/in³ @ 68 °F 8.80 g/cm³ @ 20 °C
Electrical conductivity 12% IACS @ 68 °F 0.069 MS/cm @ 20 °C
Thermal conductivity 43.2 Btu·ft/(hr·ft²·°F) 74.8 W/(m·K)
Coefficient of thermal expansion 10 × 10⁻⁶ /°F (68–392 °F) 17.3 × 10⁻⁶ /°C (20–200 °C)
Modulus of elasticity 14,000 ksi 96,527 MPa

4.4 C93200 — Bearing Bronze (SAE 660)

A widely specified general-purpose bearing bronze. Combines easy machining with good strength, hardness and wear resistance; suited to light- and medium-duty bearings, bushings, thrust washers and machine tool components.

Chemical composition (% max unless shown as range or min)
Cu Sn Pb Zn Fe Ni* Sb P S Al Si
81.0–85.0 6.30–7.50 6.00–8.00 2.00–4.00 0.20 1.00 0.35 0.15 0.08 0.005 0.005
Mechanical and physical properties
Property US customary Metric
Tensile strength, min 35 ksi 241 MPa
Yield strength @ 0.5% ext., min 20 ksi 138 MPa
Elongation in 2 in. / 50 mm, min 10% 10%
Machinability rating 70 (FCB = 100) 70
Melting point — liquidus / solidus 1790 / 1570 °F 977 / 854 °C
Density 0.322 lb/in³ @ 68 °F 8.91 g/cm³ @ 20 °C
Electrical conductivity 12% IACS @ 68 °F 0.070 MS/cm @ 20 °C
Thermal conductivity 33.6 Btu·ft/(hr·ft²·°F) 58.2 W/(m·K)
Coefficient of thermal expansion 10 × 10⁻⁶ /°F (68–212 °F) 18.0 × 10⁻⁶ /°C (20–100 °C)
Modulus of elasticity 14,500 ksi 100,000 MPa

* Ni including Co. C93200 contains 6.00–8.00% lead; do not use in potable water or food-contact service.

4.5 C95400 — Aluminum Bronze

A widely used cast aluminum bronze for heavy-duty, high-load and high-wear applications such as worm gears, bushings, pump parts and bearings. Provides good tensile strength, ductility, weldability and fatigue resistance.

Chemical composition (% max unless shown as range or min)
Cu Fe Ni Al Mn
83.00 min 3.00–5.00 1.5 10.00–11.50 0.50
Mechanical and physical properties
Property US customary Metric
Tensile strength, min 85 ksi 586 MPa
Yield strength @ 0.5% ext., min 32 ksi 221 MPa
Elongation in 2 in. / 50 mm, min 12% 12%
Brinell hardness 170 (3000 kg) 170 (3000 kg)
Machinability rating 60 (FCB = 100) 60
Melting point — liquidus / solidus 1900 / 1880 °F 1038 / 1027 °C
Density 0.269 lb/in³ @ 68 °F 7.45 g/cm³ @ 20 °C
Electrical conductivity 13% IACS @ 68 °F 0.075 MS/cm @ 20 °C
Thermal conductivity 33.9 Btu·ft/(hr·ft²·°F) 58.7 W/(m·K)
Coefficient of thermal expansion 9.0 × 10⁻⁶ /°F (68–572 °F) 16.2 × 10⁻⁶ /°C (20–300 °C)
Modulus of elasticity 15,500 ksi 107,000 MPa

4.6 C95500 — Nickel-Aluminum Bronze

Nickel-bearing aluminum bronze with high tensile, yield and compressive strength and high hardness. Suited to heavy-duty, high-shock and high-impact bearing service; has good resistance to seawater corrosion.

Chemical composition (% max unless shown as range or min)
Cu Fe Ni Al Mn
78.00 min 3.00–5.00 3.00–5.50 10.00–11.50 3.50
Mechanical and physical properties
Property US customary Metric
Tensile strength, min 95 ksi 655 MPa
Yield strength @ 0.5% ext., min 42 ksi 290 MPa
Elongation in 2 in. / 50 mm, min 10% 10%
Brinell hardness 208 (3000 kg) 208 (3000 kg)
Machinability rating 50 (FCB = 100) 50
Melting point — liquidus / solidus 1930 / 1900 °F 1054 / 1038 °C
Density 0.272 lb/in³ @ 68 °F 7.53 g/cm³ @ 20 °C
Electrical conductivity 8% IACS @ 68 °F 0.049 MS/cm @ 20 °C
Thermal conductivity 24.2 Btu·ft/(hr·ft²·°F) 41.9 W/(m·K)
Coefficient of thermal expansion 9 × 10⁻⁶ /°F (68–212 °F) 15.5 × 10⁻⁶ /°C (20–100 °C)
Modulus of elasticity 16,000 ksi 110,000 MPa

4.7 C95510 — Nickel-Aluminum Bronze (AMS 4880)

Nickel-aluminum bronze specified per AMS 4880; selected for bearing applications requiring abrasion resistance, good ductility and retention of hardness at moderate temperatures — for example heavy-duty bushings and bearings, hydraulic seal components and general wear parts.

Chemical composition (% max unless shown as range or min)
Cu Sn Zn Fe Ni Al Mn
78.00 min 0.20 0.30 2.00–3.50 4.50–5.50 9.70–10.90 1.50
Mechanical properties
Property US customary Metric
Tensile strength, min 95 ksi 655 MPa
Yield strength @ 0.2% offset, min 56 ksi 386 MPa
Elongation in 4D, min 9% 9%
Brinell hardness 192–248 (3000 kg) 192–248 (3000 kg)
Machinability rating 50 (FCB = 100) 50

4.8 C95900 — Aluminum Bronze

High-aluminum cast aluminum bronze with high hardness and wear resistance, used for gears, worm drives, valve guides and seats and heavy-duty wear parts. Its limited ductility means it does not tolerate misalignment or dirty lubricants; it is generally used against hardened steel shafts with fine surface finishes on both shaft and bearing.

