Phosphor Bronze
C52100 — Phosphor Bronze C (8% Tin)
A high-tin wrought phosphor bronze offering greater hardness, strength and wear resistance than C51000 or C51900.
Grade overview
C52100 contains about 8% tin, the highest tin level among the common wrought phosphor bronzes. The result is a harder, stronger alloy with excellent fatigue behaviour and good wear resistance, at the expense of cold formability.
It is typically chosen for parts that see sliding contact, load cycling or elastic deflection and where the extra hardness is worth the reduced bendability – for example heavy-duty springs, wear plates and certain bushings.
Alloy family and identification
Wrought copper-tin-phosphorus alloy, UNS C52100. Often called “phosphor bronze C” or “8% phosphor bronze”. Specify by UNS number, product form and temper.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| UNS designation | C52100 |
| Common name | Phosphor Bronze C (8% Tin) |
| Alloy family | Phosphor Bronze |
| Type | Wrought copper-tin-phosphorus alloy |
Typical composition
| Element | Nominal limit, wt % |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | Remainder |
| Tin (Sn) | 7.0 – 9.0 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.03 – 0.35 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.20 max |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.10 max |
| Lead (Pb) | 0.05 max |
Reference data only – typical or nominal values from published specifications, not a guarantee of supplied material. Confirm against the current edition of the applicable specification, the product form and condition, and the material test certificate. Technical review by the company is required before publication or reliance.
Typical mechanical properties
Mechanical property values are intentionally not published here. They vary with specification, product form, size and temper or condition and will be added only once the governing specification and condition are confirmed. Request the applicable specification or test certificate with your inquiry.
Physical properties
Physical properties (density, thermal and electrical data) are not listed until verified against an authoritative datasheet. Contact us for current reference data.
Corrosion and wear considerations
Good resistance to atmospheric and fresh-water corrosion and to many non-oxidising process media; the highest wear resistance of the wrought phosphor bronzes. Avoid ammonia-bearing and strongly oxidising environments.
Machinability and fabrication
Considered a harder, slower-machining alloy than C51000. Bending and severe forming require care, particularly in higher tempers. Brazing and soldering are practised.
Common industrial applications
- Heavy-duty springs and diaphragms
- Wear plates and sliding components
- Bushings and bearing parts for demanding duty
- Gears and worm-wheel type components (design dependent)
- Marine and chemical hardware in compatible service
Examples only. Suitability must be confirmed for the actual operating environment.
Available product forms
Sizes, tolerances and stock are not published and must be confirmed with the company.
Relevant products
Standards and specifications
- ASTM B139/B139M – rod, bar and shapes
- ASTM B103/B103M – plate, sheet, strip and rolled bar
- Alloy and product-form coverage to be confirmed against the current edition
Verify against the current edition and the exact product form before specifying.
Certification and inspection options
Material test certificates, chemical analysis, dimensional reports and third-party inspection can be requested with your inquiry. What can be supplied for C52100 is confirmed with the company for each order; no certificate is implied by this page.
Related grades
Frequently asked questions
Is C52100 stronger than C51000?
In general, the higher tin content gives higher hardness and strength for a given temper, with lower formability. Actual values depend on the specification and temper.
Can C52100 be bent?
Limited bending is possible, but severe forming is better done in softer tempers or with C51000.
Need C52100 in a specific form?
Share your grade, dimensions, quantity and technical requirements with our team.