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Copper Alloy ZCuSn10Zn2-J (Permanent (metal) mould cast)

Grade

GB ZQSn10-2

Chill casting for series production of small fittings: finer grain, higher strength and hardness but reduced elongation.

High cost $$$$

Values for the J condition

Other ZCuSn10Zn2 tempers and conditions

ZCuSn10Zn2 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at ZCuSn10Zn2.

Compare all 4 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
SDefault
Sand cast
Default route for valve bodies, pump housings and one-off/low-volume parts; highest ductility, lowest strength and hardness.1402901875 HB12 % IACS
JThis page
Permanent (metal) mould cast
Chill casting for series production of small fittings: finer grain, higher strength and hardness but reduced elongation.1603001085 HB12 % IACS
Continuously cast bar/tube
Stock bar and tube for machined bearings and gears; directional solidification gives sound, uniform structure with good machined surface finish.1703201288 HB12 % IACS
Centrifugally cast
Choice for bushings, sleeves and worm-gear rims: dense, porosity-free wall with the highest strength and hardness of the four routes.1753301290 HB12 % IACS

What is ZCuSn10Zn2-J?

ZCuSn10Zn2-J is ZCuSn10Zn2 in the J grade — chill casting for series production of small fittings: finer grain, higher strength and hardness but reduced elongation. ZCuSn10Zn2-J has a yield strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) — weaker than 65% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi). ZCuSn10Zn2-J has a density of 8.8 g/cm³ (0.318 lb/in³), heavier than 58% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 854°C (1,569 °F). S is the default condition FabDigit quotes; J is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Good corrosion resistance — 73/100, better than 87% of copper alloy grades
  • High service temperature — 260°C (500 °F), better than 75% of copper alloy grades

Limitations

  • Limited formability — 10/100, worse than 89% of copper alloy grades
  • Limited ductility — 10%, worse than 76% of copper alloy grades

ZCuSn10Zn2-J properties

Typical room-temperature values for ZCuSn10Zn2-J; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZCuSn10Zn2 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.

Physical3

ZCuSn10Zn2-J has a density of 8.8 g/cm³ (0.318 lb/in³), heavier than 58% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 854°C (1,569 °F).

Density8.8 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)854°C1,569 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,000°C1,832 °F

Mechanical12

ZCuSn10Zn2-J has a yield strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) — weaker than 65% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus103 GPa14.9 Msi
Shear Modulus38 GPa5.5 Msi
Bulk Modulus110 GPa16 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.34
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)300 MPa43.5 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)160 MPa23.2 ksi
Elongation at Break10%
Compressive Strength500 MPa72.5 ksi
Shear Strength215 MPa31.2 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)110 MPa16 ksi
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)11 J8.1 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell85 HB

Thermal6

ZCuSn10Zn2-J is rated for continuous service to 260°C (500 °F). It conducts heat at 74.8 W/m·K (43.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 50% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 18 µm/m·K (10 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity74.8 W/m·K43.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity377 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)18 µm/m·K10 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion180 J/g77.4 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)260°C500 °F
Min Service Temperature-200°C-328 °F

Electrical3

ZCuSn10Zn2-J conducts electricity at 12 % IACS, worse than 62% of copper alloy grades.

Electrical Conductivity12 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity1.44×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5.67 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is very good (73/100), better than 87% of copper alloy grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.27 V
Corrosion ResistanceVery good73/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood in seawater, brackish and potable water, steam, neutral salts and most mineral/organic lubricants; attacked by oxidizing acids, ammonia/amines (stress corrosion), sulfides and strong oxidizers such as ferric chloride.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of ZCuSn10Zn2-J takes about 58 MJ of energy and emits 4.2 kg of CO₂ — more than 61% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 70%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)58 MJ/kg24,936 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)4.2 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water280 L/kg33.6 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content70%

Manufacturability8

ZCuSn10Zn2-J's machinability is fair (53/100, better than 69% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (30/100); formability not recommended (10/100).

