Bronze Rods & Bars
Phosphor Bronze Rod — C54400
A leaded, free-machining phosphor bronze developed for high-speed screw-machine production of bushings, bearings and fittings.
Product overview
C54400 rod is the phosphor bronze usually requested for production turning. Mention batch quantities and finished dimensions so suitable bar sizes can be proposed.
C54400 adds lead (and some zinc) to a tin-phosphorus bronze base. The lead acts as a chip breaker, giving a major improvement in machinability compared with C51000 or C52100, which is why it is a staple for automatic-lathe production.
The trade-off is that the lead lowers cold formability and means the alloy is not suitable where a lead-free composition is required. Where lead-free machinable bronze is needed, alternative alloys should be discussed with the company.
Material identification
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| UNS designation | C54400 |
| Material | Free-Cutting Phosphor Bronze |
| Alloy family | Phosphor Bronze |
| Alloy type | Wrought leaded copper-tin-zinc-phosphorus alloy |
| Product form | Rod / Bar |
| Availability | Listed – sizes, tolerances and stock confirmed per inquiry |
Where it is used
- Automatic-lathe bushings and sleeves
- Bearings and thrust washers for light to moderate duty
- Gears, pinions and small turned components
- Valve and instrument hardware
- High-volume precision turned parts
Machining and fabrication
The principal reason to select this grade: it is machined at far higher speeds than unleaded phosphor bronzes. Not intended for severe cold forming. Soldering and brazing are practised.
Forms and sizes
- Round rod / bar (solid)
- Hollow bar / tube blanks – subject to confirmation
- Square, hexagonal and flat bar – subject to confirmation
- Cut lengths and machined blanks – subject to confirmation
Available diameters, lengths, tolerances and tempers are not listed on this website and are confirmed per inquiry. Do not rely on this page for dimensions, tolerances or stock.
What to include in your inquiry
- UNS grade and governing specification
- Dimensions (or drawing) and tolerance class
- Quantity and delivery timing
- Application and operating environment
- Certificate / inspection requirements
Composition reference
| Element | Nominal limit, wt % |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | Remainder |
| Tin (Sn) | 3.5 – 4.5 |
| Lead (Pb) | 3.5 – 4.5 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 1.5 – 4.5 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.01 – 0.50 |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.10 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.
Commonly referenced specifications
- ASTM B139/B139M – rod, bar and shapes (coverage to be confirmed against the current edition)
Related grades
Frequently asked questions
Is C54400 lead-free?
No – it contains deliberate lead additions. It is not suitable where lead content is restricted.
What is C54400 used for?
Mainly machined bushings, bearings, gears and small turned parts where high-speed machining is desirable.
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