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

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

UK Stock Sizes