Copper Alloy ZCuSn10Pb1 · finish state
Copper Alloy ZCuSn10Pb1-Li
Properties of the Li condition, compared with the other ZCuSn10Pb1 tempers.
Best for large-diameter bushings, sleeves and worm-wheel rims: dense, inclusion-free wall with high strength and good wear life.
What is ZCuSn10Pb1-Li?
ZCuSn10Pb1-Li is ZCuSn10Pb1 supplied in the Li condition — best for large-diameter bushings, sleeves and worm-wheel rims: dense, inclusion-free wall with high strength and good wear life. ZCuSn10Pb1-Li has a yield strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) — weaker than 56% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 7% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi). ZCuSn10Pb1-Li has a density of 8.8 g/cm³ (0.318 lb/in³), heavier than 58% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 830°C (1,526 °F). S is the default condition FabDigit quotes; Li is available on request or by drawing note.
Limitations
- Limited formability — 12/100, worse than 87% of copper alloy grades
- Limited ductility — 7%, worse than 86% of copper alloy grades
- High embodied carbon — 4.6 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 82% of copper alloy grades
- Difficult to weld — 25/100, worse than 78% of copper alloy grades
ZCuSn10Pb1-Li properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZCuSn10Pb1-Li — 7 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every ZCuSn10Pb1 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the copper alloy grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
ZCuSn10Pb1-Li has a density of 8.8 g/cm³ (0.318 lb/in³), heavier than 58% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 830°C (1,526 °F).
Mechanical11
ZCuSn10Pb1-Li has a yield strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) — weaker than 56% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 7% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi).
Thermal6
ZCuSn10Pb1-Li is rated for continuous service to 250°C (482 °F). It conducts heat at 71 W/m·K (41 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 55% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 18.4 µm/m·K (10.2 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZCuSn10Pb1-Li conducts electricity at 11 % IACS, worse than 69% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (70/100), better than 76% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZCuSn10Pb1-Li takes about 68 MJ of energy and emits 4.6 kg of CO₂ — more than 83% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 45%.
Manufacturability7
ZCuSn10Pb1-Li's machinability is fair (48/100, better than 68% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (25/100); formability not recommended (12/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other ZCuSn10Pb1 tempers and conditions
ZCuSn10Pb1 is also supplied in 3 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the ZCuSn10Pb1 overview.
- SDefaultDefault form for one-off and low-volume worm wheels, bearing shells and pump bodies; lowest strength but easiest to cast in complex shapes.140 MPa yield · 85 HB
- JChoose for repeat production of small bushings and gear rims where finer grain gives ~25% higher strength and hardness than sand casting.180 MPa yield · 95 HB
- LiBest for large-diameter bushings, sleeves and worm-wheel rims: dense, inclusion-free wall with high strength and good wear life.190 MPa yield · 100 HB
Working with ZCuSn10Pb1-Li
Is ZCuSn10Pb1 easy to machine?
Machines well with sharp positive-rake carbide or HSS at high speed, low feed and generous coolant; the Pb and δ-phase give short chips but the alloy smears if tools are dull.
Can ZCuSn10Pb1 be welded?
Poor fusion weldability — lead causes hot cracking and porosity; repair by braze/solder or low-heat GTAW with Cu-Sn filler and preheat 150–250 °C.
Can ZCuSn10Pb1 be formed, bent or molded?
Casting alloy only: wide freezing range demands strong risering/directional solidification and pouring at ~1150–1200 °C to avoid tin sweat and microshrinkage.
What surface finishes work on ZCuSn10Pb1?
Takes a fine turned or polished finish and readily accepts tin, nickel or chrome plating and soft solder; use lacquer or chemical patina since it tarnishes in air.
ZCuSn10Pb1 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Snprimary strengthening/wear element | 9 – 11.5 | 10.5 |
| Pbmachinability and pressure-tightness addition | 0.5 – 1 | 0.8 |
| Znimpurity limit | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Pdeoxidiser residue | ≤ 0.3 | 0.1 |
| Ni | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Fe | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Sb | ≤ 0.2 | — |
| S | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Alkept very low to avoid casting defects | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Si | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Cubalance, ≈88–90% | balance | — |
ZCuSn10Pb1-Li — frequently asked
What is ZCuSn10Pb1-Li used for?
ZCuSn10Pb1-Li is typically used for gears, worm wheels, bushings and high-pressure valve bodies. In short: highest-strength grade in family; wear-resistant gear bronze; 250 °C service capability.
What is the yield strength of ZCuSn10Pb1-Li?
ZCuSn10Pb1-Li has a typical yield strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) — weaker than 56% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is ZCuSn10Pb1-Li easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (48/100, better than 68% of copper alloy grades). Machines well with sharp positive-rake carbide or HSS at high speed, low feed and generous coolant; the Pb and δ-phase give short chips but the alloy smears if tools are dull.
Can ZCuSn10Pb1-Li be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (25/100). Poor fusion weldability — lead causes hot cracking and porosity; repair by braze/solder or low-heat GTAW with Cu-Sn filler and preheat 150–250 °C.
What surface finishes work on ZCuSn10Pb1-Li?
Takes a fine turned or polished finish and readily accepts tin, nickel or chrome plating and soft solder; use lacquer or chemical patina since it tarnishes in air.
Can ZCuSn10Pb1-Li be formed, bent or molded?
Casting alloy only: wide freezing range demands strong risering/directional solidification and pouring at ~1150–1200 °C to avoid tin sweat and microshrinkage.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZCuSn10Pb1-Li?
ZCuSn10Pb1-Li is rated for continuous use to about 250°C (482 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between ZCuSn10Pb1-S and ZCuSn10Pb1-La?
S is the default condition — default form for one-off and low-volume worm wheels, bearing shells and pump bodies; lowest strength but easiest to cast in complex shapes. La: stock form for machined bushings, nuts and slide plates — highest and most uniform properties, sold as solid bar and hollow tube. Yield strength is 140 MPa in S versus 195 MPa in La.
Sources
- ASTM B505/B505M Copper Alloy Continuous Castings (C90700) — ASTM (2018)
- CDA Alloy Datasheet C90700 — Copper Development Association (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties of Copper and Copper Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13 — Corrosion of Copper Alloys — ASM International (2005)
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.