Copper Alloy C54400
UNS C54400 · ASTM B139 · EN CuSn4Pb4Zn4, 2.1096 · JIS C5341, C5441
C54400 is a leaded, phosphorus-deoxidized tin bronze (about 4% Sn, 4% Pb, 4% Zn), known as free-cutting Phosphor Bronze B-2, in which lead raises machinability far above plain phosphor bronzes such as C51000 and C52100 while keeping high strength, useful elasticity and good wear and corrosion resistance.
Values for the H04 condition
C54400 tempers and conditions
C54400 is supplied in 8 conditions, soft to hard. H04 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 8 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Choose when maximum ductility for bending, staking or heading is needed before finish machining. | 130 | 310 | 40 | 70 HB | 19.5 % IACS |
Soft annealed | Fully softened annealed condition of C54400 — lowest strength, highest ductility for forming and heavy machining stock. | 131 | 310 | 48 | 65 HB | 19 % IACS |
As hot rolled | Hot-rolled/hot-worked mill condition of leaded phosphor bronze C54400 — low strength, high ductility, ready for cold finishing or machining. | 150 | 330 | 40 | 70 HB | 19 % IACS |
Half hard | Compromise temper when some cold bending or riveting follows machining. | 275 | 400 | 28 | 125 HB | 19 % IACS |
H04Default Full hard | Standard stocked temper for screw-machine bushings, bearings and fasteners — best balance of strength and chip control. | 393 | 470 | 20 | 150 HB | 19 % IACS |
Extra hard | Pick for maximum strength/wear in small-diameter rod and wire where no forming is required. | 450 | 520 | 10 | 175 HB | 18.5 % IACS |
Spring hard | Only for wire/small sections needing spring-like elastic limit; very limited bending capability. | 510 | 580 | 6 | 195 HB | 18 % IACS |
Extra spring hard | Heaviest cold-rolled temper of C54400 — maximum strength and spring properties with very little remaining ductility. | 565 | 605 | 3 | 190 HB | 18 % IACS |
What is C54400?
C54400 is a leaded, phosphorus-deoxidized tin bronze (about 4% Sn, 4% Pb, 4% Zn), known as free-cutting Phosphor Bronze B-2, in which lead raises machinability far above plain phosphor bronzes such as C51000 and C52100 while keeping high strength, useful elasticity and good wear and corrosion resistance. It is used for turned bushings, bearings, nuts, washers, switch parts and instrument components, normally stocked as H04 rod. The lead content rules it out of potable-water and RoHS/lead-free work, fusion welding is poor (solder or braze only), and conductivity is about 19% IACS, roughly one fifth that of copper. C54400 has a density of 8.89 g/cm³ (0.321 lb/in³), heavier than 72% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 927°C (1,701 °F). C54400 has a yield strength of 393 MPa (57 ksi) and a tensile strength of 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) — stronger than 78% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi).
What is C54400 used for?
- Bearings
- Thrust washers
- Bushings
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 80/100, better than 86% of copper alloy grades
- High strength — 393 MPa (57 ksi), better than 78% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Difficult to weld — 20/100, worse than 88% of copper alloy grades
C54400 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C54400-H04; bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C54400 has a density of 8.89 g/cm³ (0.321 lb/in³), heavier than 72% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 927°C (1,701 °F).
Mechanical12
C54400 has a yield strength of 393 MPa (57 ksi) and a tensile strength of 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) — stronger than 78% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi).
Thermal6
C54400 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 87 W/m·K (50.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 53% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 17.1 µm/m·K (9.5 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C54400 conducts electricity at 19 % IACS, better than 51% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (60/100), worse than 68% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C54400 takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 72% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 45%.
Manufacturability7
C54400's machinability is very good (80/100, better than 86% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (20/100); formability poor (30/100).
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. C54400 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with C54400
Is C54400 easy to machine?
Excellent screw-machine alloy (~80 % of free-cutting brass); lead gives short chips — use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed, light feeds and soluble-oil coolant.
Can C54400 be welded?
Fusion welding not recommended (lead causes hot cracking); join by soft soldering (excellent) or low-temperature silver brazing with care, or use mechanical/press fits.
Can C54400 be formed, bent or molded?
Hot working poor due to lead; cold form only in O61/H02 tempers — H04 and harder tolerate only gentle bends with generous radii.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to C54400. Every C54400 part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Excellent80 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | N.5 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 180 / 220 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.8 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 6× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 1.6 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Fair30 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Fair20 / 100 |
| Bendable | Yes |
C54400 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 | 3.5 – 4.5 | 4 |
| Pbfree-machining addition | 3.5 – 4.5 | 4 |
| Zn | 1.5 – 4.5 | 3 |
| Pdeoxidiser/strengthener | 0.01 – 0.5 | 0.15 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Curemainder, Cu + named elements ≥ 99.5 % | balance |
What surface finishes work on C54400?
Takes a fine turned or buffed finish; electroplate with tin, nickel or silver, or apply chemical patina/lacquer — anodizing does not apply.
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).
Passivation
Plating
Organic Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Copper Alloy C54400 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- ASTM
- B139
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- CuSn4Pb4Zn42.1096CW456K
- JIS
- C5341C5441
- Also called
- Free-Machining Phosphor Bronze
- Similar grades
- QSn4-4-2.5
How much does C54400 cost?
C54400 is a specialty-cost copper alloy ($$$$$), pricier than about 58% 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.
C54400 — frequently asked
What is C54400 used for?
C54400 is typically used for bearings, thrust washers and bushings. In short: free-machining phosphor bronze.
What is the yield strength of C54400?
C54400 has a typical yield strength of 393 MPa (57 ksi) and a tensile strength of 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) — stronger than 78% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 8 listed tempers.
Is C54400 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (80/100, better than 86% of copper alloy grades). Excellent screw-machine alloy (~80 % of free-cutting brass); lead gives short chips — use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed, light feeds and soluble-oil coolant.
Can C54400 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (20/100). Fusion welding not recommended (lead causes hot cracking); join by soft soldering (excellent) or low-temperature silver brazing with care, or use mechanical/press fits.
What surface finishes work on C54400?
Takes a fine turned or buffed finish; electroplate with tin, nickel or silver, or apply chemical patina/lacquer — anodizing does not apply.
Can C54400 be formed, bent or molded?
Hot working poor due to lead; cold form only in O61/H02 tempers — H04 and harder tolerate only gentle bends with generous radii.
What is the maximum service temperature of C54400?
C54400 is rated for continuous use to about 200°C (392 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between C54400-H04 and C54400-O61?
H04 is the default condition — standard stocked temper for screw-machine bushings, bearings and fasteners — best balance of strength and chip control. O61: choose when maximum ductility for bending, staking or heading is needed before finish machining. Yield strength is 393 MPa in H04 versus 130 MPa in O61.
How much does C54400 cost?
C54400 is a specialty-cost copper alloy ($$$$$), pricier than about 58% 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.
Can FabDigit make parts in C54400?
Yes — C54400 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
- ASTM B139/B139M Phosphor Bronze Rod, Bar and Shapes — ASTM International (2017)
- CDA Alloy Datasheet C54400 — Copper Development Association (copper.org) (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties of Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
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.