Copper Alloy AlBC3-F (As fabricated)
Temper · default condition
GB AlBC3
Standard stocked condition for propellers, pump and valve bodies; best combination of strength, ductility and price.
Values for the F condition
Other AlBC3 tempers and conditions
AlBC3 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at AlBC3.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Temper annealed / stress relieved | Choose for thick-section seawater parts: breaks up continuous β′ phase, maximises resistance to dealuminification and reduces casting residual stress. | 265 | 610 | 23 | 165 HB | 8.8 % IACS |
FDefaultThis page As fabricated | Standard stocked condition for propellers, pump and valve bodies; best combination of strength, ductility and price. | 275 | 620 | 20 | 170 HB | 8.5 % IACS |
Solution quenched (≈875 °C) and tempered | Use where maximum strength and wear resistance are needed (heavy-load gears, shafting), accepting lower ductility and toughness. | 400 | 730 | 10 | 18 HRC | 8 % IACS |
What is AlBC3-F?
AlBC3-F is AlBC3 in the F temper — standard stocked condition for propellers, pump and valve bodies; best combination of strength, ductility and price. AlBC3-F has a yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) — stronger than 57% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 110 GPa (16 Msi). AlBC3-F has a density of 7.53 g/cm³ (0.272 lb/in³), lighter than 96% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 1,040°C (1,904 °F).
Advantages
- Lightweight — 7.53 g/cm³ (0.272 lb/in³), better than 96% of copper alloy grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 78/100, better than 94% of copper alloy grades
- High service temperature — 300°C (572 °F), better than 85% of copper alloy grades
- Readily welded — 65/100, better than 80% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 42 W/m·K (24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 80% of copper alloy grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 8.5 % IACS, worse than 79% of copper alloy grades
AlBC3-F properties
Typical room-temperature values for AlBC3-F; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are AlBC3 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
AlBC3-F has a density of 7.53 g/cm³ (0.272 lb/in³), lighter than 96% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 1,040°C (1,904 °F).
Mechanical16
AlBC3-F has a yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) — stronger than 57% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 110 GPa (16 Msi).
Thermal6
AlBC3-F is rated for continuous service to 300°C (572 °F). It conducts heat at 42 W/m·K (24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 80% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 16.2 µm/m·K (9 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
AlBC3-F conducts electricity at 8.5 % IACS, worse than 79% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (78/100), better than 94% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of AlBC3-F takes about 52 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 87% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 55%.
Manufacturability7
AlBC3-F's machinability is fair (35/100, better than 51% of copper alloy grades); weldability good (65/100); formability poor (20/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with AlBC3-F
Is AlBC3 easy to machine?
Tough, gummy chips — use sharp positive-rake carbide, rigid setups, moderate speed with generous coolant; expect ~30 % of AISI 1212 rates.
Can AlBC3 be welded?
Readily GTAW/GMAW welded with ERCuNiAl (matching NAB) filler, preheat 150–250 °C on heavy sections, followed by 675 °C temper anneal for seawater duty.
Can AlBC3 be formed, bent or molded?
A casting alloy: sand, centrifugal and continuous casting all standard; control melt oxides, use chills/risers for directional solidification, no meaningful cold forming.
What surface finishes work on AlBC3?
Takes a fine mechanical polish and darkens naturally to a protective bronze patina; not anodizable, plating and soldering require aggressive removal of the aluminium oxide film.
AlBC3 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Al | 8.5 – 10.5 | 9.5 |
| Fe | 3 – 6 | 4.2 |
| Ni | 3 – 6 | 4.2 |
| Mn | 0.1 – 1 | 0.6 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Sn | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Si | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Pb | ≤ 0.03 | — |
| CuJIS H5120 CAC703 (AlBC3) | ≥ 78 (balance) | — |
AlBC3-F — frequently asked
What is AlBC3-F used for?
AlBC3-F is typically used for ship propellers, pump impellers and valve components. In short: strongest cast bronze family; seawater-grade aluminium bronze; heat-treatable cast bronze.
What is the yield strength of AlBC3-F?
AlBC3-F has a typical yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) — stronger than 57% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is AlBC3-F easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (35/100, better than 51% of copper alloy grades). Tough, gummy chips — use sharp positive-rake carbide, rigid setups, moderate speed with generous coolant; expect ~30 % of AISI 1212 rates.
Can AlBC3-F be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (65/100). Readily GTAW/GMAW welded with ERCuNiAl (matching NAB) filler, preheat 150–250 °C on heavy sections, followed by 675 °C temper anneal for seawater duty.
What surface finishes work on AlBC3-F?
Takes a fine mechanical polish and darkens naturally to a protective bronze patina; not anodizable, plating and soldering require aggressive removal of the aluminium oxide film.
Can AlBC3-F be formed, bent or molded?
A casting alloy: sand, centrifugal and continuous casting all standard; control melt oxides, use chills/risers for directional solidification, no meaningful cold forming.
What is the maximum service temperature of AlBC3-F?
AlBC3-F is rated for continuous use to about 300°C (572 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between AlBC3-F and AlBC3-TQ50?
F is the default condition — standard stocked condition for propellers, pump and valve bodies; best combination of strength, ductility and price. TQ50: use where maximum strength and wear resistance are needed (heavy-load gears, shafting), accepting lower ductility and toughness. Yield strength is 275 MPa in F versus 400 MPa in TQ50.
Sources
- JIS H5120 Copper alloy castings (CAC703 / AlBC3) — JSA (2016)
- ASTM B148 Standard Specification for Aluminum-Bronze Sand Castings (C95500) — ASTM (2020)
- CDA Alloy C95500 datasheet — Copper Development Association (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13B — Corrosion: Materials (Copper alloys in seawater) — ASM International (2005)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.