Tin Bronzes
BZ4 ZeST® · UNS C54400, C90700, C83600 · CuSn4Pb4Zn4, CuSn10P, CuSn5Zn5Pb5
Tin bronzes are copper-tin alloys for bearings, bushings and connector parts that run with little lubrication and resist corrosion.
Alloy family
What this family is good at
What tin brings to a bronze
Tin bronzes are chosen for self-lubrication and friction resistance, with good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Phosphorus, in grades such as CuSn10P and CuSn8P, deoxidises the metal and adds wear resistance and stiffness. Lead, in grades such as CuSn5Zn5Pb5, makes the bronze easy to machine and lets it keep running under low lubrication.
Bearings, bushings and hydraulic parts in bars
PB1, CuSn10P (UNS C90700), is our phosphor bronze for parts under heavy loads that need wear and fatigue resistance. It goes into bearings, bushings and sliding parts of industrial machinery, into pump components, valve seats and fittings, and into propeller shaft bushes and rudder components that see seawater.
LG2, CuSn5Zn5Pb5 (UNS C83600), is the leaded grade for bearings and bushings that run with little lubrication. It also goes into valves, pumps, fittings and taps for water distribution, irrigation and hydraulic systems. Both grades are supplied as bars and hollow bars, compliant with ASTM B271 and ASTM B505.
Connector contacts and turned parts in wire and rod
BZ4, CuSn4Pb4Zn4 (UNS C54400), combines strength, wear resistance and machinability for spring contacts of electrical connectors and cold-worked parts. It accepts cold working, soldering and welding. We supply it as wires, small rods and profiles, compliant with CW456K and AMS 4520.
BZ4 ZeST®, CuSn4Zn4, is its lead-free alternative in our ZeST® turning range, supplied as wires and small rods. Lead-free tin bronzes also serve the weaving of wire cloth.
Choosing a grade with our engineers
The family counts more than thirty grades, from CuSn2 to CuSn12Ni2 and the leaded bearing bronzes. Not every grade exists in every form, and each product page lists the forms we hold. Our engineers read your drawing with you and confirm the grade before production.
Self-lubrication and friction resistance, for bearings and bushings that run with little lubrication.
PB1 and LG2 in bars and hollow bars, compliant with ASTM B271 and ASTM B505, for hydraulic and marine parts.
BZ4 in wires, small rods and profiles, compliant with AMS 4520, and its lead-free alternative BZ4 ZeST®.
Range at a glance
The extent of this family's measured properties across its active variants — a range, never a single figure.
110 – 680 MPa
43/57 measured
180 – 750 MPa
45/57 measured
3 – 60 %
30/57 measured
65 – 110 HB
6/57 measured
11 – 19 %IACS
29/57 measured
8.6 – 8.9 g/cm³
34/57 measured
67 – 85 W/m·K
29/57 measured
All Tin Bronzes references
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Used in
- Aerospace
- Electronics & Connectors
Specify it with an engineer
Bring us your bearing or turned part
Send us the drawing, the loads and the lubrication conditions. Our engineers recommend the tin bronze grade and the form that suit it.