Copper Alloy C94100
UNS C94100
C94100 is a leaded tin bronze from the cast bronze family (C90000–C95999), in which a dispersed lead phase in the copper–tin matrix provides boundary lubrication and embedability for journal bearings.
Reference datasheet — C94100 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 M01 condition
C94100 tempers and conditions
C94100 is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. M01 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M01Default As sand cast | Standard low-cost condition for bushings, bearing shells and small-lot castings. | 86 | 179 | 13 | 55 HB | 12 % IACS |
As plaster cast | For large-diameter sleeves and thick-wall bearing rings needing dense, dross-free walls. | 96 | 193 | 12 | 58 HB | 12 % IACS |
As centrifugally cast | Medium-volume small bushings where dimensional repeatability matters more than machining allowance. | 100 | 193 | 11 | 60 HB | 12 % IACS |
As continuous cast | Choose for stock bar/tube bushing blanks: finer structure, higher strength and soundness than sand cast. | 110 | 207 | 10 | 62 HB | 12 % IACS |
What is C94100?
C94100 is a leaded tin bronze from the cast bronze family (C90000–C95999), in which a dispersed lead phase in the copper–tin matrix provides boundary lubrication and embedability for journal bearings. Engineers specify it where moderate load capacity must be combined with conformability and very free machining; it is poured as sand, permanent-mould, centrifugal and continuous castings, typically as bar, tube and near-net bearing blanks. Default-condition values are 86 MPa yield, 179 MPa tensile, 13% elongation and 55 HB, with service to 250 °C. The lead content rules out fusion welding and strength is low; C94700 or an unleaded tin bronze is the alternative when strength or weldability is required. C94100 has a density of 9.29 g/cm³ (0.336 lb/in³), heavier than 99% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 762°C (1,404 °F). C94100 has a yield strength of 86 MPa (12.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 179 MPa (26 ksi) — weaker than 89% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 13% and the elastic modulus is 76 GPa (11 Msi).
What is C94100 used for?
- Journal bearings
- Bushings
- Machine tool slides
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 85/100, better than 93% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Low stiffness — 76 GPa (11 Msi), worse than 98% of copper alloy grades
- Difficult to weld — 10/100, 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
- Low strength — 86 MPa (12.5 ksi), worse than 89% of copper alloy grades
C94100 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C94100-M01; bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C94100 has a density of 9.29 g/cm³ (0.336 lb/in³), heavier than 99% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 762°C (1,404 °F).
Mechanical14
C94100 has a yield strength of 86 MPa (12.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 179 MPa (26 ksi) — weaker than 89% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 13% and the elastic modulus is 76 GPa (11 Msi).
Thermal6
C94100 is rated for continuous service to 250°C (482 °F). It conducts heat at 59 W/m·K (34.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 61% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 18.5 µm/m·K (10.3 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C94100 conducts electricity at 12 % IACS, worse than 62% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), worse than 86% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C94100 takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 72% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 65%.
Manufacturability8
C94100's machinability is excellent (85/100, better than 93% of copper alloy grades); weldability not recommended (10/100); formability not recommended (5/100).
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. C94100 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with C94100
Is C94100 easy to machine?
Very free-machining: use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed, light feeds and plenty of coolant; lead gives short chips but can smear on fine bores — finish-bore or diamond-burnish for bearing clearance.
Can C94100 be welded?
Fusion welding is not recommended — lead causes hot cracking and porosity; repair by soft soldering or mechanical fastening, and never gas-weld in enclosed areas due to lead fume.
Can C94100 be formed, bent or molded?
Cast-only alloy with wide freezing range: gate and feed generously, chill thick sections and avoid pouring turbulence to limit lead segregation; not cold formable.
C94100 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 | 4.5 – 6.5 | 5.5 |
| Pbfree lead phase provides lubricity | 18 – 22 | 20 |
| Zn | ≤ 1 | |
| Nimax, incl. Co | ≤ 1 | |
| Sb | ≤ 0.8 | |
| Fe | ≤ 0.25 | |
| S | ≤ 0.08 | |
| Pmax (higher P allowed in some continuous-cast practice) | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Al | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Si | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Cubalance, copper + named elements ≥ 99.5 | ≥ 72 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on C94100?
Cannot be anodized; tin, nickel or chrome plating is used where appearance or contact corrosion matters, and polishing is limited by lead smear — vapor-degrease before plating.
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).
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Copper Alloy C94100 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- Other
- ZCuPb20Sn5
How much does C94100 cost?
C94100 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.
C94100 — frequently asked
What is C94100 used for?
C94100 is typically used for journal bearings, bushings and machine tool slides. In short: high-lead bearing bronze; very free-machining casting alloy; not fusion weldable.
What is the yield strength of C94100?
C94100 has a typical yield strength of 86 MPa (12.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 179 MPa (26 ksi) — weaker than 89% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is C94100 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (85/100, better than 93% of copper alloy grades). Very free-machining: use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed, light feeds and plenty of coolant; lead gives short chips but can smear on fine bores — finish-bore or diamond-burnish for bearing clearance.
Can C94100 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (10/100). Fusion welding is not recommended — lead causes hot cracking and porosity; repair by soft soldering or mechanical fastening, and never gas-weld in enclosed areas due to lead fume.
What surface finishes work on C94100?
Cannot be anodized; tin, nickel or chrome plating is used where appearance or contact corrosion matters, and polishing is limited by lead smear — vapor-degrease before plating.
Can C94100 be formed, bent or molded?
Cast-only alloy with wide freezing range: gate and feed generously, chill thick sections and avoid pouring turbulence to limit lead segregation; not cold formable.
What is the maximum service temperature of C94100?
C94100 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 C94100-M01 and C94100-M07?
M01 is the default condition — standard low-cost condition for bushings, bearing shells and small-lot castings. M07: choose for stock bar/tube bushing blanks: finer structure, higher strength and soundness than sand cast. Yield strength is 86 MPa in M01 versus 110 MPa in M07.
How much does C94100 cost?
C94100 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
- ASTM B505/B505M — Continuous Cast Copper Alloy Castings — ASTM International (2018)
- ASTM B271 — Copper-Base Alloy Centrifugal Castings — ASTM International (2020)
- CDA Alloy Database — C94100 High-Leaded Tin Bronze — Copper Development Association (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties of Nonferrous Alloys (Cast Copper Alloys, Bearing Bronzes) — ASM International (1990)
- GB/T 1176 (ZCuPb20Sn5 ) (2013)
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.