MachinabilityFair53/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)33%
WeldabilityPoor30/100
Formability (cold)Not recommended10/100
CastabilityExcellent85/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityExcellent85/100
PolishabilityVery good70/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — copper alloy; use chemical patination, tin/nickel plating or clear lacquer instead

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with ZCuSn10Zn2-J

Is ZCuSn10Zn2 easy to machine?

Machines to a good finish with sharp positive-rake carbide or HSS tools and generous coolant; chips are short but gummier than leaded bronzes — expect ~30–35 % of AISI 1212 speeds and avoid rubbing/burnishing at low feeds.

Can ZCuSn10Zn2 be welded?

Fusion welding is not recommended (hot-short, tin segregation); repair by brazing or by GTAW with matching Cu-Sn filler and 150–250 °C preheat only for non-critical areas.

Can ZCuSn10Zn2 be formed, bent or molded?

Casting alloy only — good fluidity and moderately wide freezing range means it needs directional solidification, adequate risering and chills to avoid interdendritic shrinkage; degas and cover the melt to limit hydrogen and tin oxide.

What surface finishes work on ZCuSn10Zn2?

Not anodizable; use tin, nickel or chrome plating for wear/appearance, chemical patina or clear lacquer for decorative work, and light polishing after shot-blasting to remove casting skin.

ZCuSn10Zn2 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Snprincipal strengthening/anti-friction addition9 – 1110
Zndeoxidiser, improves fluidity and soundness1 – 32
Pbimpurity limit≤ 1.5—
Nitolerated impurity≤ 2—
Feimpurity limit≤ 0.25—
Sbimpurity limit≤ 0.3—
Pimpurity limit≤ 0.05—
Simpurity limit≤ 0.05—
Alkept very low to avoid dross/oxide films≤ 0.01—
Siimpurity limit≤ 0.01—
Cu≈86–89 % typicalbalance—

ZCuSn10Zn2-J — frequently asked

What is ZCuSn10Zn2-J used for?

ZCuSn10Zn2-J is typically used for pump housings, valve bodies, marine fittings and impellers. In short: marine-grade tin bronze; most ductile grade here; navy G equivalent composition.

What is the yield strength of ZCuSn10Zn2-J?

ZCuSn10Zn2-J has a typical yield strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) — weaker than 65% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.

Is ZCuSn10Zn2-J easy to machine?

Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (53/100, better than 69% of copper alloy grades). Machines to a good finish with sharp positive-rake carbide or HSS tools and generous coolant; chips are short but gummier than leaded bronzes — expect ~30–35 % of AISI 1212 speeds and avoid rubbing/burnishing at low feeds.

Can ZCuSn10Zn2-J be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated poor (30/100). Fusion welding is not recommended (hot-short, tin segregation); repair by brazing or by GTAW with matching Cu-Sn filler and 150–250 °C preheat only for non-critical areas.

What surface finishes work on ZCuSn10Zn2-J?

Not anodizable; use tin, nickel or chrome plating for wear/appearance, chemical patina or clear lacquer for decorative work, and light polishing after shot-blasting to remove casting skin.

Can ZCuSn10Zn2-J be formed, bent or molded?

Casting alloy only — good fluidity and moderately wide freezing range means it needs directional solidification, adequate risering and chills to avoid interdendritic shrinkage; degas and cover the melt to limit hydrogen and tin oxide.

What is the maximum service temperature of ZCuSn10Zn2-J?

ZCuSn10Zn2-J is rated for continuous use to about 260°C (500 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between ZCuSn10Zn2-S and ZCuSn10Zn2-Li?

S is the default condition — default route for valve bodies, pump housings and one-off/low-volume parts; highest ductility, lowest strength and hardness. Li: choice for bushings, sleeves and worm-gear rims: dense, porosity-free wall with the highest strength and hardness of the four routes. Yield strength is 140 MPa in S versus 175 MPa in Li.

Sources

  1. ASTM B505/B505M — Copper Alloy Continuous Castings — ASTM International (2018)
  2. ASTM B584 — Copper Alloy Sand Castings for General Applications — ASTM International (2022)
  3. CDA Alloy Datasheet C90300 (Navy G Bronze) — Copper Development Association (copper.org) (2023)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  5. ASM Handbook Vol. 13B — Corrosion: Materials — 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.