Copper Alloy ZCuSn10Zn2-S (Sand cast)
Heat-treated state · default condition
GB ZQSn10-2
Default route for valve bodies, pump housings and one-off/low-volume parts; highest ductility, lowest strength and hardness.
Values for the S 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 datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SDefaultThis page Sand cast | Default route for valve bodies, pump housings and one-off/low-volume parts; highest ductility, lowest strength and hardness. | 140 | 290 | 18 | 75 HB | 12 % IACS |
Permanent (metal) mould cast | Chill casting for series production of small fittings: finer grain, higher strength and hardness but reduced elongation. | 160 | 300 | 10 | 85 HB | 12 % 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. | 170 | 320 | 12 | 88 HB | 12 % 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. | 175 | 330 | 12 | 90 HB | 12 % IACS |
What is ZCuSn10Zn2-S?
ZCuSn10Zn2-S is ZCuSn10Zn2 heat treated to S — default route for valve bodies, pump housings and one-off/low-volume parts; highest ductility, lowest strength and hardness. ZCuSn10Zn2-S has a yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) — weaker than 74% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 18% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi). ZCuSn10Zn2-S 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).
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 72/100, better than 84% 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
ZCuSn10Zn2-S properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZCuSn10Zn2-S; 10 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-S 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).
Mechanical12
ZCuSn10Zn2-S has a yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) — weaker than 74% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 18% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi).
Thermal6
ZCuSn10Zn2-S 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).
Electrical3
ZCuSn10Zn2-S conducts electricity at 12 % IACS, worse than 62% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (72/100), better than 84% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZCuSn10Zn2-S 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%.
Manufacturability8
ZCuSn10Zn2-S's machinability is good (55/100, better than 71% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (30/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ZCuSn10Zn2-S
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.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Snprincipal strengthening/anti-friction addition | 9 – 11 | 10 |
| Zndeoxidiser, improves fluidity and soundness | 1 – 3 | 2 |
| 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 % typical | balance | — |
ZCuSn10Zn2-S — frequently asked
What is ZCuSn10Zn2-S used for?
ZCuSn10Zn2-S 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-S?
ZCuSn10Zn2-S has a typical yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) — weaker than 74% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is ZCuSn10Zn2-S easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (55/100, better than 71% 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-S 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-S?
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-S 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-S?
ZCuSn10Zn2-S 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
- ASTM B505/B505M — Copper Alloy Continuous Castings — ASTM International (2018)
- ASTM B584 — Copper Alloy Sand Castings for General Applications — ASTM International (2022)
- CDA Alloy Datasheet C90300 (Navy G Bronze) — Copper Development Association (copper.org) (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- 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.