Copper Alloy AlBC4-CF (Centrifugally cast, as-cast)
Reinforced grade
GB AlBC4
Pick for rings, bushings, sleeves and pump wear parts where the denser, finer centrifugal structure gives higher strength and soundness.
Values for the CF condition
Other AlBC4 tempers and conditions
AlBC4 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at AlBC4.
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 | — |
CFThis page 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 |
What is AlBC4-CF?
AlBC4-CF is AlBC4 in the CF grade — pick for rings, bushings, sleeves and pump wear parts where the denser, finer centrifugal structure gives higher strength and soundness. AlBC4-CF has a yield strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 655 MPa (95 ksi) — stronger than 60% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 117 GPa (17 Msi). AlBC4-CF 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). F is the default condition FabDigit quotes; CF is available on request or by drawing note.
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-CF properties
Typical room-temperature values for AlBC4-CF; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are AlBC4 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
AlBC4-CF 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-CF has a yield strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 655 MPa (95 ksi) — stronger than 60% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 117 GPa (17 Msi).
Thermal6
AlBC4-CF 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-CF 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-CF 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-CF's machinability is poor (30/100, worse than 67% of copper alloy grades); weldability very good (70/100); formability poor (25/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with AlBC4-CF
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.
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.
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) | — |
AlBC4-CF — frequently asked
What is AlBC4-CF used for?
AlBC4-CF 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-CF?
AlBC4-CF has a typical yield strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 655 MPa (95 ksi) — stronger than 60% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is AlBC4-CF easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (30/100, worse than 67% 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-CF 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-CF?
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-CF 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-CF?
AlBC4-CF 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.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.