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Copper Alloy C52100-OS025

Temper

UNS C52100 · ASTM B139, B103 · EN CuSn8, CW453K · JIS C5210, C5212 · GB QSn8-0.3

OS025 = annealed to 0.025 mm grain size

Fine-grain anneal for stamped parts needing a smooth, orange-peel-free formed surface.

CNC machiningSheet metalSpecialty cost $$$$$

Values for the OS025 condition

Other C52100 tempers and conditions

C52100 is listed in 11 conditions; see the grade overview at C52100.

Compare all 11 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
Soft annealed
Fully soft-annealed CuSn8 (O60): lowest strength and maximum ductility for deep drawing, severe forming and coining of phosphor bronze strip, rod and wire.1503756260 HB13 % IACS
Annealed
Choose for deep drawing, severe forming or before a subsequent hardening cold-work step.1704006580 HB13.5 % IACS
As hot rolled
As-hot-rolled mill temper of CuSn8 phosphor bronze: strength close to the annealed condition with coarse worked structure, used as stock for subsequent cold rolling or drawing.1804004570 HB13 % IACS
OS025This page
Annealed to 0.025 mm grain size
Fine-grain anneal for stamped parts needing a smooth, orange-peel-free formed surface.1954206078 HB13.5 % IACS
Quarter hard
Light temper when moderate bending is still required after stamping.35047040122 HB13 % IACS
Half hard
Balanced strength/formability temper for contacts and washers with 90° bends.45056528147 HB13 % IACS
H04Default
Full hard
Default stock temper: high strength with enough ductility for gentle forming — bushings, washers, contact strip.58566010170 HB13 % IACS
Extra hard
Use where higher elastic limit is needed but full spring temper would crack on forming.640720614 HRC13 % IACS
Spring hard
Classic phosphor-bronze spring strip/wire temper; low-temperature stress relief (150–200 °C) raises the elastic limit further.690760493 HRB13 % IACS
Hard drawn
Cold-drawn spring wire condition for coil springs, brush wire and woven mesh (ASTM B159).720830519 HRC13 % IACS
Extra spring hard
Maximum strength strip for flat springs and diaphragms formed only in the bend-favourable direction.745815320 HRC13 % IACS

What is C52100-OS025?

C52100-OS025 is C52100 in the OS025 temper — fine-grain anneal for stamped parts needing a smooth, orange-peel-free formed surface. C52100-OS025 has a yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) — weaker than 56% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 60% and the elastic modulus is 110 GPa (16 Msi). C52100-OS025 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). H04 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; OS025 is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 60%, better than 99% of copper alloy grades
  • Forms and bends easily — 88/100, better than 87% of copper alloy grades

Limitations

  • Difficult to machine — 25/100, worse than 86% of copper alloy grades
  • High embodied carbon — 4.6 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 82% of copper alloy grades

C52100-OS025 properties

Typical room-temperature values for C52100-OS025; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C52100 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.

Physical3

C52100-OS025 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).

Density8.8 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)854°C1,569 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,000°C1,832 °F

Mechanical12

C52100-OS025 has a yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) — weaker than 56% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 60% and the elastic modulus is 110 GPa (16 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus110 GPa16 Msi
Shear Modulus41 GPa5.9 Msi
Bulk Modulus115 GPa16.7 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.34
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)420 MPa60.9 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)195 MPa28.3 ksi
Elongation at Break60%
Shear Strength275 MPa39.9 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)160 MPa23.2 ksi
Hardness, Brinell78 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B38 HRB
Hardness, Vickers95 HV

Thermal5

C52100-OS025 is rated for continuous service to 250°C (482 °F). It conducts heat at 62 W/m·K (35.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 58% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 18.4 µm/m·K (10.2 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity62 W/m·K35.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity377 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)18.4 µm/m·K10.2 µin/in·°F
Max Service Temperature (continuous)250°C482 °F
Min Service Temperature-200°C-328 °F

Electrical3

C52100-OS025 conducts electricity at 13.5 % IACS, worse than 56% of copper alloy grades.

Electrical Conductivity13.5 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity1.28×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5.04 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is very good (70/100), better than 76% of copper alloy grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.28 V
Corrosion ResistanceVery good70/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood in seawater, brines, non-oxidizing acids, neutral salts, steam and most organics; attacked by nitric acid, oxidizing acids, ammonia/amines, sulphides and moist ammonia-bearing atmospheres (SCC risk far lower than brass).

