Copper Alloy ZCuPb10Sn10-J (Permanent (metal) mould cast)
Grade
Choose for medium-batch, higher-strength bushings: fast cooling in the metal mould gives a denser structure, 240 MPa tensile and 80 HB, with elongation reduced to 8%.
Values for the J condition
Other ZCuPb10Sn10 tempers and conditions
ZCuPb10Sn10 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at ZCuPb10Sn10.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SDefault Sand cast | Pick for large, single-piece or small-batch bearing shells, worm wheels and pump-housing bushings; slow mould cooling leaves the lowest strength of the cast forms at 200 MPa tensile and 70 HB. | 90 | 200 | 10 | 70 HB | 10 % IACS |
JThis page Permanent (metal) mould cast | Choose for medium-batch, higher-strength bushings: fast cooling in the metal mould gives a denser structure, 240 MPa tensile and 80 HB, with elongation reduced to 8%. | 110 | 240 | 8 | 80 HB | 10 % IACS |
Continuous cast bar/tube | Use continuously cast bar and tube when off-the-shelf sizes and direct machining into bushings are the priority; uniform structure at 240 MPa tensile, 75 HB and 8% elongation. | 115 | 240 | 8 | 75 HB | 10 % IACS |
Centrifugal cast | Pick for large-diameter bearing shells and bimetal bushings; centrifugal casting gives the densest structure with few pores or slag inclusions, reaching 250 MPa tensile, 120 MPa yield and 80 HB. | 120 | 250 | 9 | 80 HB | 10.5 % IACS |
What is ZCuPb10Sn10-J?
ZCuPb10Sn10-J is ZCuPb10Sn10 in the J grade — choose for medium-batch, higher-strength bushings: fast cooling in the metal mould gives a denser structure, 240 MPa tensile and 80 HB, with elongation reduced to 8%. ZCuPb10Sn10-J has a yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) — weaker than 82% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 76 GPa (11 Msi). ZCuPb10Sn10-J has a density of 8.93 g/cm³ (0.323 lb/in³), heavier than 82% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 762°C (1,404 °F). S is the default condition FabDigit quotes; J is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 85/100, better than 93% of copper alloy grades
- Low embodied carbon — 3.2 kg CO₂/kg, better than 92% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Low stiffness — 76 GPa (11 Msi), worse than 98% of copper alloy grades
- Difficult to weld — 12/100, worse than 96% of copper alloy grades
- Hard to polish — 60/100, worse than 92% of copper alloy grades
- Limited formability — 10/100, worse than 89% of copper alloy grades
- Limited ductility — 8%, worse than 83% of copper alloy grades
ZCuPb10Sn10-J properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZCuPb10Sn10-J; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZCuPb10Sn10 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
ZCuPb10Sn10-J has a density of 8.93 g/cm³ (0.323 lb/in³), heavier than 82% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 762°C (1,404 °F).
Mechanical15
ZCuPb10Sn10-J has a yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) — weaker than 82% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 76 GPa (11 Msi).
Thermal6
ZCuPb10Sn10-J 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 18.5 µm/m·K (10.3 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZCuPb10Sn10-J conducts electricity at 10 % IACS, worse than 74% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), worse than 86% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZCuPb10Sn10-J takes about 48 MJ of energy and emits 3.2 kg of CO₂ — less than 92% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 60%.
Manufacturability7
ZCuPb10Sn10-J's machinability is excellent (85/100, better than 93% of copper alloy grades); weldability not recommended (12/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ZCuPb10Sn10-J
Is ZCuPb10Sn10 easy to machine?
Machinability is excellent, roughly 80% of the AISI free-cutting reference. The lead phase breaks chips, so sharp positive-rake tools at high speed, run dry or with minimum-quantity lubrication, produce mirror-finish bores.
Can ZCuPb10Sn10 be welded?
At 10% lead the alloy is essentially not fusion weldable; hot cracking and lead fume are both risks. Repair only by low-temperature soft soldering or brazing, with good ventilation.
Can ZCuPb10Sn10 be formed, bent or molded?
Casting alloy only, with no cold forming. Sand, permanent-mould, centrifugal and continuous casting are all suitable; pour at about 1100–1180 °C with good feeding to prevent segregation and coalescence of the lead phase.
What surface finishes work on ZCuPb10Sn10?
Can be turned, honed and roller-burnished. Surfaces accept tin plating or chemical polishing but cannot be anodized, and lead content limits use in food-contact and drinking-water parts.
ZCuPb10Sn10 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 | 9 – 11 | 10 |
| Pbfree lead phase provides self-lubrication | 8 – 11 | 10 |
| Znimpurity limit | ≤ 2 | — |
| Niimpurity limit | ≤ 2 | — |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Sbimpurity limit | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Pimpurity limit | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Simpurity limit | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Alimpurity limit | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Siimpurity limit | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Cubalance, approx. 78-82% | balance | — |
ZCuPb10Sn10-J — frequently asked
What is ZCuPb10Sn10-J used for?
ZCuPb10Sn10-J is typically used for sleeve bearings, bushings and thrust washers. In short: self-lubricating bearing bronze; highest machinability in family; not for potable water.
What is the yield strength of ZCuPb10Sn10-J?
ZCuPb10Sn10-J has a typical yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) — weaker than 82% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is ZCuPb10Sn10-J easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (85/100, better than 93% of copper alloy grades). Machinability is excellent, roughly 80% of the AISI free-cutting reference. The lead phase breaks chips, so sharp positive-rake tools at high speed, run dry or with minimum-quantity lubrication, produce mirror-finish bores.
Can ZCuPb10Sn10-J be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (12/100). At 10% lead the alloy is essentially not fusion weldable; hot cracking and lead fume are both risks. Repair only by low-temperature soft soldering or brazing, with good ventilation.
What surface finishes work on ZCuPb10Sn10-J?
Can be turned, honed and roller-burnished. Surfaces accept tin plating or chemical polishing but cannot be anodized, and lead content limits use in food-contact and drinking-water parts.
Can ZCuPb10Sn10-J be formed, bent or molded?
Casting alloy only, with no cold forming. Sand, permanent-mould, centrifugal and continuous casting are all suitable; pour at about 1100–1180 °C with good feeding to prevent segregation and coalescence of the lead phase.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZCuPb10Sn10-J?
ZCuPb10Sn10-J 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 ZCuPb10Sn10-S and ZCuPb10Sn10-Li?
S is the default condition — pick for large, single-piece or small-batch bearing shells, worm wheels and pump-housing bushings; slow mould cooling leaves the lowest strength of the cast forms at 200 MPa tensile and 70 HB. Li: pick for large-diameter bearing shells and bimetal bushings; centrifugal casting gives the densest structure with few pores or slag inclusions, reaching 250 MPa tensile, 120 MPa yield and 80 HB. Yield strength is 90 MPa in S versus 120 MPa in Li.
Sources
- C93700 High Leaded Tin Bronze alloy datasheet — Copper Development Association (copper.org) (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASTM B584 — Copper Alloy Sand Castings for General Applications — ASTM (2022)
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.