Chemical composition (% max unless shown as range or min)
Cu Fe Ni* Al Mn
Remainder 3.00–5.00 0.50 12.00–13.50 1.50
Mechanical and physical properties
Property US customary Metric
Tensile strength, min (ASTM B505) 90 ksi 621 MPa
Yield strength @ 0.5% ext., min 50 ksi 345 MPa
Elongation in 2 in. / 50 mm, min 5% 5%
Brinell hardness 241 (3000 kg) 241 (3000 kg)
Machinability rating 20 (FCB = 100) 20
Density 0.260 lb/in³ @ 68 °F 7.43 g/cm³ @ 20 °C

* Ni including Co. Minimum tensile and yield strength are reduced 10% for cast bar of 4 in. (102 mm) or more cross-section per ASTM B505.

5. Wrought Copper Alloys (Supplementary)

Alloys with CDA numbers below C80000 are wrought brass or bronze alloys: they are first cast and then mechanically worked (for example by extrusion or rolling) into their final shape. The grades below are frequently cited in bearing and wear applications and are listed here for completeness; properties depend on temper.

Table 3 — Wrought grades commonly used in bearing / wear components
Grade Family Typical bearing-related use Notable points
C31400 Leaded commercial bronze Fasteners, screw machine parts, connectors Free-machining; contains ~2% lead; high electrical and thermal conductivity
C51000 Phosphor bronze 5% A Sleeve bushings, springs, diaphragms, electrical springs Good corrosion resistance; good soldering and brazing capability
C54400 Phosphor bronze B-2 Bushings, gears, pinions, thrust washers, sleeve bearings Free-cutting phosphor bronze; machinability 80
C63000 Nickel-aluminum bronze Valve seats, plunger tips, pump parts, shafting, marine fittings Nominal ~81% Cu / 10% Al / 5% Ni / 4% Fe; heavy-load, wear-resistant
C63020 Nickel-aluminum bronze Bearings, forming dies, hydraulic bushings, valve parts (cryogenic) Heat-treatable (TQ50); tensile strength 130–135 ksi min
C64200 Silicon aluminum bronze Valve stems, valve bodies, gears, cams, marine hardware Corrosion resistance approaching copper with higher strength; hot formable
C67300 Manganese bronze Lead screw nuts, wear plates, bushings, seal rings, thrust bearings High tensile strength; suited to high-load, low-speed service

6. Compliance Notes

Lead-free grades. C89835, C95400, C95500, C95510 and C95900 have no intentionally added lead and are suitable for applications with lead-content restrictions where the relevant standard allows copper alloys. C89835 bismuth tin bronze is documented as compliant with the U.S. Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act (S. 3874) and NSF/ANSI 61 criteria for wetted plumbing surfaces, and is a lead-free substitute for C93200, C83600 and C84400.
Grades containing lead. C86300 (Pb 0.20% max), C90300 (Pb 0.30% max) and C93200 (Pb 6.00–8.00%) contain lead. C93200 must not be used in potable water or food-contact service. C90300 is listed in some sources for potable water components; verify applicable local and market-specific regulations before specifying it for drinking-water or food-contact use.
Food and drinking-water contact. Where a bearing or component contacts food, drinking water or cosmetics, the finished part must be evaluated against the applicable regulation for the target market — for example U.S. FDA 21 CFR, EU Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 and national drinking-water acts. Alloy chemistry alone does not establish compliance: surface finish, lubricant, cleaning agents and operating conditions all affect migration behavior. Request a certificate of conformity and, where required, migration testing from the material supplier.

7. Engineering Selection Notes

  • Load and speed: manganese bronzes (C86300, C67300) and high tin bronzes (C90300) are typically selected for high-load, low-speed service. For higher-speed, lighter-duty general bearing service, C93200 is a common first choice where lead content is permitted.
  • Lead-free duty: where lead restrictions apply, select C89835 for tin-bronze-type duty (with continuous lubrication) or C95400 / C95500 / C95510 for higher-load aluminum-bronze duty.
  • Shaft pairing: several of these alloys (C86300, C95900) are intended to run against hardened, ground shafts; verify shaft hardness and surface finish in the design.
  • Lubrication: bismuth does not provide the same solid-lubricant effect as lead; maintain a constant supply of lubricant with C89835. Aluminum bronzes can run with boundary lubrication but benefit from clean lubricants — dirty lubricant or misalignment is especially damaging to C95900.
  • Corrosion environment: for seawater and marine service, nickel-aluminum bronzes (C95500, C63000) and C95400 are commonly cited; verify galvanic compatibility with adjacent metals.
  • Machinability: machinability ratings are relative to free-cutting brass = 100. C93200 (70), C89835 (70) and C95400 (60) offer easier machining; C86300 (8) requires slower, more controlled cutting.
  • Joining: soldering/brazing suitability varies by grade — see per-grade fabrication notes; aluminum bronzes can be joined by gas shielded arc and coated metal arc welding, while tin bronzes are generally not welded by oxyacetylene.

8. Disclaimer

This guide is provided for general information and engineering reference only. Property values are typical or minimum values from the sources cited and may vary with cast method (continuous, centrifugal or sand), section size, temper and foundry practice. Material selection must be confirmed against the applicable standard (ASTM B505, ASTM B271, AMS 4880, or the customer specification) and validated by the supplier’s certificate of analysis for the specific lot.

Cast Bronze Alloys for Bearings — Selection Guide · For technical reference only.

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