CuSn10P Bronze Bushings: Properties, Applications and Engineering Guide

CuSn10P bronze is a copper-tin alloy used for bronze bushings, plain bearings, wear components, and other sliding parts in industrial equipment.

With approximately 10% tin in the alloy system, CuSn10 bronze provides a combination of mechanical strength, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and dimensional stability. These characteristics make it suitable for loaded sliding and oscillating applications where the bearing material must withstand mechanical stress and environmental exposure.

CuSn10P bronze bushings can be manufactured in solid, flanged, tubular, or custom configurations. For applications where conventional lubrication is difficult, a bronze substrate can also be engineered with embedded solid lubricant.

This guide explains CuSn10P bronze properties, bushing applications, material selection considerations, and solid-lubricant options.

What Is CuSn10P Bronze?

CuSn10P belongs to the copper-tin bronze family. The designation indicates a bronze alloy based primarily on copper and containing approximately 10% tin, with phosphorus associated with the phosphor-bronze material family.

The alloying elements influence the material’s mechanical and tribological behavior:

• Copper (Cu): Forms the main metallic matrix and contributes to strength, ductility, thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance.

• Tin (Sn): Increases hardness, strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance compared with unalloyed copper.

• Phosphorus (P): In phosphor-bronze systems, phosphorus is controlled as an alloying or deoxidizing element depending on the material specification and manufacturing process.

The exact chemical composition depends on the applicable material standard and product form.

CuSn10 and CuSn10-C

CuSn10-C is identified as CC480K under EN 1982 for a cast copper-tin alloy. Available technical references list approximately 9–11% Sn, with Cu as the balance and controlled limits for elements including Ni, Pb, Zn, and P.

Because material designations vary between standards and product forms, the material certificate and applicable standard should be used when confirming an exact grade for a customer drawing or purchase order.

CuSn10P Bronze Material Properties

CuSn10 bronze is used where a balance of strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance is required.

For the EN 1982 CuSn10-C / CC480K casting designation, published data gives typical minimum values that vary according to casting process. For continuous casting, one reference lists Rm ≥ 280 MPa, Rp0.2 ≥ 170 MPa, elongat