Exploring the Versatility of Aluminium Bronze CuAl10Ni5Fe4 for Bearing Applications

CuAl10Ni5Fe4 (C95100) bearings provide low friction and high load capacity, ideal for heavy machinery, cranes, and port equipment. CuAl10Ni5Fe4 slide plates are fitted in systems with continuous motion, cutting wear and ensuring smooth operation.

We also offer C95500, C95900, bearing material with many alloy and size options. C95510, and C63000.

In the realm of industrial metals, aluminium bronze alloys are celebrated for their impressive blend of strength, corrosion resistance, and mechanical robustness. Among these, CuAl10Ni5Fe4 has carved a niche due to its superior properties, making it an excellent choice for bearings in challenging environments. This blog post delves into the characteristics and material data of CuAl10Ni5Fe4, providing insights into why this particular aluminium bronze is ideal for bearing applications.

CuAL10Ni5Fe4, also known as nickel aluminum bronze, is a specialized alloy renowned for its impressive mechanical properties and versatility in various applications. This alloy typically contains aluminum (8.5% to 11%), nickel (4% to 6%), iron (2% to 5%), and a small amount of manganese (up to 1.5%), with copper as the primary component making up the remainder of the alloy.

Properties of CuAL10Ni5Fe4

• High Strength and Hardness: CuAL10Ni5Fe4 exhibits high tensile strength, typically ranging from 640 to 800 MPa, and yield strength between 270 and 400 MPa. The hardness can reach values of 170 to 220 HBW, making it stronger than traditional tin bronzes.
• Excellent Wear Resistance: The alloy’s composition provides superior wear resistance, making it ideal for applications involving friction and abrasive conditions.
• Corrosion Resistance: CuAL10Ni5Fe4 demonstrates excellent resistance to corrosion in various environments, including seawater, freshwater, and atmospheric conditions. This is attributed to the protective oxide layer formed on its surface.
• High Thermal Conductivity: With a thermal conductivity of approximately 40 to 42 W/m·K, this alloy is suitable for applications requiring efficient heat transfer.
• Non-Sparking Properties: The alloy does not produce sparks under impact, which makes it suitable for use in hazardous environments where flammable substances are present.

The aluminum content in CuAL10Ni5Fe4 aluminum bronze typically does not exceed 11.5%. To enhance performance, elements like iron, nickel, and manganese may be added. Aluminum bronze can be strengthened through heat treatment, offering greater strength and better high-temperature oxidation resistance compared to tin bronze.

It exhibits high strength and excellent wear resistance, making it suitable for applications such as high-strength screws, nuts, copper sleeves, sealing rings, and other wear-resistant components. Aluminum bronze with iron and manganese demonstrates high strength and wear resistance; quenching and tempering improve its hardness, while also providing good resistance to high-temperature corrosion and oxidation in various environments, including fresh and seawater. It can be welded but is less suitable for brazing, and it processes well under hot conditions.

Aluminum bronze boasts numerous outstanding properties, including high strength, hardness, and wear resistance, which make it ideal for manufacturing parts like gear blanks and threads. Its corrosion resistance allows for use in components such as propellers and valves. Additionally, aluminum bronze does not produce sparks upon impact, making it suitable for spark-free tools. It has excellent thermal conductivity and stable stiffness, preventing sticking and scratching during the drawing and rolling of stainless steel heat exchanger plates, thus emerging as a new mold material. Furthermore, aluminum bronze exhibits a shape memory effect and has been developed into a shape memory alloy. Its relative affordability has made it a partial substitute for more expensive materials like tin bronze, stainless steel, and nickel-based alloys. Due to its exceptional characteristics, aluminum bronze is increasingly popular and plays a significant role in both civil  applications.

Applications

Due to its unique properties, CuAL10Ni5Fe4 is utilized across multiple industries:

• Marine Applications: Commonly used in ship propellers, valves, and pump components due to its excellent corrosion resistance in saltwater environments.
• Aerospace: Employed in critical components such as aircraft landing gear and strut bearings where high strength and reliability are paramount.
• Industrial Equipment: Used for manufacturing bushings, bearings, gears, and other components that require high durability and wear resistance.
• Electrical Applications: Its good electrical conductivity makes it suitable for certain electrical components and heat exchangers.
• Non-Sparking Tools: Ideal for creating tools used in explosive environments due to its non-sparking characteristic.

Manufacturing and Treatment

CuAL10Ni5Fe4 can be heat-treated to enhance its mechanical properties further. Processes such as quenching and tempering improve hardness while maintaining ductility. The alloy can also be machined and welded, though it may be challenging to braze due to its composition.In summary, CuAL10Ni5Fe4 is a high-performance aluminum bronze alloy that combines strength, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. Its diverse applications across marine, aerospace, industrial, and electrical sectors underscore its significance in modern engineering.