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of C52100-OS025 takes about 72 MJ of energy and emits 4.6 kg of CO₂ — more than 86% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 40%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)72 MJ/kg30,954 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)4.6 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water350 L/kg41.9 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content40%

Manufacturability7

C52100-OS025's machinability is poor (25/100, worse than 86% of copper alloy grades); weldability fair (45/100); formability excellent (88/100).

MachinabilityPoor25/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)20%
WeldabilityFair45/100
Formability (cold)Excellent88/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityExcellent88/100
PolishabilityVery good75/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — copper alloy; use tin, silver or nickel plating, or chemical patination

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with C52100-OS025

Is C52100 easy to machine?

Gummy and abrasive on tooling — machinability ≈20% of free-cutting brass; use sharp positive-rake carbide, high speed, light feed and generous coolant, or specify leaded C54400 if turning volume is high.

Can C52100 be welded?

Solders and brazes excellently; GTAW/GMAW possible with CuSn filler but hot-short and porosity prone — avoid oxyacetylene welding; resistance welding is fair.

Can C52100 be formed, bent or molded?

Outstanding cold formability in O61/H01; hard and spring tempers must be bent with generous radii and preferably transverse to rolling direction; stress relieve 175–200 °C /1 h after forming springs.

What surface finishes work on C52100?

Takes bright polish, tin/silver/nickel plating and chemical patination well; no anodizing — apply clear lacquer or tarnish inhibitor for decorative use.

C52100 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Sn7 – 98
Pdeoxidizer, raises strength/wear resistance0.03 – 0.350.2
Pb≤ 0.05—
Fe≤ 0.1—
Zn≤ 0.2—
CuCu + named elements ≥ 99.5%balance—

C52100-OS025 — frequently asked

What is C52100-OS025 used for?

C52100-OS025 is typically used for springs, bearings & bushings and diaphragms. In short: high-strength phosphor bronze.

What is the yield strength of C52100-OS025?

C52100-OS025 has a typical yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) — weaker than 56% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 11 listed tempers.

Is C52100-OS025 easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated poor (25/100, worse than 86% of copper alloy grades). Gummy and abrasive on tooling — machinability ≈20% of free-cutting brass; use sharp positive-rake carbide, high speed, light feed and generous coolant, or specify leaded C54400 if turning volume is high.

Can C52100-OS025 be welded?

With care — weldability is rated fair (45/100). Solders and brazes excellently; GTAW/GMAW possible with CuSn filler but hot-short and porosity prone — avoid oxyacetylene welding; resistance welding is fair.

What surface finishes work on C52100-OS025?

Takes bright polish, tin/silver/nickel plating and chemical patination well; no anodizing — apply clear lacquer or tarnish inhibitor for decorative use.

Can C52100-OS025 be formed, bent or molded?

Outstanding cold formability in O61/H01; hard and spring tempers must be bent with generous radii and preferably transverse to rolling direction; stress relieve 175–200 °C /1 h after forming springs.

What is the maximum service temperature of C52100-OS025?

C52100-OS025 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 C52100-H04 and C52100-O60?

H04 is the default condition — default stock temper: high strength with enough ductility for gentle forming — bushings, washers, contact strip. O60: fully soft-annealed CuSn8 (O60): lowest strength and maximum ductility for deep drawing, severe forming and coining of phosphor bronze strip, rod and wire. Yield strength is 585 MPa in H04 versus 150 MPa in O60.

Can FabDigit make parts in C52100-OS025?

Yes — C52100-OS025 is available for CNC machining and sheet metal; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.

Sources

  1. ASTM B103/B103M — Phosphor Bronze Plate, Sheet, Strip and Rolled Bar — ASTM International (2019)
  2. ASTM B159/B159M — Phosphor Bronze Wire — ASTM International (2018)
  3. EN 1654 / EN 1652 — CuSn8 (CW453K) strip and plate — CEN (2019)
  4. CDA Alloy Database — C52100 property sheet — Copper Development Association (2023)
  5. ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties of Copper and Copper Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  6. GB/T 2059 / GB/T 2049 QSn8-0.3 / — SAC (2017)

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.