Copper Alloy ZCuPb15Sn8-Li
Finish state
Li = centrifugal cast
Choose for large-diameter dense bushings/sleeves with minimal porosity and low lead segregation.
Values for the Li condition
Other ZCuPb15Sn8 tempers and conditions
ZCuPb15Sn8 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at ZCuPb15Sn8.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SDefault Sand cast | General-purpose route for large or one-off bearing shells and bushings where dimensional tolerance is loose. | 100 | 190 | 8 | 62 HB | 11 % IACS |
Permanent (metal) mould cast | Chill-cast for finer structure and higher strength on medium-volume small bushings. | 115 | 220 | 9 | 68 HB | 11 % IACS |
LiThis page Centrifugal cast | Choose for large-diameter dense bushings/sleeves with minimal porosity and low lead segregation. | 120 | 235 | 8 | 68 HB | 11 % IACS |
Continuous cast bar / tube | Most economical stock form for machined bushings; uniform fine structure and best ductility. | 120 | 240 | 10 | 70 HB | 11.5 % IACS |
What is ZCuPb15Sn8-Li?
ZCuPb15Sn8-Li is ZCuPb15Sn8 supplied in the Li condition — choose for large-diameter dense bushings/sleeves with minimal porosity and low lead segregation. ZCuPb15Sn8-Li has a yield strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) — weaker than 79% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 76 GPa (11 Msi). ZCuPb15Sn8-Li has a density of 9.2 g/cm³ (0.332 lb/in³), heavier than 98% 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 — 76 GPa (11 Msi), worse than 98% of copper alloy grades
- Hard to polish — 55/100, worse than 97% of copper alloy grades
- Difficult to weld — 15/100, worse than 94% 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
ZCuPb15Sn8-Li properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZCuPb15Sn8-Li; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZCuPb15Sn8 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
ZCuPb15Sn8-Li has a density of 9.2 g/cm³ (0.332 lb/in³), heavier than 98% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 762°C (1,404 °F).
Mechanical13
ZCuPb15Sn8-Li has a yield strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) — weaker than 79% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 76 GPa (11 Msi).
Thermal5
ZCuPb15Sn8-Li is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 70 W/m·K (40.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 55% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 18.5 µm/m·K (10.3 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZCuPb15Sn8-Li conducts electricity at 11 % IACS, worse than 68% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (57/100), worse than 80% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZCuPb15Sn8-Li takes about 45 MJ of energy and emits 3.2 kg of CO₂ — less than 97% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 75%.
Manufacturability8
ZCuPb15Sn8-Li's machinability is excellent (86/100, better than 95% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (15/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ZCuPb15Sn8-Li
Is ZCuPb15Sn8 easy to machine?
Free-machining: use sharp positive-rake carbide or HSS tools, high speed, light feed and neutral coolant; lead gives short chips but can smear on very fine finishes.
Can ZCuPb15Sn8 be welded?
Essentially unweldable by fusion — lead causes hot cracking and porosity; repair by soldering/brazing at low heat or by mechanical replacement.
Can ZCuPb15Sn8 be formed, bent or molded?
Cast-only alloy; pour 1050–1150 °C with good degassing and directional solidification to avoid lead segregation and shrinkage porosity.
What surface finishes work on ZCuPb15Sn8?
Machine-finish or burnish bearing bores; can be tin-plated or lightly polished, but no anodizing and avoid strong acid pickling that leaches lead.
ZCuPb15Sn8 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 | 7 – 9 | 8 |
| Pb | 13 – 17 | 15 |
| Znimpurity limit | ≤ 2 | — |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.25 | — |
| Niimpurity limit | ≤ 2 | — |
| Sbimpurity limit | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Pimpurity limit | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Alimpurity limit | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Siimpurity limit | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Cu≈75–79 % | balance | — |
ZCuPb15Sn8-Li — frequently asked
What is ZCuPb15Sn8-Li used for?
ZCuPb15Sn8-Li is typically used for bearing bushings, gears and hydraulic fittings. In short: mid-range leaded bearing bronze; free-machining casting alloy; not fusion weldable.
What is the yield strength of ZCuPb15Sn8-Li?
ZCuPb15Sn8-Li has a typical yield strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) — weaker than 79% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is ZCuPb15Sn8-Li easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (86/100, better than 95% of copper alloy grades). Free-machining: use sharp positive-rake carbide or HSS tools, high speed, light feed and neutral coolant; lead gives short chips but can smear on very fine finishes.
Can ZCuPb15Sn8-Li be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (15/100). Essentially unweldable by fusion — lead causes hot cracking and porosity; repair by soldering/brazing at low heat or by mechanical replacement.
What surface finishes work on ZCuPb15Sn8-Li?
Machine-finish or burnish bearing bores; can be tin-plated or lightly polished, but no anodizing and avoid strong acid pickling that leaches lead.
Can ZCuPb15Sn8-Li be formed, bent or molded?
Cast-only alloy; pour 1050–1150 °C with good degassing and directional solidification to avoid lead segregation and shrinkage porosity.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZCuPb15Sn8-Li?
ZCuPb15Sn8-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 ZCuPb15Sn8-S and ZCuPb15Sn8-Li?
S is the default condition — general-purpose route for large or one-off bearing shells and bushings where dimensional tolerance is loose. Li: choose for large-diameter dense bushings/sleeves with minimal porosity and low lead segregation. Yield strength is 100 MPa in S versus 120 MPa in Li.
Sources
- ASTM B584 / B505 (C93800) — ASTM International (2022)
- CDA Alloy Datasheet C93800 (High-Leaded Tin Bronze) — Copper Development Association (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties of Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
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.