C51000 Phosphor Bronze Bushing
C51000 Phosphor Bronze Bushing
Self-lubricating bronze bearings are engineered for applications where external lubrication is impractical. Solid lubricants are compressed and molded directly into the bearing to guarantee a maintenance-free product. No additional lubrication is necessary.
High-Performance Phosphor Bronze Bushings
Self-Lubricating C51000 Phosphor Bronze Bushings

C51000 Phosphor Bronze Bushing: Phosphor Bronze “5% A”
C51000 Phosphor Bronze is a high-performance copper alloy known for its exceptional strength, hardness, corrosion resistance, and excellent machinability. It is widely used in various industries for manufacturing bushings, bearings, gears, and other high-load components. Below is a detailed analysis of the characteristics, chemical composition, mechanical properties, and applications of C51000 Phosphor Bronze bushings.
1. C51000 Phosphor Bronze Overview
C51000 Phosphor Bronze is primarily composed of copper (Cu), tin (Sn), and phosphorus (P). It is renowned for its higher yield strength compared to other cast products. The alloy is highly versatile, with applications in bearings, bushings, gears, pinions, shafts, thrust washers, and valve parts. C51000 can be easily brazed or soldered and has good cold-working capacity. This alloy is commonly available in various forms such as wire, sheet, plate, and rod, and is in compliance with standards like ASTM B103, ASTM B139, and SAE J461.
Chemical Composition:
| Element | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 94.80 |
| Tin (Sn) | 4.2 – 5.8 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.03 – 0.35 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.1 |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 0.05 |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.3 |
2. Properties of C51000 Phosphor Bronze Bushings
C51000 Phosphor Bronze bushings exhibit several key properties that make them ideal for use in high-stress environments. These include:
- High Strength and Hardness: C51000 has superior tensile strength and hardness, making it capable of withstanding high loads and wear, making it suitable for high-load and high-speed applications.
- Good Ductility and Toughness: Despite its high strength, C51000 Phosphor Bronze retains good ductility and toughness. It is resistant to fracture or deformation, enhancing the reliability and service life of bushings.
- Excellent Corrosion Resistance: This alloy performs exceptionally well in resisting corrosion from atmospheric, freshwater, and seawater environments. It is also resistant to a variety of corrosive media, including acids and alkalis, making it suitable for marine and chemical industry applications.
- Good Electrical and Thermal Conductivity: Although the alloy contains tin and phosphorus, it maintains good electrical and thermal conductivity, making it suitable for electrical and electronic components.
- Excellent Fatigue Resistance: C51000 Phosphor Bronze exhibits excellent fatigue resistance, making it well-suited for components that undergo repeated loading, such as bushings in rotating machinery.
3. Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of C51000 Phosphor Bronze are outlined in the following table, which provides values for tensile strength, yield strength, and other relevant characteristics:
| Property | US Customary | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 80 – 110 ksi | 552 – 758 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 40 – 80 ksi | 276 – 552 MPa |
| Elastic Modulus in Tension | 16,000 ksi | 110,000 MPa |
| Modulus of Rigidity | 6,000 ksi | 41,370 MPa |
| Fatigue Strength | 30 – 60 ksi | 207 – 414 MPa |
| Impact Strength (Izod) | 1 – 5 ft-lb | 1.4 – 6.8 J |
| Elongation | 10 – 20% | 10 – 20% |
| Hardness (Rockwell C) | 20 – 30 | – |
These values demonstrate the alloy’s strength and durability in various mechanical conditions.
4. Applications of C51000 Phosphor Bronze Bushings
C51000 Phosphor Bronze bushings are highly versatile and find applications across numerous industries due to their excellent properties. Some of the key uses include:
- Mechanical Manufacturing: C51000 Phosphor Bronze is commonly used in manufacturing bushings for machinery that operates under high loads and high speeds, such as automotive engines, transmission systems, and industrial equipment.
- Electrical Engineering: With its good electrical conductivity, C51000 is used for electrical components such as connectors, switchgear, and wiring in electrical and electronic applications.
- Chemical Industry: Due to its exceptional corrosion resistance, C51000 is widely used in components for the chemical industry, such as bushings and seals for pumps, valves, and other equipment exposed to corrosive environments.
- Marine Applications: The alloy’s resistance to seawater corrosion makes it ideal for use in marine environments, including shipbuilding and offshore equipment.
5. Physical Properties
| Property | US Customary | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 9.9 x 10^-6 per °F | 17.8 x 10^-6 per °C |
| Density | 0.32 lb/in³ @ 68°F | 8.86 gm/cm³ @ 20°C |
| Electrical Conductivity | 15% IACS @ 68°F | 0.088 MegaSiemens/cm @ 20°C |
| Electrical Resistivity | 69.1 ohms-cmil/ft @ 68°F | 11.49 microhm-cm @ 20°C |
| Melting Point (Liquid) | 1920°F | 1049°C |
| Melting Point (Solid) | 1750°F | 954°C |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 0.09 Btu/lb·°F @ 68°F | 377.1 J/kg·°K at 293 K |
| Thermal Conductivity | 40.0 Btu·ft/(hr·ft²·°F) | 69.2 W/m·°K at 20°C |
These physical properties further highlight the material’s suitability for a range of thermal and electrical applications.
C51000 Phosphor Bronze is a highly durable and versatile alloy, offering a unique combination of high strength, excellent wear resistance, good electrical and thermal conductivity, and superior corrosion resistance. These properties make it a preferred material for bushings and other components exposed to harsh environments, including mechanical, electrical, and chemical industries. The alloy’s high fatigue resistance and ease of machinability ensure that C51000 bushings provide long-term performance in high-load applications, such as in automotive engines, electrical devices, and marine equipment.


