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

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.

Aluminium bronze UK stock sizes

Here are the standard stock sizes/colours for Aluminium Bronze in the UK. Please note we do not supply stock material, the information provided is purely for design and research purposes.

Example CA104 stock sizes

Stock sizes will vary depending on supplier. Please get in contact to discuss further.

CA104 aluminium bronze rod

NES 833 aluminium bronze rod

Aluminium bronze technical properties

Physical properties

Mechanical properties

Typical aluminium bronze chemical composition (weight %)

CA104 chemical composition

Def Stan 02 833 chemical composition