Bronze Rods & Bars
Tin Bronze Rod — C90500
A harder gun-metal type tin bronze (about 10% tin) for bearings, gears and valve parts that need strength and corrosion resistance.
Product overview
C90500 rod is typically requested for gear blanks, bearings in wet service and pressure-related turned parts. Confirm available casting method and sizes with the company.
C90500 is the traditional “gun metal” composition – about 88% copper, 10% tin and 2% zinc. The higher tin content over C90300 produces a harder, stronger alloy with good wear characteristics and excellent corrosion performance in salt and fresh water.
It remains a favourite for components that must resist wear and corrosion together – for example worm wheels, bearings in wet service, and pressure-containing parts. It is more costly to machine than leaded alloys and should be selected where the properties justify it.
Material identification
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| UNS designation | C90500 |
| Material | Tin Bronze (88-10-0-2, Gun Metal) |
| Alloy family | Tin Bronze |
| Alloy type | Cast copper-tin-zinc alloy |
| Product form | Rod / Bar |
| Availability | Listed – sizes, tolerances and stock confirmed per inquiry |
Where it is used
- Worm wheels and gears
- Bearings in wet or marine service
- Valve and pump components
- Bushings for medium loads
- Steam and water fittings (design dependent)
Machining and fabrication
Moderate machinability; plan for slower speeds than leaded bronzes. Good casting soundness makes it popular for pressure-containing parts.
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) | 86.0 – 89.0 |
| Tin (Sn) | 9.0 – 11.0 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 1.0 – 3.0 |
| Lead (Pb) | 0.30 max |
| Nickel (Ni, incl. Co) | 1.0 max |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.20 max |
| Antimony (Sb) | 0.20 max |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.05 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 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.
Commonly referenced specifications
- ASTM B584 – sand castings
- ASTM B505/B505M – continuous castings
Related grades
Frequently asked questions
What is gun metal?
A traditional name for tin bronzes of roughly 88% copper, 10% tin and 2% zinc, historically used for cannon and later for marine and valve components.
Is C90500 good in sea water?
Tin bronzes generally perform well in sea water, but suitability depends on velocity, design and conditions. Confirm for your specific service.
Looking for C90500 rod?
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