self-lubricating bushes composite bearing material developed specifically to operate with marginal lubrication and consists of three bonded layers: a steel backing strip and a sintered porous bronze matrix, impregnated and overlaid with a pigmented acetal copolymer bearing material
Bronze CuSn12Ni

Bronze CuSn12Ni

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Alloy Specification: CuSn12Ni2 (CC484K – EN 1982)

Material CuSn12Ni, Plate, CuSn12Ni is a kind of copper tin alloy casting, which belongs to tin bronze characteristics and uses

Characteristics: very good wear resistance, corrosion resistance, especially resistance to seawater and cavitation erosion.

Uses: Commonly used in the manufacture of high-load clutch sliders and components, load moving nuts, heavy-load high-speed turbines, worm gear rings, high-pressure valves and pump housing, guide wheels, impellers and blades, hydraulic turbines, etc.

Material: CuSn12Ni (Copper-Tin-Nickel Alloy), Plate Form

Composition:

  • Primary Elements:

    • Copper (Cu): Base metal (~86-87%).

    • Tin (Sn): ~12% (main alloying element, typical of tin bronzes).

    • Nickel (Ni): Minor addition (~1-2%, though exact percentage may vary by standard).

Classification:

  • A nickel-modified tin bronze, combining the traditional properties of bronze with enhanced characteristics due to nickel.

Key Properties:

  1. Mechanical Strength:

    • High tensile and yield strength (e.g., ~300-500 MPa, depending on processing).

    • Improved hardness and wear resistance compared to standard tin bronzes.

  2. Corrosion Resistance:

    • Excellent resistance to seawater, acids, and stress corrosion cracking (nickel enhances stability in aggressive environments).

  3. Thermal and Electrical Conductivity:

    • Moderate conductivity, typical of bronzes; less than pure copper but suitable for structural applications.

  4. Machinability and Weldability:

    • Fair machinability; may require specialized tools.

    • Weldable with appropriate techniques (e.g., TIG welding).

Manufacturing and Form:

  • Plate Production: Typically produced via hot/cold rolling, allowing for uniform thickness and structural integrity.

  • Common thicknesses and sizes vary based on application needs.

Applications:

  • Marine Engineering: Pumps, valves, and propeller components due to seawater resistance.

  • Industrial Machinery: Bushings, bearings, and wear plates.

  • Chemical Processing: Equipment exposed to corrosive media.

  • Architectural Uses: Decorative or functional elements requiring durability.

Standards and Designations:

  • Likely aligns with European standards (e.g., EN 1982 for cast copper alloys or DIN 17660 for wrought products).

  • Exact specifications (e.g., Ni content, mechanical thresholds) depend on regional/industry standards.

Advantages Over Plain Tin Bronzes:

  • Nickel adds microstructural stability, improves fatigue resistance, and enhances performance in high-temperature/corrosive settings.

This alloy is valued for its balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and versatility, making it suitable for demanding engineering applications in plate form.

1. Composition Requirements

Element Minimum (%) Maximum (%)
Cu 84.5 87.5
Ni 1.5 2.5
P 0.5 4.0
Sn 11.0 13.0
Al – 0.1
Fe – 2.0
Mn – 0.2
Pb – 0.3
S – 0.5
Sb – 0.1
Si – 0.1
Zn – 0.4

Note: Specified impurities are shown in light type.

2. Mechanical Properties by Casting Process

Casting Type Tensile Strength (MPa) 0.2% Proof Strength (MPa) Elongation (5D, %) Hardness (HBW 10/1000)
Continuous (GC) 300 180 10 95
Centrifugal (GZ) 300 180 8 95

Note: Mechanical properties apply to sizes ≤ 300 mm external diameter. For larger sizes, properties should be agreed between supplier and purchaser.

