Copper alloys
Some modern copper alloys have properties equal to or better than the more commonly specified steels. In respect of corrosion resistance copper, gun metal or aluminium bronze is often superior to stainless steel particularly in low oxygen environments. Certain high specification aluminium bronzes have extremely high wear resistance and good anti-galling properties.
Mechanical Properties
| Metal | UTS | 0.2% Proof | Elong | BHN | Density | ||||
| N/mm2 | TPSI | N/mm2 | TPSI | % | |||||
| Silicon Brass MB1 | 479 |
31 |
200 |
13 |
25 |
70 100 |
8.5 |
||
| Aluminium Bronze AB2 | 640 |
41 |
250 |
16 |
13 |
140 190 |
8.3 |
||
| Manganese Bronze HTB1 | 470 |
30 |
170 |
11 |
18 |
150 |
8.4 |
||
| Manganese Bronze HTB3 | 740 |
48 |
400 |
26 |
11 |
190 |
8.4 |
||
| Die Casting Brass DCB3 | 290 |
19 |
90 |
6 |
15 |
60 70 |
8.4 |
||
| Silver Bronze SB1 | 450 |
30 |
180 |
11 |
5 |
100 130 |
8.7 |
||
Comparison with International Specyfications
MM Spec. |
BS1400 |
France |
Germany |
USA |
MB1 |
ASTM B584 & C87500 |
|||
AB2 |
AB2 |
DIN1714 |
ASTM B148 |
|
HTB1 |
HTB1 |
DIN1709 |
ASTM B147 |
|
HTB3 |
HTB3 |
DIN1709 |
ASTM B147 |
|
DCB3 |
DCB3 |
NF A 53-703 |
Comparison to Mechanical properties of Stainless Steel
Metal |
UTS |
0.2% Proof |
Elong |
BHN |
Density |
||
N/mm2 |
TPSI |
N/mm2 |
TPSI |
% |
|||
304 |
515 |
205 |
40 |
201 |
8.0 |
||
304L |
485 |
170 |
40 |
201 |
8.0 |
||
316L |
485 |
170 |
40 |
217 |
8.0 |
||
EN8 |
61 |
42 |
18 |
||||
Silicon Brass-MB1 - The most commonly cast copper alloy. It offers high wear resistance particularly in well-lubricated conditions. Silicon aids fluidity during the casting process, increases the tensile strength by approximately 50% compared with normal copper-zinc alloys, and promotes resistance to dezincification. MB1 is a viable alternative to mild steel for many applications.
Aluminium Bronze-AB2 - This alloy is noted for its corrosion resistance, good tensile strength, and retention of its properties at higher temperatures. The oxide film which forms on the liquid material requires the use of relatively high cost pouring systems.
Manganese Bronze-HTB3 - A highly alloyed brass which offers higher tensile strength and loadings than MB1, but lower elongation. The tendency to produce zinc dross, when in the liquid state, leads to a lower surface finish than MB1.
Manganese Bronze-HTB1 - A medium strength alloy suitable for soldering. It offers good machineability.
Die Casting Brass-DCB3 - A low strength material also suitable for soldering. It offers good machineability.
Silver Bronze-SB1 - This unusual silver coloured material is an alloy of copper / nickel / manganese, with high resistance to salt water corrosion and erosion. The alloy is difficult to handle and should only be specified in premium applications and after consultation.
