Copper Alloy C54400 · finish state
Copper Alloy C54400-M20
Properties of the M20 condition, compared with the other C54400 tempers.
Hot-rolled/hot-worked mill condition of leaded phosphor bronze C54400 — low strength, high ductility, ready for cold finishing or machining.
What is C54400-M20?
C54400-M20 is C54400 supplied in the M20 condition — hot-rolled/hot-worked mill condition of leaded phosphor bronze C54400 — low strength, high ductility, ready for cold finishing or machining. C54400-M20 has a yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) — weaker than 69% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 40% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi). C54400-M20 has a density of 8.89 g/cm³ (0.321 lb/in³), heavier than 71% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 854°C (1,569 °F). H04 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; M20 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 80/100, better than 86% of copper alloy grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 40%, better than 83% of copper alloy grades
- Forms and bends easily — 80/100, better than 81% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Difficult to weld — 25/100, worse than 78% of copper alloy grades
C54400-M20 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C54400-M20 — 34 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every C54400 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the copper alloy grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
C54400-M20 has a density of 8.89 g/cm³ (0.321 lb/in³), heavier than 71% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 854°C (1,569 °F).
Mechanical12
C54400-M20 has a yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) — weaker than 69% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 40% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi).
Thermal6
C54400-M20 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 52% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 17.3 µm/m·K (9.61 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C54400-M20 conducts electricity at 19 % IACS, better than 51% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (62/100), worse than 57% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C54400-M20 takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 72% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 40%.
Manufacturability7
C54400-M20's machinability is very good (80/100, better than 86% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (25/100); formability very good (80/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other C54400 tempers and conditions
C54400 is also supplied in 7 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the C54400 overview.
- H04DefaultStandard stocked temper for screw-machine bushings, bearings and fasteners — best balance of strength and chip control.393 MPa yield · 150 HB
- H10Heaviest cold-rolled temper of C54400 — maximum strength and spring properties with very little remaining ductility.565 MPa yield · 190 HB
- H06Pick for maximum strength/wear in small-diameter rod and wire where no forming is required.450 MPa yield · 175 HB
- H02Compromise temper when some cold bending or riveting follows machining.275 MPa yield · 125 HB
- M20Hot-rolled/hot-worked mill condition of leaded phosphor bronze C54400 — low strength, high ductility, ready for cold finishing or machining.150 MPa yield · 70 HB
- O60Fully softened annealed condition of C54400 — lowest strength, highest ductility for forming and heavy machining stock.131 MPa yield · 65 HB
- O61Choose when maximum ductility for bending, staking or heading is needed before finish machining.130 MPa yield · 70 HB
Working with C54400-M20
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.
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.
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 | — |
C54400-M20 — frequently asked
What is C54400-M20 used for?
C54400-M20 is typically used for bearings, thrust washers and bushings. In short: free-machining phosphor bronze.
What is the yield strength of C54400-M20?
C54400-M20 has a typical yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) — weaker than 69% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 8 listed tempers.
Is C54400-M20 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-M20 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (25/100). 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-M20?
Takes a fine turned or buffed finish; electroplate with tin, nickel or silver, or apply chemical patina/lacquer — anodizing does not apply.
Can C54400-M20 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-M20?
C54400-M20 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.
Can FabDigit make parts in C54400-M20?
Yes — C54400-M20 is available for CNC machining and sheet metal with instant online pricing. 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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.