Aluminium Bronze

Your guide to Aluminium Bronze Machining

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Offers the highest strength of the copper based alloys

Tarnish resistant

High strength and hardness

Aluminium bronze has some excellent properties including high strength and hardness and excellent corrosion, shock and wear resistance. However it does present some challenges when machined so needs an experienced specialist machinist.

This guide will take you through the main attributes, common applications, notes for designers and suitable finishing and treatments, as well as UK stock sizes and property tables. Don't forget to bookmark the page so you can refer back later.

If you are interested in aluminium bronze machined parts, please scroll to the bottom of the page for more information about our service and to request a quote.

Aluminium Bronze: Properties, Applications and Design Considerations

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What is Aluminium Bronze?
 
Bronzes are Copper-based alloys. Aluminium Bronzes are a range of Copper-based alloys with Aluminium as the main alloying element (up to 14%). There are four major groups of Aluminium Bronze:
  • Single phase – < 8% aluminium
  • Two-phase (duplex) – 8-11% aluminium
  • Aluminium-Silicon alloys – with low magnetic permeability
  • Copper-Manganese-Aluminium alloys – with good castability

Aluminium Bronze offers the highest strength of the copper based alloys as well as being the most tarnish resistant.

 
Aluminium Bronze Machinability

 

Aluminium Bronzes are known for presenting some challenges when machined.

Generally speaking, it is advised to employ standard steel practice.

Speeds and feeds will depend upon the job and machining conditions, but the work must not be "forced", or tearing and chipping may result.

Aluminium Bronze is considerably more abrasive to machine than standard brass or bronze. Tools need to be very sharp. Through coolant drills should be used as there is a tendency for the material to work harden and grab.

Here at Penta Precision, we have a wealth of experince when it comes to machining Aluminium Bronze, so your parts will be in safe hands.

 

Similar or obsolete designation and trade names

You may also see Aluminium Bronze referred to as:

  • CA104 – rod. One of the most commonly used wrought aluminium bronzes
  • C954
  • CA105
  • BS2874
  • BS1400 AB1
  • BS1400 AB2 – most common cast aluminium bronze
  • BS B23 – mainly used in aerospace but also in marine & chemical applications
  • EN12163, 12167, 12420, 1653, CW307G
  • Defence Standard: 
    • Def-Stan 02-833 (main equivalent to CA104)
    • NES833, DGS 1043, CW307G (not exact equivalent) – rod & hexagon
  • American grades: C63000, C63200 (naval)
  • UNS C60600-C64200
 
Industry Examples: Marine | Defence | Aerospace | Oil & gas | Petrochemical
 
Typical Components & Applications: Worm gears | Pump components | Engine components | Valve seats / bodies | Marine hardwear | Thrust washers | Non sparking tools | High strength fasteners | Propeller hubs
 

Defence standard Aluminium Bronze is typically used for: Weapons handling systems | High strength fasteners | Heavy duty bushes & bearings | Gears | Marine valves, pumps & hardwear | Couplings | Wear plates | Marine Propeller shafts | Thrust washers

 

Main Attributes:
  • High strength
  • High hardness
  • Excellent corrosion resistance – particularly in marine environments
  • Excellent shock & wear resistance
  • Can be difficult to machine
  • Tarnish-resistant
  • Low oxidation rates at high temperatures
  • High resistance to cavitation damage
  • Retains properties at cryogenic temperatures

Note For Designers:

Aluminium Bronze is ideally suited to the manufacturing of marine hardware and pumps or valves that handle corrosive fluids.

Due to the higher cost and at times restricted availability of this material, it is generally only used where its higher strength and corrosion resistance is required.

Can we meet your aluminium bronze machining needs? Contact us now
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CNC Machining Changing Supplier Guide

Aluminium Bronze Machined Parts

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Penta Precision provides the following aluminium bronze machining services: 
  • CNC milling
  • CNC turning
  • Prototypes and batch runs
  • Insert installation
  • Part marking
  • Manual milling
  • Manual turning
  • Machining design advice
  • Design for manufacture service

Want to know more?

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