Overview
C954 Aluminum Bronze, also known as C95400 Aluminum Bronze, is a high-strength copper-aluminum alloy renowned for its exceptional combination of mechanical strength, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, shock resistance, and bearing performance.
Containing approximately 10–11.5% aluminum, C954 offers significantly higher strength than traditional tin bronzes such as C932. It is widely used in heavy-duty industrial applications where components are subjected to high loads, abrasive wear, and demanding environmental conditions.
C954 aluminum bronze is widely used in:
- Heavy-Duty Bushings
- Bearings
- Wear Plates
- Worm Gears
- Valve Components
- Pump Parts
- Marine Hardware
- Industrial Machinery
Due to its excellent mechanical properties and resistance to corrosion and wear, C954 is one of the most popular aluminum bronze grades worldwide.
Material Specification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Material Designation | C954 Aluminum Bronze |
| UNS Number | C95400 |
| Common Name | Aluminum Bronze |
| Standard | ASTM B505 |
| Material Family | Copper-Aluminum Alloy |
| Density | 7.70–7.85 g/cm³ |
| Magnetic Property | Generally Non-Magnetic |
| Typical Supply Condition | Cast |
| Standard Forms | Bar, Hollow Bar, Plate, Casting |
Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | Balance |
| Aluminum (Al) | 10.0–11.5 |
| Iron (Fe) | 3.0–5.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤1.5 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤0.5 |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤0.5 |
The aluminum and iron additions provide exceptional strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.
Mechanical Properties
As-Cast Condition
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 620–760 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 260–380 MPa |
| Elongation | 10–15% |
| Hardness | 170–220 HB |
| Elastic Modulus | 117 GPa |
Heavy-Duty Service Performance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Compressive Strength | Excellent |
| Impact Resistance | Excellent |
| Fatigue Strength | Excellent |
| Bearing Performance | Excellent |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.75 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1020–1045°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 46 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 7–9% IACS |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.20 μΩ·m |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 16.2 × 10⁻⁶/K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 420 J/kg·K |
Strength Characteristics
| Material | Tensile Strength |
|---|---|
| C954 Aluminum Bronze | 620–760 MPa |
| C932 Bearing Bronze | 240–310 MPa |
| C863 Manganese Bronze | 760–900 MPa |
| C521 Phosphor Bronze | 420–620 MPa |
| Stainless Steel 304 | 515–620 MPa |
C954 provides significantly higher strength than conventional bearing bronzes.
Wear Resistance
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Sliding Wear Resistance | Excellent |
| Abrasion Resistance | Excellent |
| Galling Resistance | Outstanding |
| Bearing Wear Resistance | Excellent |
| Shock Load Resistance | Excellent |
C954 performs exceptionally well in high-load, abrasive environments.
Corrosion Resistance
| Environment | Performance |
|---|---|
| Fresh Water | Excellent |
| Marine Atmosphere | Excellent |
| Salt Water | Excellent |
| Industrial Environment | Excellent |
| Chemical Exposure | Good |
Aluminum bronze alloys are widely recognized for superior seawater corrosion resistance.
Recommended surface treatments:
- Precision Machining
- Passivation
- Protective Oil Coating
- Nickel Plating
- Specialized Marine Coatings
Bearing Performance
| Property | Rating |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | Excellent |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent |
| Anti-Galling Performance | Outstanding |
| Lubricated Service | Excellent |
| Dry Service | Good |
C954 is frequently selected for heavy-duty bearing applications where high loads are present.
Weldability
| Welding Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| TIG Welding | Excellent |
| MIG Welding | Excellent |
| Brazing | Good |
| Soldering | Limited |
Compared with many bronze alloys, C954 offers excellent weldability.
Machinability
| Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Turning | Good |
| CNC Milling | Good |
| Drilling | Good |
| Grinding | Excellent |
| Boring | Good |
Machinability Comparison
| Material | Machinability |
|---|---|
| C360 Brass | Excellent |
| C932 Bronze | Excellent |
| C954 Bronze | Good |
| C863 Bronze | Moderate |
| Stainless Steel 304 | Moderate |
C954 is more difficult to machine than C932 due to its higher strength and hardness.
Heat Treatment
Stress Relief
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 300–400°C |
| Cooling Method | Air Cool |
Heat Treatability
| Property | Performance |
|---|---|
| Heat Treat Hardening | Limited |
| Structural Stability | Excellent |
| Elevated Temperature Performance | Excellent |
C954 is typically used in the as-cast condition.
International Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| UNS (USA) | C95400 |
| ASTM | C954 |
| EN (Europe) | CuAl10Fe3 |
| DIN (Germany) | CC333G |
| JIS (Japan) | CAC703 |
| ISO | CuAl10Fe3-C |
| GB/T (China) | ZCuAl10Fe3 |
Available Forms
| Product Type | Availability |
|---|---|
| Solid Round Bar | Yes |
| Hollow Bar | Yes |
| Tube | Yes |
| Plate | Yes |
| Custom Castings | Yes |
| Bushings | Yes |
Typical Applications
Heavy Equipment Industry
- Excavator Bushings
- Loader Components
- Mining Equipment Parts
- Pivot Bearings
Marine Industry
- Propeller Components
- Marine Bushings
- Offshore Equipment Parts
- Seawater Valve Components
Power Generation
- Turbine Components
- Wear Plates
- Bearing Assemblies
Industrial Machinery
- Heavy-Duty Bearings
- Bushings
- Wear Rings
- Sliding Components
Pump & Valve Industry
- Valve Seats
- Valve Guides
- Pump Wear Components
- Bearing Parts
Mining Industry
- Crusher Bushings
- Wear Plates
- Conveyor Components
Manufacturing Characteristics
| Manufacturing Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Machining | Good |
| Boring | Excellent |
| Grinding | Excellent |
| Welding | Excellent |
| Casting | Excellent |
| Heat Resistance | Excellent |
Advantages
Exceptional Strength
Much stronger than conventional tin bronze alloys.
Excellent Wear Resistance
Performs well under heavy loads and abrasive conditions.
Outstanding Corrosion Resistance
Ideal for marine and industrial environments.
Excellent Shock Resistance
Suitable for impact-loaded applications.
Superior Anti-Galling Performance
Excellent mating behavior against steel shafts.
Long Service Life
Designed for demanding industrial applications.
Limitations
Lower Machinability Than C932
Requires more robust tooling and machining parameters.
Lower Conductivity
Not suitable for electrical applications.
Higher Material Cost
More expensive than traditional bearing bronzes.
Heavier Cutting Forces Required
Due to increased strength and hardness.
Comparison with Other Bronze Grades
| Property | C954 | C932 | C863 | C521 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Excellent | Moderate | Outstanding | High |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Outstanding | Good |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Machinability | Good | Excellent | Moderate | Good |
| Bearing Performance | Excellent | Outstanding | Excellent | Moderate |
Comparison with Common Bearing Materials
| Material | Strength | Wear Resistance | Corrosion Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| C954 Bronze | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| C932 Bronze | Moderate | Excellent | Good |
| Cast Iron | Moderate | Moderate | Poor |
| Stainless Steel 304 | High | Moderate | Excellent |
| C863 Bronze | Outstanding | Outstanding | Good |
Available Surface Finishes
Raw Finishes
- As-Cast Finish
- Turned Finish
Functional Finishes
- Precision Machined Finish
- Ground Finish
- Bored Finish
Specialty Finishes
- Marine Coating
- Oil Protected Surface
- Corrosion Resistant Finish
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is C954 aluminum bronze?
C954 is a high-strength copper-aluminum alloy used for heavy-duty wear and bearing applications.
What is C954 used for?
Typical applications include:
- Bushings
- Bearings
- Wear Plates
- Valve Components
- Marine Hardware
What is the equivalent material to C954?
Common equivalents include:
- CuAl10Fe3
- CC333G
- CAC703
- ZCuAl10Fe3
What is the difference between C954 and C932?
| Property | C954 | C932 |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Much Higher | Lower |
| Wear Resistance | Better | Excellent |
| Machinability | Lower | Better |
| Corrosion Resistance | Better | Good |
Is C954 suitable for marine environments?
Yes. C954 offers excellent seawater corrosion resistance.
Is C954 suitable for heavy-load bearings?
Yes. C954 is commonly used in heavy-duty industrial bearing applications.
Can C954 be machined?
Yes. C954 has good machinability, although it is harder to machine than C932.
Why choose C954 aluminum bronze?
Because it combines:
- Exceptional Strength
- Excellent Wear Resistance
- Outstanding Corrosion Resistance
- Superior Anti-Galling Properties
- Long Service Life
Is C954 suitable for mining and construction equipment?
Yes. C954 is widely used in mining, earthmoving, and heavy industrial machinery.
Does GCNOV provide custom manufacturing services for C954 bronze?
Yes. GCNOV provides:
- CNC Machining
- Custom Bushings
- Heavy-Duty Bearing Manufacturing
- Precision Turning
- Prototype Development
- Low-Volume Production
- Mass Production
- Custom Bronze Castings