One of several aluminum bronze alloys, 954 bronze, also designated as C95400 by the Unified Numbering System (UNS), is widely used in many industries. It has high tensile and yield strength, similar to that of medium carbon steel, and is readily welded and fabricated. One of its most significant properties is extreme corrosion resistance, especially in marine and other saltwater environments.
Sequoia Brass and Copper supplies aluminum bronze as well as additional nonferrous metals including copper, brass, and other bronze alloys for the metal fabrication industry. Many shapes are available including bars, rods, square bars, tube stock, and custom cuts.
Learn more about the properties and uses of aluminum bronze below.
954 Bronze Composition
954 bronze is composed of the following elements:
- Copper: minimum of 83%
- Aluminum: 10% to 11.5%
- Iron: 3% to 5%
- Nickel: 1.5%
- Manganese: 0.5%
Properties and Benefits of 954 Aluminum Bronze
The high aluminum content in aluminum bronze forms a protective oxide layer when exposed to moisture and air, making it extremely corrosion-resistant. Nickel, manganese, and other elements also help bolster the corrosion-resistant properties of 954 aluminum bronze.
This versatile and strong metal offers several benefits, including:
- Excellent ductility
- Excellent resistance to wear and abrasion
- Excellent weldability and machinability for simple and complex shapes and structures
- Exceptional resistance to deformation and fatigue when subjected to shock, overload, impact, and vibrational loads
- Forgeable
- Low coefficient of friction
- Relatively high tensile strength and yield
- Resistant to corrosion in saltwater environments
Applications of 954 Aluminum Bronze
Aluminum bronze alloy is frequently used in marine applications because it is highly resistant to cavitation, erosion corrosion, and saltwater corrosion. Additional desirable properties such as wear resistance, anti-friction, durability, and high tensile strength make C95400 aluminum bronze an ideal solution for a range of high-impact, high-load applications.
Some common uses include:
- Aircraft components
- Bearings
- Bushings
- High-strength clamps
- Marine hardware
- Ordnance fittings
- Propellers
- Pump components
- Spur gears
- Valve components
- Wear plates and strips
- Weld guns
- Worm gears
C95400 Equivalent Specifications
- ASME SB271
- ASTM B271 Copper Alloy UNS No. 95400 Centrifugal Cast
- ASTM B505 Copper Alloy UNS No. 95400 Continuous Cast
- Federal Specification: QQ-C-390 QQ-B-671 Class 3
- Military Specification: MIL-B-16033 Class 3
- SAE J461 Wrought and Cast Copper Alloys
- SAE J462 Cast Copper Alloys
Mechanical Properties
- Brinell Hardness (min): 170 typical Bhn (3000kg)
- Elongation in 2″ or 50 mm (min): 12%
- Tensile Strength (min): 85 KSI
- Yield Strength (min): 32 KSI
Physical Properties
- Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 9×10-6 per °F (68-572° F)
- Density: .269lb/in3 at 68° F
- Electrical Conductivity: 13% IACS at 68° F
- Electrical Resistivity: 20 ohms-cmil/ft at 68° F
- Melting Point Liquidus: 1900° F
- Melting Point Solidus: 1880° F
- Modulus of Elasticity in Tension: 15500 KSI
- Specific Gravity: 7.45
- Thermal Conductivity: 33.90 Btu.ft/(hr.ft2.°F) at 68° F
Fabrication Properties |
|
|---|---|
| Joining Technique | Suitability |
| Soldering | Good |
| Brazing | Good |
| Oxyacetylene Welding | Not Recommended |
| Gas Shielded Arc Welding | Good |
| Coated Metal Arc Welding | Good |
Chemical Composition |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 83.0 min. | 3.0-5.0 | 10.0-11.5 | 1.5 max. | 0.50 max. |
Aluminum Bronze vs. Tin Bronze
Many bronze alloys are available in different compositions to suit different needs and applications. Two examples are aluminum bronze and tin bronze alloys, and both of these also come in multiple compositions.
Like all bronze alloys, aluminum bronze is primarily composed of copper. The addition of aluminum, iron, and sometimes nickel makes it strong and suitable for high-impact and high-stress applications. Its aluminum content also gives it corrosion resistance.
In contrast, tin bronze, or C90700, has a high copper content that is alloyed with tin. It is often used for pump bodies, gears, bearings, bushings, and structural elements. Tin bronze alloys can also be used as bearings at temperatures up to 500° F and loads of 4,000 lbs per square inch when aligned and lubricated properly.
Another type of tin bronze is high-leaded tin bronze, which is also known as CDA 932 bearing bronze, SAE 660, and C93200. It contains large amounts of lead, tin, and zinc and traces amounts of iron, nickel, and antimony. It is a high-strength material that is easily machined and can be used for soldering and brazing applications. Unlike aluminum bronze, tin bronze is generally not suitable for welding.
Aluminum Bronze Alloy Products from Sequoia Brass & Copper
We offer the following aluminum bronze alloy products:
Contact Sequoia Brass & Copper Today for 954 Bronze
For over 40 years, Sequoia Brass & Copper has been a leading supplier of high-quality aluminum bronze and other non-ferrous alloys for metal fabricators across North America. We are ISO 9001:2015 certified, and our in-house technical experts and metallurgists work closely with customers to meet requirements.
Contact us to learn more about our bronze alloy selection, or to request a quote.