3. Closest International Standards

Region Standards (Europe, USA, Australia, Japan, ISO) Alloys
Europe BS 1400, DIN 1705, NFA 53707, UNE 37103-2 CT2, CuSn12Ni, CuSn12P, C-3820 (CuSn12Ni2)
USA ASTM B505, ASTM B271 C92500, n/a
Australia AS 1565 C91700
Japan JIS H5121, JIS H5120 n/a
International ISO 1338 CuSn12Ni2

4. Optional Heat Treatments (Customer Request)

  • Stress relieve
  • Phase transformation

5. Technical Characteristics

  • Recommended for use in gearwheels.
  • Ideal for high static loads, suitable for both high and low speeds with good lubrication.
  • Exhibits high resistance to fatigue, abrasive environments, erosion, and cavitation.
  • Resistant to atmospheric corrosion, including spring and seawater.

Understanding Bronze CuSn12Ni: Specifications and Applications in Bearing Bushing Flanges

Bronze alloys are well-regarded in the engineering world for their durability, strength, and corrosion resistance. Among these, the Bronze CuSn12Ni alloy, often used in bearing applications, stands out due to its exceptional properties. This blog post delves into the specifications of the CuSn12Ni alloy and explores its suitability for bearing bushing flanges.

Introduction to Bronze CuSn12Ni Alloy

The Bronze CuSn12Ni alloy, also known under the European standard as CC484K, is a high-grade engineering material known for its robustness and resistance to wear. This alloy is predominantly composed of copper, with significant amounts of tin and nickel, enhancing its strength and corrosion resistance. It is especially favorable for applications requiring longevity and reliability under mechanical stress and corrosive conditions.

Alloy Composition and Properties

Composition:

  • Copper (Cu): 84.5% to 87.5%
  • Tin (Sn): 11.0% to 13.0%
  • Nickel (Ni): 1.5% to 2.5%
  • Phosphorus (P): 0.5% to 4.0%
  • Minor amounts of other elements such as Aluminium, Iron, Manganese, Lead, Sulfur, Antimony, Silicon, and Zinc are also present to improve various properties.

Mechanical Properties:

  • Tensile Strength: 300 MPa
  • 0.2% Proof Strength: 180 MPa
  • Elongation (5D): 8% to 10%
  • Hardness: 95 HBW

These properties make the CuSn12Ni alloy particularly suitable for bearing applications where loads are significant and wear resistance is critical.

Bearing Bushing Flanges: Applications and Advantages

Bearing bushing flanges made from Bronze CuSn12Ni are particularly advantageous in several industrial applications. These flanges are essential components in rotary applications, providing smooth rotation and stability. Here’s why CuSn12Ni is an excellent choice:

  1. High Load Capacity: The strength and hardness of the alloy allow it to withstand high static and dynamic loads, making it ideal for heavy-duty machinery.
  2. Corrosion Resistance: With excellent resistance to corrosion from both atmospheric conditions and aggressive industrial environments, CuSn12Ni bushings maintain their integrity over time, reducing maintenance costs.
  3. Versatility in Applications: From marine engineering to construction machinery and automotive components, the resilience of CuSn12Ni adapts to various demanding environments.
  4. Durability: The wear resistance of this bronze alloy ensures a longer service life for bushings, which is crucial for reducing downtime and enhancing the efficiency of industrial operations.

Design Considerations for Bearing Bushing Flanges

When designing bearing bushing flanges with Bronze CuSn12Ni, consider the following:

  • Size and Fit: Ensure precise measurements for flanges to fit seamlessly within machinery. Incorrect sizing can lead to premature wear and tear.
  • Environment: Evaluate the environmental conditions in which the bushing will operate. This consideration will impact the choice of material enhancements or coatings needed.
  • Lubrication Needs: Although CuSn12Ni has good lubrication properties, specific applications might require additional lubrication systems to optimize performance and lifespan.

centrifugal casted CuSn12Ni2 Bearing Bushing components

Bronze CuSn12Ni is a standout material for bearing bushing flanges, combining durability, corrosion resistance, and high load-bearing capacity. Its adaptability across various industries—from shipping to heavy machinery—makes it a preferred choice for engineers and designers seeking reliable and long-lasting components. As industries continue to evolve, the role of materials like Bronze CuSn12Ni in bearing applications becomes increasingly crucial, ensuring the smooth operation of machinery in challenging environments.

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