Aug 17 2012
Topics Covered
IntroductionChemical CompositionPhysical PropertiesMechanical PropertiesThermal PropertiesOther DesignationsFabrication and Heat Treatment Machinability Welding Cold Working AnnealingApplications
Introduction
Free-cutting phosphor bronze – copper alloy UNS C54400 has good cold working properties. Tin provides resistance to corrosion and strength to the alloy where as phosphorus improves the wear resistance and stiffness of the alloy. Phosphor bronzes are used for electrical products owing to their excellent formability and solderability.
The following datasheet provides the chemical composition and properties of UNS C54400.
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of copper alloy UNS C54400 is represented in the following table.
| Element |
Content (%) |
| Copper |
88.0 |
| Lead |
3.5-4.5 |
| Tin |
3.5-4.5 |
| Zinc |
1.5-4.5 |
| Phosphorus |
0.01-0.05 |
| Iron |
≤0.10 |
Physical Properties
The following table details the physical properties of UNS C54400.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Density |
8.89 g/cc |
0.321 lb/in³ |
| Melting point |
926°C |
1700°F |
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of copper alloy UNS C54400 are outlined in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Tensile strength |
303 - 517 MPa |
43900 - 75000 psi |
| Yield strength |
131 - 434 MPa |
19000 - 62900 psi |
| Elongation at break |
50.00% |
50.00% |
| Machinability |
80 |
80 |
| Shear modulus |
39.0 GPa |
5660 ksi |
| Poisson's ratio |
0.34 |
0.34 |
| Elastic modulus |
117 GPa |
16969 ksi |
Thermal Properties
The following table shows the thermal properties of UNS C54400.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Thermal expansion co-efficient ( Temperature 20.0-300 °C ) |
17.3 µm/m°C |
9.61 µin/in°F |
| Thermal conductivity ( Temperature 20.0 °C ) |
87.0 W/mK |
604 BTUin/hr.ft².°F |
Other Designations
Equivalent designations to copper alloy UNS C54400 include:
- ASTM B103
- ASTM B139
- SAE J461
- SAE J463
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
Machinability
The machinability rating of copper alloy UNS C54400 is 80.
Welding
The welding techniques preferred for UNS C54400 are soldering, brazing and butt welding. Oxyacetylene welding, gas shielded, coated metal arc welding, spot welding and seam welding are not recommended for UNS C54400.
Cold Working
UNS C54400 can be cold worked in a very good method.
Annealing
Copper alloy UNS C54400 is annealed at temperatures ranging between 482 and 676°C (900 and 1250°F).
Applications
The applications of UNS C54400 include: