Filter —
| Designation (EN) | Type | Rm (MPa) | Rp0.2 (MPa) | A (%) | HB | Machinability | Formability | Typical applications |
|---|
Notes & design guidelines
CuZn — Brass
The most widely used group. Increasing Zn content improves strength but reduces ductility. CuZn39Pb3 is the most machinable metal available (reference 100 %). Caution: season cracking risk under stress in ammonia environments.
CuSn — Tin Bronze
Excellent corrosion resistance, well suited for bearings and bushings (low friction coefficient). CuSn6 is the standard spring material. Cast variants (EN 1982) have lower Rm than wrought grades.
CuAl — Aluminium Bronze
High strength (comparable to low-carbon steel), excellent corrosion resistance including seawater. More difficult to machine. Used for ship propellers, hydraulic fittings, and bearings.
CuNi — Cupronickel
Excellent resistance to seawater and erosion. Used for heat exchangers, condensers, and tube sheets. CuNi30 is more resistant than CuNi10 due to higher Ni content.
CuBe — Beryllium Bronze
The only hardenable copper alloy. After precipitation hardening, Rm reaches up to 1 300 MPa. Non-sparking — suitable for tools in explosive environments. Caution: CuBe dust and fumes are toxic (carcinogen).
Machinability — reference scale
- Excellent (>80 %): CuZn39Pb3, CuZn36Pb3 — reference material
- Good (50–80 %): CuZn37, CuSn8, CuBe2
- Fair (20–50 %): CuSn12, CuAl10Fe3
- Poor (<20 %): CuNi, CuAl10Ni5Fe4
Reference standard: CuZn39Pb3 = 100 %.