Copper Alloy C94900
UNS C94900
C94900 is a leaded nickel-tin cast bronze from the C90000–C95999 family, where a 4–6% lead phase is added for free-machining behaviour rather than for strength.
Reference datasheet — C94900 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-Sand condition
C94900 tempers and conditions
C94900 is supplied in 2 conditions, soft to hard. M01-Sand is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 2 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M01-SandDefault As-cast, sand cast | Standard general-purpose condition for valve bodies, housings and bushings poured in sand molds. | 138 | 262 | 18 | 75 HB | 11.5 % IACS |
As-cast, centrifugal cast | Use for large rings, sleeves and thick-wall bushings where a dense, inclusion-free wall is required. | 150 | 275 | 15 | 80 HB | 11.5 % IACS |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways C94900 is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
M07-Continuous | As-cast, continuous cast | Surface finish |
What is C94900?
C94900 is a leaded nickel-tin cast bronze from the C90000–C95999 family, where a 4–6% lead phase is added for free-machining behaviour rather than for strength. It is chosen for bushings, valve bodies and pump housings poured as sand, continuous or centrifugal castings, with typical values of 138 MPa yield, 262 MPa tensile, 18% elongation and 75 HB. Service is limited to about 230 °C, and the lead content prevents fusion welding and restricts potable-water use; unleaded tin or aluminum bronzes are the alternative where welding or lead-free status is required. C94900 has a density of 8.75 g/cm³ (0.316 lb/in³), lighter than 51% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 855°C (1,571 °F). C94900 has a yield strength of 138 MPa (20 ksi) and a tensile strength of 262 MPa (38 ksi) — weaker than 76% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 18% and the elastic modulus is 100 GPa (14.5 Msi).
What is C94900 used for?
- Bushings
- Valve bodies
- Pump housings
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 80/100, better than 86% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Limited formability — 10/100, worse than 89% of copper alloy grades
- Difficult to weld — 20/100, worse than 88% of copper alloy grades
- Hard to polish — 65/100, worse than 87% of copper alloy grades
- Low stiffness — 100 GPa (14.5 Msi), worse than 82% of copper alloy grades
- Low strength — 138 MPa (20 ksi), worse than 76% of copper alloy grades
C94900 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C94900-M01-Sand; bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C94900 has a density of 8.75 g/cm³ (0.316 lb/in³), lighter than 51% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 855°C (1,571 °F).
Mechanical15
C94900 has a yield strength of 138 MPa (20 ksi) and a tensile strength of 262 MPa (38 ksi) — weaker than 76% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 18% and the elastic modulus is 100 GPa (14.5 Msi).
Thermal6
C94900 is rated for continuous service to 230°C (446 °F). It conducts heat at 45 W/m·K (26 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 76% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 18 µm/m·K (10 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C94900 conducts electricity at 11.5 % IACS, worse than 65% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (60/100), worse than 68% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C94900 takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 72% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 75%.
Manufacturability8
C94900's machinability is very good (80/100, better than 86% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (20/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
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. C94900 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with C94900
Is C94900 easy to machine?
Free-machining thanks to the lead phase (~80% rating): use sharp positive-rake carbide or HSS, high speed, light feed, dry or with light oil mist; chips break short.
Can C94900 be welded?
Not recommended for fusion welding due to 4–6% Pb (hot cracking, porosity); repair by brazing with low-temperature filler or mechanical fastening; soldering is good.
Can C94900 be formed, bent or molded?
Cast-only alloy — sand, continuous or centrifugal casting with generous risers and directional solidification; no cold forming, hot working not practiced.
C94900 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 – 6 | 5 |
| Pb | 4 – 6 | 5 |
| Zn | 4 – 6 | 5 |
| NiNi + Co | 4 – 6 | 5 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.3 | |
| Sb | ≤ 0.25 | |
| S | ≤ 0.08 | |
| P | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Al | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Si | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Cu | ≥ 79 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on C94900?
Machines to a good surface and polishes well; can be tin-, nickel- or chrome-plated for wear or appearance; no anodizing; unprotected surfaces develop a brown-green patina.
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 C94900 cost?
C94900 is a high-cost copper alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
C94900 — frequently asked
What is C94900 used for?
C94900 is typically used for bushings, valve bodies and pump housings. In short: free-machining cast bronze; not fusion weldable; moderate-strength bushing alloy.
What is the yield strength of C94900?
C94900 has a typical yield strength of 138 MPa (20 ksi) and a tensile strength of 262 MPa (38 ksi) — weaker than 76% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is C94900 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (80/100, better than 86% of copper alloy grades). Free-machining thanks to the lead phase (~80% rating): use sharp positive-rake carbide or HSS, high speed, light feed, dry or with light oil mist; chips break short.
Can C94900 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (20/100). Not recommended for fusion welding due to 4–6% Pb (hot cracking, porosity); repair by brazing with low-temperature filler or mechanical fastening; soldering is good.
What surface finishes work on C94900?
Machines to a good surface and polishes well; can be tin-, nickel- or chrome-plated for wear or appearance; no anodizing; unprotected surfaces develop a brown-green patina.
Can C94900 be formed, bent or molded?
Cast-only alloy — sand, continuous or centrifugal casting with generous risers and directional solidification; no cold forming, hot working not practiced.
What is the maximum service temperature of C94900?
C94900 is rated for continuous use to about 230°C (446 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does C94900 cost?
C94900 is a high-cost copper alloy ($$$$), 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 Alloys — ASTM (2018)
- ASTM B584 — Copper Alloy Sand Castings for General Applications — ASTM (2022)
- Copper Alloy C94900 alloy datasheet — Copper Development Association (copper.org) (2024)
- 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.