Copper Alloy ZCuPb10Sn10-Li
Finish state
Li = 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.
Values for the Li 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 |
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 |
LiThis page 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-Li?
ZCuPb10Sn10-Li is ZCuPb10Sn10 supplied in the Li condition — 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. ZCuPb10Sn10-Li has a yield strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) — weaker than 79% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 9% and the elastic modulus is 78 GPa (11.3 Msi). ZCuPb10Sn10-Li 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; Li is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 86/100, better than 95% of copper alloy grades
- Low embodied carbon — 3.2 kg CO₂/kg, better than 92% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Low stiffness — 78 GPa (11.3 Msi), worse than 97% 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
- Low strength — 120 MPa (17.4 ksi), worse than 79% of copper alloy grades
ZCuPb10Sn10-Li properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZCuPb10Sn10-Li; 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-Li 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-Li has a yield strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) — weaker than 79% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 9% and the elastic modulus is 78 GPa (11.3 Msi).
Thermal6
ZCuPb10Sn10-Li 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-Li conducts electricity at 10.5 % IACS, worse than 72% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (57/100), worse than 80% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZCuPb10Sn10-Li 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-Li's machinability is excellent (86/100, better than 95% 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-Li
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-Li — frequently asked
What is ZCuPb10Sn10-Li used for?
ZCuPb10Sn10-Li 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-Li?
ZCuPb10Sn10-Li has a typical yield strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) — weaker than 79% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is ZCuPb10Sn10-Li easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (86/100, better than 95% 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-Li 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-Li?
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-Li 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-Li?
ZCuPb10Sn10-Li 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.