Bronze Castings
Bronze castings in phosphor, tin, leaded, aluminium and manganese bronzes offer excellent wear, bearing and corrosion properties. They are used for bushes, bearings, gears, worm wheels, impellers and marine and pump components.
What it is
Bronzes are copper alloys with tin, aluminium or other elements. Phosphor and tin bronzes are ideal for bearings and worm wheels; leaded bronzes for lightly loaded bearings; aluminium bronze for high strength and seawater corrosion resistance.
Bronze is often centrifugally or continuously cast for bushes and gear blanks, and sand cast for impellers and housings.
Typical applications
- Bushes and plain bearings
- Worm wheels and gears
- Pump impellers and wear rings
- Marine propellers and fittings
- Valve components
Suitable materials
- Phosphor bronze (PB1, PB2)
- Leaded tin bronze (LB2, LG2)
- Aluminium bronze (AB1, AB2)
- Manganese bronze (HTB1)
Points to consider
- Match bronze grade to load, speed and lubrication (phosphor bronze for worm wheels, leaded bronze for bushes).
- Aluminium bronze suits seawater and high-strength parts.
- Centrifugal castings give the densest bearing material.
- Specify chemical composition tests for critical parts.
Frequently asked questions
Which bronze is best for bushes?
Phosphor bronze or leaded tin bronze are the most common. Leaded bronzes tolerate poor lubrication; phosphor bronze handles higher loads.
Why are worm wheels made of bronze?
Phosphor bronze runs well against a hardened steel worm, with low friction and good wear resistance.
Is aluminium bronze good for marine use?
Yes. It has high strength and excellent resistance to seawater corrosion.