Solder & Low-Melting Alloy B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST
Finish state
ASTM B23 Grade 15 · UNS L53620
Choose for large journal bearings: rapid solidification gives finer, denser structure and slightly higher hardness/fatigue life.
Values for the CENT-CAST condition
Other B23 Grade 15 tempers and conditions
B23 Grade 15 is listed in 2 conditions; see the grade overview at B23 Grade 15.
- AS-CAST
- CENT-CAST
Compare all 2 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AS-CASTDefault As-cast (chill/gravity cast lining or test bar) | Standard condition for statically cast babbitt linings and for ASTM B23 property test bars. | 45 | 62 | 2 | 21 HB | 5 % IACS |
CENT-CASTThis page Centrifugally cast lining | Choose for large journal bearings: rapid solidification gives finer, denser structure and slightly higher hardness/fatigue life. | 50 | 68 | 2.5 | 23 HB | 5 % IACS |
What is B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST?
B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST is B23 Grade 15 supplied in the CENT-CAST condition — choose for large journal bearings: rapid solidification gives finer, denser structure and slightly higher hardness/fatigue life. B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST has a yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) and a tensile strength of 68 MPa (9.86 ksi) — stronger than 99% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Elongation at break is 2.5% and the elastic modulus is 29 GPa (4.21 Msi). B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST has a density of 10.1 g/cm³ (0.365 lb/in³), heavier than 79% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. It melts at 248°C (478 °F). AS-CAST is the default condition FabDigit quotes; CENT-CAST is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- High strength — 50 MPa (7.25 ksi), better than 99% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
- Easy to machine — 85/100, better than 89% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
- Low embodied carbon — 2.2 kg CO₂/kg, better than 88% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 60/100, better than 82% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
- High service temperature — 125°C (257 °F), better than 80% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
Limitations
- Limited formability — 8/100, worse than 100% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
- Limited ductility — 2.5%, worse than 97% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 5 % IACS, worse than 90% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
- Poor heat conductor — 24 W/m·K (13.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 86% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
- Heavy — 10.1 g/cm³ (0.365 lb/in³), worse than 79% of solder & low-melting alloy grades
B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST properties
Typical room-temperature values for B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are B23 Grade 15 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among solder & low-melting alloy grades.
Physical3
B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST has a density of 10.1 g/cm³ (0.365 lb/in³), heavier than 79% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. It melts at 248°C (478 °F).
Mechanical12
B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST has a yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) and a tensile strength of 68 MPa (9.86 ksi) — stronger than 99% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Elongation at break is 2.5% and the elastic modulus is 29 GPa (4.21 Msi).
Thermal6
B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST is rated for continuous service to 125°C (257 °F). It conducts heat at 24 W/m·K (13.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 86% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 23 µm/m·K (12.8 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST conducts electricity at 5 % IACS, worse than 90% of solder & low-melting alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (42/100), worse than 73% of solder & low-melting alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST takes about 30 MJ of energy and emits 2.2 kg of CO₂ — less than 86% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 60%.
Manufacturability8
B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST's machinability is excellent (85/100, better than 89% of solder & low-melting alloy grades); weldability poor (20/100); formability not recommended (8/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST
Is B23 Grade 15 easy to machine?
Very soft and free-cutting; use sharp, high-rake tools, generous clearance and light cuts with kerosene/oil mist to avoid smearing, then hand-scrape to final bearing clearance.
Can B23 Grade 15 be welded?
Not fusion-welded structurally; local defects are repaired by torch remelt or puddling with the same alloy, avoiding overheating that oxidizes antimony and arsenic.
Can B23 Grade 15 be formed, bent or molded?
Cast only — pour into pre-tinned, preheated (~250 °C) shells at roughly 400–430 °C with a directional chill to prevent shrinkage and gross Sb segregation; no cold forming.
What surface finishes work on B23 Grade 15?
Bond quality depends on thorough degreasing, acid cleaning and hot-tinning of the steel shell; surfaces are scraped/burnished rather than plated, and lead dust/fume controls plus RoHS exemption checks are required.
B23 Grade 15 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sbprimary hardener; forms SbSn/Sb-rich phase | 14.5 – 17.5 | 16 |
| Sn | 0.8 – 1.2 | 1 |
| Asrefines structure, raises hot hardness | 0.8 – 1.4 | 1.1 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.6 | — |
| Fe | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Bi | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Zn | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Al | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Pbbalance, nominally ~82% | balance | — |
B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST — frequently asked
What is B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST used for?
B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST is typically used for heavy-duty plain bearings, railroad and marine bearing shells, high-load industrial machinery bushings and bearing re-lining for high-pressure service. In short: hardest lead-base babbitt; highest load capacity, low ductility; slow-speed heavy bearings.
What is the yield strength of B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST?
B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST has a typical yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) and a tensile strength of 68 MPa (9.86 ksi) — stronger than 99% of solder & low-melting alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (85/100, better than 89% of solder & low-melting alloy grades). Very soft and free-cutting; use sharp, high-rake tools, generous clearance and light cuts with kerosene/oil mist to avoid smearing, then hand-scrape to final bearing clearance.
Can B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (20/100). Not fusion-welded structurally; local defects are repaired by torch remelt or puddling with the same alloy, avoiding overheating that oxidizes antimony and arsenic.
What surface finishes work on B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST?
Bond quality depends on thorough degreasing, acid cleaning and hot-tinning of the steel shell; surfaces are scraped/burnished rather than plated, and lead dust/fume controls plus RoHS exemption checks are required.
Can B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST be formed, bent or molded?
Cast only — pour into pre-tinned, preheated (~250 °C) shells at roughly 400–430 °C with a directional chill to prevent shrinkage and gross Sb segregation; no cold forming.
What is the maximum service temperature of B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST?
B23 Grade 15 CENT-CAST is rated for continuous use to about 125°C (257 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- ASTM B23 Standard Specification for White Metal Bearing Alloys (Known Commercially as Babbitt Metal) — ASTM International (2019)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials (Bearing Alloys) — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 18 — Friction, Lubrication, and Wear Technology — ASM International (2017)
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.