Copper Alloy ZCuSn10Pb1 · heat-treated state · default condition
Copper Alloy ZCuSn10Pb1-S
Properties of the S condition, compared with the other ZCuSn10Pb1 tempers.
Default form for one-off and low-volume worm wheels, bearing shells and pump bodies; lowest strength but easiest to cast in complex shapes.
What is ZCuSn10Pb1-S?
ZCuSn10Pb1-S is ZCuSn10Pb1 heat treated to S — default form for one-off and low-volume worm wheels, bearing shells and pump bodies; lowest strength but easiest to cast in complex shapes. ZCuSn10Pb1-S has a yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) — weaker than 73% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi). ZCuSn10Pb1-S 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).
Limitations
- Limited formability — 12/100, worse than 87% of copper alloy grades
- Limited ductility — 8%, worse than 83% 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-S properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZCuSn10Pb1-S — 9 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-S 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-S has a yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) — weaker than 73% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi).
Thermal6
ZCuSn10Pb1-S 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-S 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-S 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-S's machinability is fair (50/100, better than 69% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (25/100); formability not recommended (12/100).
Common Calculations5
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
Working with ZCuSn10Pb1-S
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-S — frequently asked
What is ZCuSn10Pb1-S used for?
ZCuSn10Pb1-S 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-S?
ZCuSn10Pb1-S has a typical yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) — weaker than 73% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is ZCuSn10Pb1-S easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (50/100, better than 69% 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-S 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-S?
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-S 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-S?
ZCuSn10Pb1-S 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.