Copper Alloy ZCuPb30-Li
Finish state
Li = centrifugally cast
Pick for thin-wall sleeves and large bushings; centrifugal force plus chill gives finer, more uniform lead distribution and slightly higher strength.
Values for the Li condition
Other ZCuPb30 tempers and conditions
ZCuPb30 is listed in 2 conditions; see the grade overview at ZCuPb30.
- J
- Li
Compare all 2 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
JDefault Permanent (metal) mould cast | Standard GB/T 1176 supply condition: chilled metal-mould casting used to suppress lead segregation in bushings and bearing shells. | 32 | 65 | 5 | 27 HB | 30 % IACS |
LiThis page Centrifugally cast | Pick for thin-wall sleeves and large bushings; centrifugal force plus chill gives finer, more uniform lead distribution and slightly higher strength. | 35 | 75 | 6 | 30 HB | 30 % IACS |
What is ZCuPb30-Li?
ZCuPb30-Li is ZCuPb30 supplied in the Li condition — pick for thin-wall sleeves and large bushings; centrifugal force plus chill gives finer, more uniform lead distribution and slightly higher strength. ZCuPb30-Li has a yield strength of 35 MPa (5.08 ksi) and a tensile strength of 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) — weaker than 100% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 6% and the elastic modulus is 72 GPa (10.4 Msi). ZCuPb30-Li has a density of 9.5 g/cm³ (0.343 lb/in³), heavier than 100% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 327°C (621 °F). J is the default condition FabDigit quotes; Li 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 strength — 35 MPa (5.08 ksi), worse than 100% of copper alloy grades
- Low stiffness — 72 GPa (10.4 Msi), worse than 100% of copper alloy grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 42/100, worse than 100% of copper alloy grades
- Difficult to weld — 8/100, worse than 100% of copper alloy grades
- Hard to polish — 40/100, worse than 100% of copper alloy grades
ZCuPb30-Li properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZCuPb30-Li; 19 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZCuPb30 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
ZCuPb30-Li has a density of 9.5 g/cm³ (0.343 lb/in³), heavier than 100% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 327°C (621 °F).
Mechanical14
ZCuPb30-Li has a yield strength of 35 MPa (5.08 ksi) and a tensile strength of 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) — weaker than 100% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 6% and the elastic modulus is 72 GPa (10.4 Msi).
Thermal6
ZCuPb30-Li is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 60 W/m·K (34.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 59% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 18.5 µm/m·K (10.3 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZCuPb30-Li conducts electricity at 30 % IACS, better than 71% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (42/100), worse than 100% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZCuPb30-Li takes about 46 MJ of energy and emits 3.2 kg of CO₂ — less than 94% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 70%.
Manufacturability7
ZCuPb30-Li's machinability is excellent (85/100, better than 93% of copper alloy grades); weldability not recommended (8/100); formability not recommended (12/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ZCuPb30-Li
Is ZCuPb30 easy to machine?
Free-cutting but very soft: use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed, light feed and generous coolant to avoid smearing and lead pick-up; capture swarf as lead-bearing waste.
Can ZCuPb30 be welded?
Essentially unweldable — lead causes hot cracking and toxic fume; repair by re-casting the lining or mechanical replacement rather than welding.
Can ZCuPb30 be formed, bent or molded?
Cast only (chilled metal mould, centrifugal, or cast-on steel back); pour with high superheat and rapid chill, stir/spin to prevent gravity segregation of the lead phase, no cold working.
What surface finishes work on ZCuPb30?
Bore/hone to size and, for engine bearings, apply a thin Pb-Sn or Pb-In overlay plus Ni dam; do not anodize — plating and tinning are standard surface routes.
ZCuPb30 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Pbsoft lubricating phase | 27 – 33 | 30 |
| Snimpurity limit | ≤ 1 | — |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Sbimpurity limit | ≤ 0.2 | — |
| Znimpurity limit | ≤ 0.2 | — |
| Curemainder; total impurities ≤1.0 % per GB/T 1176 | balance | — |
ZCuPb30-Li — frequently asked
What is ZCuPb30-Li used for?
ZCuPb30-Li is typically used for engine main bearings, connecting rod bearings and heavy machinery bushings. In short: highest-lead bearing bronze; tin-free anti-friction lining; needs rigid steel backing.
What is the yield strength of ZCuPb30-Li?
ZCuPb30-Li has a typical yield strength of 35 MPa (5.08 ksi) and a tensile strength of 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) — weaker than 100% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is ZCuPb30-Li easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (85/100, better than 93% of copper alloy grades). Free-cutting but very soft: use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed, light feed and generous coolant to avoid smearing and lead pick-up; capture swarf as lead-bearing waste.
Can ZCuPb30-Li be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (8/100). Essentially unweldable — lead causes hot cracking and toxic fume; repair by re-casting the lining or mechanical replacement rather than welding.
What surface finishes work on ZCuPb30-Li?
Bore/hone to size and, for engine bearings, apply a thin Pb-Sn or Pb-In overlay plus Ni dam; do not anodize — plating and tinning are standard surface routes.
Can ZCuPb30-Li be formed, bent or molded?
Cast only (chilled metal mould, centrifugal, or cast-on steel back); pour with high superheat and rapid chill, stir/spin to prevent gravity segregation of the lead phase, no cold working.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZCuPb30-Li?
ZCuPb30-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 ZCuPb30-J and ZCuPb30-Li?
J is the default condition — standard GB/T 1176 supply condition: chilled metal-mould casting used to suppress lead segregation in bushings and bearing shells. Li: pick for thin-wall sleeves and large bushings; centrifugal force plus chill gives finer, more uniform lead distribution and slightly higher strength. Yield strength is 32 MPa in J versus 35 MPa in Li.
Sources
- ASTM B505/B505M (continuous cast copper alloys, C98400) — ASTM (2018)
- CDA alloy data — C98400 leaded copper — Copper Development Association (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties of Copper and Copper Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.3 — Alloy Phase Diagrams (Cu-Pb) — ASM International (1992)
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.