Phosphor bronze machined parts

Phosphor bronze suits many applications, especially heavy-duty parts. Due to its density and machining difficulty, a skilled specialist is required. This guide covers key properties, uses, finishes, and stock sizes.

Corrosion-resistant and versatile
Popular in marine use
Excellent spring qualities

Phosphor bronze machined parts

Phosphor bronze suits many applications, especially heavy-duty parts. Due to its density and machining difficulty, a skilled specialist is required. This guide covers key properties, uses, finishes, and stock sizes.

Corrosion-resistant and versatile
Popular in marine use
Excellent spring qualities

Phosphor bronze machined parts

Phosphor bronze suits many applications, especially heavy-duty parts. Due to its density and machining difficulty, a skilled specialist is required. This guide covers key properties, uses, finishes, and stock sizes.

Corrosion-resistant and versatile
Popular in marine use
Excellent spring qualities

Phosphor bronze grades we use

No items found.

What is phosphor bronze?

Phosphor Bronze (also known as tin bronze or phos bronze) is an alloy of copper, tin and phosphorous. One of the oldest metal alloys, it is a versatile material that offers very good corrosion resistance. It is particularly used within the marine industry but also electrical, aerospace and chemical.

A number of grades of phosphor bronze are available. PB102 is the most common grade of wrought phosphor bronze used in the UK.

It has high corrosion resistance and excellent spring qualities – making it suitable for a wide range of applications and especially heavy duty components.

Phosphor bronze machinability

Phosphor Bronze is very dense and therefore machining it can present some challenges. It has a machinability rating of 20 (compared to Brass CZ121 at 100).

Very sharp cutting tools are required. Tipped tools are preferred. Plenty of coolant is recommended.

Here at Penta Precision, we have years of experience when it comes to machining Phosphor Bronze, so your parts will be in safe hands.

Similar or obsolete designation and trade names

You may also see Phosphor Bronze referred to as:

  • PB101 / CW450K / Cusn4
  • PB102 / CW451K / CuSn5 / UNS C51000 / ASTM B139 / QQ-B750 / SAE J461
  • PB103 / CW452K / CuSn6
  • PB104:
    • CW453K / CuSn8
    • CW459K / CuSn8P
    • CW455K / CuSn4Pb2P
    • CW457K / CuSn4Te1P
    • CW458K / CuSn5Pb1
    • CW460K / CuSn8PbP
    • CW454K / CuSn3Zn9
    • CW456K / CuSn4Pb4Zn4
  • AMS 4625 / NES838
  • DTD265A
  • BS1400 / PB1
  • LG2 / CC491K
  • PB2
  • SAE660
  • PB1C
  • AMS 4510
  • BS2875
  • DEFSTAN 02-838 (Naval specification)
  • C544

Main attributes

  • High corrosion resistance
  • High fatigue strength
  • Low friction coefficient
  • Fine grain
  • Good spring properties
  • High mechanical strength
  • Difficult to machine
  • Good cold resistance
  • Good thermal and electrical conductivity

Phosphor bronze UK stock sizes

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

Example PB102 stock sizes

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

PB102 phosphor bronze rod
Size KG/Metre
1/2" 1.12
5/8" 1.75
3/4" 2.52
7/8" 3.43
1" 4.48
1 1/8" 5.68
1 1/4" 7.01
1 3/8" 8.48
1 1/2" 10.0
1 3/4" 13.7
2" 17.9
2 1/4" 22.7
2 1/2" 28.0
2 3/4" 33.9
3" 40.4
3 1/4" 47.6
3 1/2" 54.9
4" 71.7

Phosphor bronze technical properties

Physical properties

Physical Properties

Value

Density 8.85 g/cm3
Melting Point 930°C
Modulus of Elasticity 121 GPa
Thermal Conductivity

63 W/m.K

Electrical Resistivity 0.096 x10^-6 Ω .m

Mechanical properties

Mechanical Properties

Sheet - 0.1mm to 5mm 
Spec: EN 1652:1998

Proof Stress 240 ­- 670 MPa
Tensile Strength 400 - 720 MPa
Elongation A50 mm 2-45%
Hardness Vickers 75 to 230 HV

Typical phosphor bronze chemical composition (weight %)

PB102 / CW451K chemical composition

Weight (%)
Iron Copper Nickel Lead Tin Zinc Phosphorous Others (Total)
min. 0.00 Balance 0.00 0.00 4.50 0.00 0.01 0.00
max. 0.10 Balance 0.20 0.02 5.50 0.20 0.40 0.20

Industries that use Phosphor bronze

No items found.

Real-world uses of Phosphor bronze

No items found.

Phosphor bronze FAQs

More Bronze grades

Explore Phosphor bronze resources

No items found.