C72900 Alloy
C72900 Alloy
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-strength bushings
C72900 Alloy – Copper Nickel Tin Bronze Bushing – CuNi15Sn8

C72900, Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloy, is a high-performance copper-nickel-tin alloy. Renowned for its exceptional physical and mechanical properties, it is widely used in industrial applications. This alloy achieves high strength, hardness, and excellent corrosion resistance through a unique spinodal decomposition strengthening process, making it an ideal replacement for traditional beryllium copper.
Material and Properties
Chemical Composition
| Element | Percentage (%) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Ni + Co | 14.50 – 15.50 | Combined Nickel and Cobalt |
| Sn | 7.50 – 8.50 | Tin |
| Fe | ≤ 0.50 | Iron |
| Zn | ≤ 0.50 | Zinc |
| Mn | ≤ 0.30 | Manganese |
| Cb | ≤ 0.10 | Columbium |
| Mg | ≤ 0.15 | Magnesium |
| Pb | ≤ 0.02 | Lead |
| Cu | Remainder | Copper + named elements = 99.5% minimum |
Physical Properties
| Property | US Customary | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Melting Point – Liquidus | 2039 °F | 1115 °C |
| Melting Point – Solidus | 1742 °F | 950 °C |
| Density | 0.323 lb/in³ at 68 °F | 8.94 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Electrical Conductivity | 7.8% IACS at 68 °F | 0.045 MegaSiemens/cm at 20 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 17 Btu/sq ft/ft hr/°F at 68 °F | 29.4 W/m at 20 °C |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 9.1 × 10⁻⁶/°F (68-572 °F) | 15.8 × 10⁻⁶/°C (20-300 °C) |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 0.09 Btu/lb/°F at 68 °F | 377.1 J/kg at 20 °C |
| Modulus of Elasticity (Tension) | 18500 ksi | 127554 MPa |
| Modulus of Rigidity | 7500 ksi | 51711 MPa |
Mechanical Properties
| Size Range | Ultimate Tensile Strength | Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | Elongation (4D) | Rockwell “C” Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 4.249″ | 132 ksi (910 MPa) | 107 ksi (738 MPa) | 9.5% | ≥ 30 |
| 4.250″ – 8.500″ | 127 ksi (876 MPa) | 108 ksi (745 MPa) | 3% | ≥ 30 |
Advantages
- Eco-friendly: Non-toxic and safe compared to beryllium copper.
- High Strength and Stiffness: Offers 10x the shrinkage and warping resistance of traditional beryllium copper.
- Superior Wear Resistance: Exceptional bearing performance with self-lubricating capabilities.
- Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Resistant to corrosion in harsh environments, including saline and acidic conditions.
- Thermal Stability: High heat stress relaxation resistance.
- Cost-Effective: Lower cost compared to other high-performance alloys.
Applications
- Oil and Gas: Bearings and bushings in high-temperature, high-pressure, and corrosive environments.
- Aerospace: Large aircraft landing gear bushings.
- Electronics: Connectors and RF components requiring non-magnetic properties.
C72900 Bushings combine strength, reliability, and versatility, making them the go-to choice for high-performance applications across diverse industries.


