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Copper Alloy C93900

UNS C93900

C93900 is a high-leaded tin bronze casting alloy from the C90000–C95999 cast bronze family, where the dispersed lead phase provides embeddability and antifriction behaviour in sliding contact.

High cost $$$$

Reference datasheet — C93900 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.

Values for the M07 condition

C93900 tempers and conditions

C93900 is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. M07 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.

Compare all 4 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
As sand cast
Pick for large or complex bearing housings and one-off shapes where continuous-cast stock sizes do not fit; slightly lower and more scattered strength.138193763 HB11.5 % IACS
As centrifugally cast
Use for larger-diameter rings, sleeves and thick-wall bushings where centrifugal densification gives a sound, inclusion-free wall.145200666 HB11.5 % IACS
As plaster cast
Chosen for repeat production of small bushings and thrust washers; faster solidification refines the lead distribution.150205668 HB11.5 % IACS
M07Default
As continuous cast
Standard stocked form: continuous-cast bar/tube with fine, dense structure and the best strength of the C93900 forms — default choice for machined bushings.152207570 HB11.5 % IACS

What is C93900?

C93900 is a high-leaded tin bronze casting alloy from the C90000–C95999 cast bronze family, where the dispersed lead phase provides embeddability and antifriction behaviour in sliding contact. It is poured for bearings and wear components rather than structural parts: 152 MPa yield, 207 MPa tensile, 5% elongation, 70 HB and service to 200 °C. Strength and ductility are low, the alloy cannot be fusion welded, and thick sections risk lead segregation without controlled cooling. C93700 is the usual alternative when higher load capacity is required. C93900 has a density of 8.78 g/cm³ (0.317 lb/in³), heavier than 53% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 762°C (1,404 °F). C93900 has a yield strength of 152 MPa (22 ksi) and a tensile strength of 207 MPa (30 ksi) — weaker than 67% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 5% and the elastic modulus is 76 GPa (11 Msi).

What is C93900 used for?

  • Bushings
  • Bearings
  • Thrust washers
  • Wear plates

Advantages

  • Low embodied carbon — 2.8 kg CO₂/kg, better than 100% of copper alloy grades
  • Easy to machine — 82/100, better than 90% of copper alloy grades

Limitations

  • Difficult to weld — 8/100, worse than 100% of copper alloy grades
  • Low stiffness — 76 GPa (11 Msi), worse than 98% of copper alloy grades
  • Needs corrosion protection — 45/100, worse than 98% of copper alloy grades
  • Limited formability — 5/100, worse than 98% of copper alloy grades
  • Hard to polish — 55/100, worse than 97% of copper alloy grades

C93900 properties

Typical room-temperature values for C93900-M07; bars are the position among copper alloy grades.

Physical3

C93900 has a density of 8.78 g/cm³ (0.317 lb/in³), heavier than 53% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 762°C (1,404 °F).

Density8.78 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)762°C1,404 °F
Liquidus Temperature943°C1,729 °F

Mechanical13

C93900 has a yield strength of 152 MPa (22 ksi) and a tensile strength of 207 MPa (30 ksi) — weaker than 67% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 5% and the elastic modulus is 76 GPa (11 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus76 GPa11 Msi
Shear Modulus28 GPa4.1 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.34
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)207 MPa30 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)152 MPa22 ksi
Elongation at Break5%
Reduction in Area7%
Compressive Strength172 MPa24.9 ksi
Shear Strength152 MPa22 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)69 MPa10 ksi
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)6 J4.4 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell70 HB
Hardness, Vickers74 HV

Thermal6

C93900 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 47 W/m·K (27.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 69% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 18 µm/m·K (10 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity47 W/m·K27.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity251 J/kg·K0.06 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)18 µm/m·K10 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion150 J/g64.5 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)200°C392 °F
Min Service Temperature-100°C-148 °F

Electrical3

C93900 conducts electricity at 11.5 % IACS, worse than 65% of copper alloy grades.

