Copper Alloy BC2 F-SAND
Finish state · default condition
GB BC2
Standard supply condition for valve bodies, pump housings and general pressure-tight castings.
Values for the F-SAND condition
Other BC2 tempers and conditions
BC2 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at BC2.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
F + stress relieved | Optional low-temperature anneal to stabilise dimensions of thin-walled or heavily machined castings. | 140 | 300 | 22 | 72 HB | 11.5 % IACS |
F-SANDDefaultThis page F | Standard supply condition for valve bodies, pump housings and general pressure-tight castings. | 150 | 310 | 20 | 75 HB | 11 % IACS |
F | For large sleeves, worm-gear rims and rings where a dense, inclusion-swept wall is required. | 160 | 320 | 18 | 78 HB | 11 % IACS |
F | Chill-cast finer structure for smaller repeat parts needing better surface and slightly higher strength. | 165 | 340 | 16 | 80 HB | 11 % IACS |
F | Choose for machined bushings, wear rings and bar stock: dense, low-porosity, highest yield strength. | 195 | 330 | 12 | 85 HB | 11 % IACS |
What is BC2 F-SAND?
BC2 F-SAND is BC2 supplied in the F-SAND condition — standard supply condition for valve bodies, pump housings and general pressure-tight castings. BC2 F-SAND has a yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) — weaker than 69% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi). BC2 F-SAND has a density of 8.8 g/cm³ (0.318 lb/in³), heavier than 58% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 854°C (1,569 °F).
Limitations
- Limited formability — 10/100, worse than 89% of copper alloy grades
- Difficult to weld — 25/100, worse than 78% of copper alloy grades
BC2 F-SAND properties
Typical room-temperature values for BC2 F-SAND; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are BC2 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
BC2 F-SAND has a density of 8.8 g/cm³ (0.318 lb/in³), heavier than 58% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 854°C (1,569 °F).
Mechanical15
BC2 F-SAND has a yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) — weaker than 69% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi).
Thermal6
BC2 F-SAND is rated for continuous service to 250°C (482 °F). It conducts heat at 72 W/m·K (41.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 52% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 18 µm/m·K (10 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
BC2 F-SAND conducts electricity at 11 % IACS, worse than 68% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (70/100), better than 76% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of BC2 F-SAND takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 3.4 kg of CO₂ — less than 72% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 45%.
Manufacturability8
BC2 F-SAND's machinability is fair (45/100, better than 64% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (25/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with BC2 F-SAND
Is BC2 easy to machine?
Machines to a short chip at roughly 30% of free-cutting brass; use sharp positive-rake carbide, moderate feeds and generous coolant, and expect slight smearing from the soft alpha matrix.
Can BC2 be welded?
Fusion welding is poor (hot-short, tin oxide films); repair by braze welding or GTAW with matching Cu-Sn filler and preheat 150–250 °C, otherwise prefer brazing/soldering.
Can BC2 be formed, bent or molded?
Casting alloy only — excellent for pressure-tight sand, chill, centrifugal and continuous casting; provide directional solidification and adequate feeding to avoid tin inverse segregation and microporosity.
What surface finishes work on BC2?
Not anodizable; take a good mechanical polish and accepts tin, nickel or chrome plating, chemical brown/black patination, or clear lacquer for architectural parts.
BC2 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sn | 7 – 9 | 8 |
| Zn | 3 – 5 | 4 |
| Pbimpurity limit | ≤ 1 | 0.3 |
| Niimpurity limit | ≤ 1 | — |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.2 | — |
| Sbimpurity limit | ≤ 0.2 | — |
| Pimpurity limit | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Alimpurity limit | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Siimpurity limit | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Mnimpurity limit | ≤ 0.2 | — |
| Simpurity limit | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Cu | ≥ 86 (balance) | — |
BC2 F-SAND — frequently asked
What is BC2 F-SAND used for?
BC2 F-SAND is typically used for pipe fittings, pump housings and small gears. In short: lead-free gun metal; pressure-tight general bronze; higher ductility than PBC2.
What is the yield strength of BC2 F-SAND?
BC2 F-SAND has a typical yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) — weaker than 69% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is BC2 F-SAND easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (45/100, better than 64% of copper alloy grades). Machines to a short chip at roughly 30% of free-cutting brass; use sharp positive-rake carbide, moderate feeds and generous coolant, and expect slight smearing from the soft alpha matrix.
Can BC2 F-SAND be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (25/100). Fusion welding is poor (hot-short, tin oxide films); repair by braze welding or GTAW with matching Cu-Sn filler and preheat 150–250 °C, otherwise prefer brazing/soldering.
What surface finishes work on BC2 F-SAND?
Not anodizable; take a good mechanical polish and accepts tin, nickel or chrome plating, chemical brown/black patination, or clear lacquer for architectural parts.
Can BC2 F-SAND be formed, bent or molded?
Casting alloy only — excellent for pressure-tight sand, chill, centrifugal and continuous casting; provide directional solidification and adequate feeding to avoid tin inverse segregation and microporosity.
What is the maximum service temperature of BC2 F-SAND?
BC2 F-SAND is rated for continuous use to about 250°C (482 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between BC2 F-SAND and BC2 F-CC?
F-SAND is the default condition — standard supply condition for valve bodies, pump housings and general pressure-tight castings. F-CC: choose for machined bushings, wear rings and bar stock: dense, low-porosity, highest yield strength. Yield strength is 150 MPa in F-SAND versus 195 MPa in F-CC.
Sources
- JIS H5120 Copper alloy castings (CAC402 / former BC2) — JSA (2016)
- ASTM B584 Standard Specification for Copper Alloy Sand Castings for General Applications (C90300/C90500) — ASTM (2014)
- Copper Alloy Datasheets C90300 / C90500 — Copper Development Association (copper.org) (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.15 — Casting — ASM International (2008)
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.