Bronze
Bronze is a copper alloy, traditionally with tin, known for wear resistance, low friction and corrosion resistance. It is the classic material for bushes, bearings, worm wheels, thrust washers and marine and pump components.
What it is
Tin bronzes and phosphor bronzes are hard-wearing bearing alloys; leaded bronzes tolerate poor lubrication; aluminium bronzes have very high strength and seawater resistance; gunmetal (leaded tin bronze) is used for pump and valve castings.
Bronze is supplied as continuous cast bar, centrifugal castings and sand castings, and machined to size.
Typical applications
- Bushes and plain bearings
- Worm wheels and gears
- Thrust washers and wear plates
- Pump impellers and wear rings
- Marine fittings
Materials & grades
- Phosphor bronze (PB1, PB2, C51000)
- Leaded tin bronze (LB2, SAE 660)
- Aluminium bronze (AB1, AB2, C95400)
- Gunmetal (LG2)
Points to consider
- Match grade to load and lubrication; leaded bronzes suit marginal lubrication.
- Aluminium bronze suits high strength and seawater.
- Hardened steel shafts run best against bronze bushes.
- Continuous cast bar reduces machining waste for bushes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between bronze and brass?
Bronze is mainly copper with tin (or aluminium); brass is copper with zinc. Bronze is generally harder and better for bearings.
Which bronze is best for bushes?
Leaded tin bronze (such as SAE 660) for general bushes; phosphor bronze for higher loads; aluminium bronze for heavy-duty or marine use.
What is gunmetal?
A leaded tin bronze (such as LG2) widely used for pump, valve and fitting castings.