Copper Alloy AlBC4
GB AlBC4
AlBC4 (C95800) is a nickel-aluminium bronze casting grade in the same family as C95500, with the composition balanced for weld repair and long-term seawater service.
Reference datasheet — AlBC4 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the F condition
AlBC4 tempers and conditions
AlBC4 is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. F is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Temper annealed 675 °C / 6 h, air cooled | Specify for thick-section seawater parts: breaks up continuous κIII/β' networks and greatly reduces selective-phase (de-aluminification) attack. | 265 | 605 | 23 | 152 HB | 7.3 % IACS |
FDefault As fabricated | Standard stocked condition for propellers, pump casings and valve bodies; use when full heat treatment is not specified. | 275 | 620 | 20 | 159 HB | — |
Centrifugally cast, as-cast | Pick for rings, bushings, sleeves and pump wear parts where the denser, finer centrifugal structure gives higher strength and soundness. | 290 | 655 | 20 | 165 HB | 7.1 % IACS |
As-welded deposit | Properties of matching-filler (ERCuNiAl) repair welds and weld-overlaid areas before any post-weld temper anneal. | 290 | 600 | 16 | 170 HB | 7 % IACS |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways AlBC4 is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
CC | Continuous cast bar/tube, as-cast | Surface finish |
What is AlBC4?
AlBC4 (C95800) is a nickel-aluminium bronze casting grade in the same family as C95500, with the composition balanced for weld repair and long-term seawater service. Typical properties are 275 MPa yield, 620 MPa tensile, 20 % elongation, 159 HB (83 HRB), service to 300 °C and corrosion resistance rated 78/100, supplied as sand, centrifugal and continuous castings including an as-welded condition. Machining is slow and gummy, soldering and plating are difficult, and leaded tin bronzes such as BC3 remain cheaper for low-load bearings. AlBC3 (C95500) is the nearest alternative when heat-treated strength is the priority. AlBC4 has a density of 7.64 g/cm³ (0.276 lb/in³), lighter than 92% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 1,043°C (1,909 °F). AlBC4 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 117 GPa (17 Msi).
What is AlBC4 used for?
- propellers
- pump housings
- offshore hardware
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 78/100, better than 94% of copper alloy grades
- Lightweight — 7.64 g/cm³ (0.276 lb/in³), better than 92% of copper alloy grades
- High service temperature — 300°C (572 °F), better than 85% of copper alloy grades
- Readily welded — 70/100, better than 85% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Low electrical conductivity — 7.1 % IACS, worse than 84% of copper alloy grades
- Poor heat conductor — 42 W/m·K (24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 80% of copper alloy grades
AlBC4 properties
Typical room-temperature values for AlBC4-F; bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
AlBC4 has a density of 7.64 g/cm³ (0.276 lb/in³), lighter than 92% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 1,043°C (1,909 °F).
Mechanical16
AlBC4 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 117 GPa (17 Msi).
Thermal6
AlBC4 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
AlBC4 conducts electricity at 7.1 % IACS, worse than 84% 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 AlBC4 takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 4.2 kg of CO₂ — less than 72% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 40%.
Manufacturability7
AlBC4's machinability is poor (32/100, worse than 57% of copper alloy grades); weldability very good (70/100); formability poor (25/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the copper alloy family
Yield strength against density for every copper alloy grade FabDigit runs. AlBC4 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with AlBC4
Is AlBC4 easy to machine?
Tough and gummy — use sharp positive-rake carbide, rigid setups, moderate speed (60–110 m/min) with generous feed and coolant; chips are stringy, so chip-breaking geometry helps.
Can AlBC4 be welded?
Readily GTAW/GMAW welded with matching ERCuNiAl filler under argon; clean off the Al₂O₃ film, preheat ≤150 °C on heavy sections and consider a 675 °C temper anneal after major repairs.
Can AlBC4 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand, centrifugal and continuous casting only; needs oxide-free bottom filling, chills and ample risering because of the short freezing range and high shrinkage.
AlBC4 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 – 9.5 | 9 |
| NiNi + Co basis; Ni must be ≥ Fe | 4 – 5 | 4.5 |
| FeFe content shall not exceed Ni content | 3.5 – 4.5 | 4 |
| Mn | 0.8 – 1.5 | 1.1 |
| Si | ≤ 0.1 | 0.05 |
| Pb | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| CuRemainder; JIS CAC704 permits a wider Cu window than ASTM C95800 | ≥ 79 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on AlBC4?
Takes a fine machined and polished finish and develops a protective olive-brown seawater film; not anodizable, difficult to solder/braze, and electroplating requires special activation of the aluminium oxide layer.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on copper alloy parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Copper Alloy AlBC4 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- Similar grades
- C95800
How much does AlBC4 cost?
AlBC4 is a high-cost copper alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
AlBC4 — frequently asked
What is AlBC4 used for?
AlBC4 is typically used for propellers, pump housings and offshore hardware. In short: weldable nickel-aluminium bronze; marine propeller standard; best seawater cast bronze.
What is the yield strength of AlBC4?
AlBC4 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 4 listed tempers.
Is AlBC4 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (32/100, worse than 57% of copper alloy grades). Tough and gummy — use sharp positive-rake carbide, rigid setups, moderate speed (60–110 m/min) with generous feed and coolant; chips are stringy, so chip-breaking geometry helps.
Can AlBC4 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (70/100). Readily GTAW/GMAW welded with matching ERCuNiAl filler under argon; clean off the Al₂O₃ film, preheat ≤150 °C on heavy sections and consider a 675 °C temper anneal after major repairs.
What surface finishes work on AlBC4?
Takes a fine machined and polished finish and develops a protective olive-brown seawater film; not anodizable, difficult to solder/braze, and electroplating requires special activation of the aluminium oxide layer.
Can AlBC4 be formed, bent or molded?
Sand, centrifugal and continuous casting only; needs oxide-free bottom filling, chills and ample risering because of the short freezing range and high shrinkage.
What is the maximum service temperature of AlBC4?
AlBC4 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 AlBC4-F and AlBC4-CF?
F is the default condition — standard stocked condition for propellers, pump casings and valve bodies; use when full heat treatment is not specified. CF: pick for rings, bushings, sleeves and pump wear parts where the denser, finer centrifugal structure gives higher strength and soundness. Yield strength is 275 MPa in F versus 290 MPa in CF.
How much does AlBC4 cost?
AlBC4 is a high-cost copper alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- JIS H5120 Copper alloy castings (CAC704 / AlBC4) — Japanese Standards Association (2016)
- ASTM B148 Standard Specification for Aluminum-Bronze Sand Castings (C95800) — ASTM International (2018)
- ASTM B505/B505M Continuous Cast Copper Alloys — ASTM International (2018)
- CDA Alloy Datasheet C95800 (nickel-aluminum bronze) — Copper Development Association (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Nickel Aluminium Bronze for Seawater Service — Copper Development Association UK (2016)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.