Electrical Conductivity11.5 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity1.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5.91 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is fair (45/100), worse than 98% of copper alloy grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.31 V
Corrosion ResistanceFair45/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood in fresh water, mineral oils, greases and mild atmospheres; attacked by ammonia, oxidizing acids, sulphur-bearing oils at temperature and by acidic waters that leach the lead phase; not permitted in potable-water contact under lead-free rules.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of C93900 takes about 40 MJ of energy and emits 2.8 kg of CO₂ — less than 100% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 70%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)40 MJ/kg17,197 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)2.8 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water250 L/kg30 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content70%

Manufacturability7

C93900's machinability is very good (82/100, better than 90% of copper alloy grades); weldability not recommended (8/100); formability not recommended (5/100).

MachinabilityVery good82/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)80%
WeldabilityNot recommended8/100
Formability (cold)Not recommended5/100
CastabilityExcellent88/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityFair35/100
PolishabilityGood55/100

Common Calculations5

Specific Strength (UTS / density)calculated24 kN·m/kg
Specific Stiffness (E / density)calculated8.7 MN·m/kg
Modulus of Resiliencecalculated152 kJ/m³
Thermal Diffusivitycalculated21.3 mm²/s
Thermal Shock Resistance Indexcalculated7

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. C93900 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.

501002005001,0007.588.599.5Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleC93900

Working with C93900

Is C93900 easy to machine?

Free-machining with short chips at high speeds; use sharp, high-rake tools and light feeds to avoid smearing the soft lead phase and closing up oil grooves.

Can C93900 be welded?

Essentially unweldable by fusion processes — lead causes severe hot cracking; joins are made by soft soldering or mechanical/press fitting.

Can C93900 be formed, bent or molded?

Casting alloy only: pours readily at 1100–1200 °C, needs good gating and moderate chilling to keep the lead finely dispersed and avoid gravity segregation in thick walls.

C93900 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
Curemainder after specified elements76.5 – 79.578
Sn5 – 76
Pb14 – 1816
Zn≤ 1.5
Fe≤ 0.4
Sb≤ 0.5
NiNi + Co≤ 0.8
P≤ 1.5
S≤ 0.08
Al≤ 0.01
Si≤ 0.01

What surface finishes work on C93900?

Turn/bore to size and burnish or hone bores; takes tin or electroless-nickel plating with proper activation, but polishing dulls quickly because of the lead phase.

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).

How much does C93900 cost?

C93900 is a high-cost copper alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% 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.

C93900 — frequently asked

What is C93900 used for?

C93900 is typically used for bushings, bearings, thrust washers and wear plates. In short: high-lead bearing bronze; excellent embeddability; cast forms only.

What is the yield strength of C93900?

C93900 has a typical yield strength of 152 MPa (22 ksi) and a tensile strength of 207 MPa (30 ksi) — weaker than 67% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.

Is C93900 easy to machine?

Yes — machinability is rated very good (82/100, better than 90% of copper alloy grades). Free-machining with short chips at high speeds; use sharp, high-rake tools and light feeds to avoid smearing the soft lead phase and closing up oil grooves.

Can C93900 be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (8/100). Essentially unweldable by fusion processes — lead causes severe hot cracking; joins are made by soft soldering or mechanical/press fitting.

What surface finishes work on C93900?

Turn/bore to size and burnish or hone bores; takes tin or electroless-nickel plating with proper activation, but polishing dulls quickly because of the lead phase.

Can C93900 be formed, bent or molded?

Casting alloy only: pours readily at 1100–1200 °C, needs good gating and moderate chilling to keep the lead finely dispersed and avoid gravity segregation in thick walls.

What is the maximum service temperature of C93900?

C93900 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 C93900-M07 and C93900-M01?

M07 is the default condition — standard stocked form: continuous-cast bar/tube with fine, dense structure and the best strength of the C93900 forms — default choice for machined bushings. M01: pick for large or complex bearing housings and one-off shapes where continuous-cast stock sizes do not fit; slightly lower and more scattered strength. Yield strength is 152 MPa in M07 versus 138 MPa in M01.

How much does C93900 cost?

C93900 is a high-cost copper alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% 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.

Sources

  1. ASTM B505/B505M — Continuous Cast Copper Alloy Castings — ASTM (2018)
  2. ASTM B271 — Centrifugal Castings of Copper Alloys — ASTM (2021)
  3. CDA Alloy Datasheet C93900 — Copper Development Association (copper.org) (2023)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: 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.