Material Overview

CuAl10Ni5Fe4, also known as Aluminium Bronze Alloy C63000, is distinguished by its significant iron and nickel content, enhancing its overall strength and corrosion resistance. Predominantly used in heavy-load bearing applications, this alloy offers a high level of wear resistance and is particularly resistant to seawater corrosion, making it suitable for marine and offshore applications.

Chemical Composition

Here is a closer look at the alloy’s composition:

• Copper (Cu): Balance
• Aluminum (Al): 8.50 – 11.00%
• Iron (Fe): 3.00 – 5.00%
• Nickel (Ni): 4.00 – 6.00%
• Manganese (Mn): ≤ 1.00%
• Silicon (Si): ≤ 0.20%
• Lead (Pb): ≤ 0.05%
• Zinc (Zn): ≤ 0.40%

Key Physical and Mechanical Properties

• Density: 7.6 g/cm³
• Hardness: ≤ 195 HB
• Tensile Strength: 700 – 740 N/mm²
• Yield Strength: ≥ 330 N/mm²
• Elongation: 10 – 15%
• Modulus of Elasticity: 117 kN/mm²
• Thermal Conductivity: 63 W/m·K
• Electrical Conductivity: 4.6 MS/m

Performance Characteristics

CuAl10Ni5Fe4’s robust properties make it highly effective under both normal and extreme conditions:

• Corrosion Resistance: Exceptionally good, especially against seawater, making it ideal for maritime and related applications.
• Wear Resistance: Its hardness and strength contribute to outstanding wear resistance, which is crucial for bearings that operate under high friction.
• No Stress Corrosion: The alloy does not succumb to stress corrosion cracking, a common failure mode in many metals.
• High Resistance to Scaling: Maintains integrity even at elevated temperatures, which is beneficial for high-temperature industrial applications.

Applications

Given its high strength and excellent corrosion resistance, CuAl10Ni5Fe4 is typically used in the following applications:

• Marine Engineering: Components like propeller shafts and pump parts.
• Aerospace: Landing gear components and other critical high-strength parts.
• General Industrial: High-load bearings in environments prone to corrosion, such as chemical plants and desalination facilities.

Customizability

CuAl10Ni5Fe4 can be manufactured in various forms, including bars, plates, tubes, and custom-cast shapes, making it adaptable to a wide range of specific application needs, from standard bearings to complex multi-component assemblies.

Conclusion

Aluminium Bronze CuAl10Ni5Fe4 represents a high-performance alloy that is ideally suited for bearings that demand high resistance to wear and corrosion. Its ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions without degrading makes it a preferred choice for industries ranging from maritime to aerospace. For engineers and manufacturers seeking a reliable material for critical bearing applications, CuAl10Ni5Fe4 offers a combination of properties that are hard to match.

Here is the information on CuAl10Ni5Fe4 formatted into a table:

Category	Details
General Description	CuAl10Ni5Fe4, Material No. 2.0966 or EN CW307G, UNS C63000, is a copper-aluminum alloy with added iron and nickel. Known for its high wear resistance, excellent corrosion and seawater resistance, and no susceptibility to stress corrosion. Also noted for high resistance to scaling.
Chemical Composition	– Silicon (Si): ≤ 0.20% – Manganese (Mn): ≤ 1.00% – Nickel (Ni): 4.00 – 6.00% – Copper (Cu): Remainder – Aluminum (Al): 8.50 – 11.00% – Iron (Fe): 3.00 – 5.00% – Lead (Pb): ≤ 0.05% – Zinc (Zn): ≤ 0.40%
Mechanical Properties at 20°C	– Hardness (HB 30): ≤ 195 HB – 0.2% Yield Strength (Rp): ≥ 330 N/mm² – Tensile Strength (Rm): 700 – 740 N/mm² – Elongation (A5): 10 – 15% – Modulus of Elasticity: 117 kN/mm²
Physical Properties at 20°C	– Density: 7.6 g/cm³ – Specific Heat Capacity: 450 J/kg·K – Thermal Conductivity: 63 W/m·K – Electrical Conductivity: 4.6 MS/m
Applications	Commonly used in the manufacture of gearings, axes, plungers, and valves due to its robust mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.
Available Forms	– Sheets/Plates – Bars – Tubes/Pipes – Forged/Cast Parts – Finished parts (as per drawing)

This table provides a concise overview of the key aspects of the CuAl10Ni5Fe4 alloy, illustrating its composition, properties, and applications, as well as the forms in which it can be supplied.