CuSn12 Bronze Bushing
CuSn12 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.
Suggested Searches: Copper, Brass, Bronze, Copper Nickel, Manganese, Aluminum
High-Performance CuSn12 Bronze Bushings with Solid Lubricants
CuSn12 is a German-standard cast tin-nickel bronze material conforming to DIN EN 1982-2008. It is primarily composed of copper (Cu) with approximately 11–13% tin (Sn), along with small additions of phosphorus (P) and nickel (Ni). Renowned for its exceptional wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength, CuSn12 is widely used in a range of industrial applications.
The self-lubricating CuSn12 bronze bushing offers a high-performance solution for mechanical systems that demand superior resistance to friction, wear, and corrosion—especially in environments where traditional oil or grease lubrication is difficult or impractical. The core of this technology lies in combining a high-tin bronze matrix with solid graphite lubricants, creating a component capable of withstanding heavy static loads while ensuring maintenance-free operation. The CuSn12 alloy provides the structural foundation, characterized by high tensile strength (≥270 MPa) and excellent thermal stability.
The incorporation of solid graphite plugs into the bronze matrix effectively reduces friction under extreme operating conditions—including high temperature, high pressure, heavy impact, or intermittent motion. This self-lubricating design eliminates the need for complex and costly external lubrication systems, enabling continuous and reliable performance.
Self-Lubricating (C90800) CuSn12 Bronze Bushings — Composition and Performance Overview
Chemical Composition of CuSn12 Bronze
| Element | Symbol | Content (% by weight) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | Cu | Remainder | Primary base metal |
| Tin | Sn | 11.0 – 13.0 | Enhances hardness, strength, and corrosion resistance |
| Phosphorus | P | 0.5 – 1.0 (some standards ≤0.01) | Improves wear resistance and deoxidizes the alloy |
| Nickel | Ni | ≤ 0.10 | Trace impurity; slightly improves toughness |
| Lead | Pb | ≤ 0.25 | Impurity; limited to maintain structural strength |
| Zinc | Zn | ≤ 0.05 | Controlled impurity |
| Other Elements (Fe, Al, Mn, Si, Sb, S, etc.) | — | ≤ 0.75 (total impurities) | Strictly limited to ensure alloy purity |
Standard Reference: DIN EN 1982 — CuSn12 / C90800 Cast Tin Bronze
Physical and Mechanical Properties of CuSn12 Bronze
| Property | Symbol / Unit | Typical Value | Performance Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | σ<sub>b</sub> (MPa) | up to 450 | Excellent load-bearing capability |
| Yield Strength | σ<sub>0.2</sub> (MPa) | ≈ 220 | Resists deformation under high stress |
| Elongation | δ<sub>5</sub> (%) | ≈ 6 | Good ductility before fracture |
| Hardness | HB | ≈ 108 | High surface hardness for wear resistance |
| Density | g/cm³ | ≈ 8.8 | Typical of high-tin bronzes |
| Thermal Conductivity | W/m·K | ≈ 60 | Stable heat dissipation performance |
CuSn12 Bronze Bushing with Solid Lubricant Integration
The CuSn12 bronze bushing is a cast, high-precision component developed for applications demanding exceptional friction and wear resistance. It incorporates a self-lubricating system where solid graphite plugs are compressed and molded directly into the bronze matrix.
Key Features & Benefits
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| High-Tin Bronze Base | Provides strong structural support, load capacity, and corrosion resistance. |
| Solid Graphite Plugging | Graphite inserts deliver continuous lubrication across the bearing surface. |
| Self-Lubricating Performance | Operates reliably without oil or grease, ideal for hard-to-maintain environments. |
| Thermal & Pressure Stability | Maintains low friction and steady performance under high temperature or heavy load. |
| Extended Service Life | Reduces wear and maintenance frequency, improving operational efficiency. |
Characteristics and Applications
- Wear Resistance: CuSn12 bronze exhibits outstanding wear resistance, making it suitable for high-load and high-friction applications.
- Corrosion Resistance: It shows good resistance to corrosion in various environments, including atmospheric, seawater, freshwater, and steam, making it widely used in steam boilers and marine components.
- Lubrication: The material’s good lubricating properties help reduce friction and wear in sliding contact applications.
Applications: CuSn12 bronze bushings are used extensively in automotive industries (e.g., engine components, bearings, and gears), electronics (e.g., connectors and insulators), shipbuilding, aerospace, and machinery manufacturing.

CuSn12 Bronze Bushing
International Standards and Alloy Equivalents for CuSn12
| Standardization Body | Designation | Common Name | Related Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| European (EN 1982) | CuSn12-C / CC483K | Tin Bronze | EN 1982 |
| American (ASTM B427) | C90800 | Tin Bronze | ASTM B427 |
| British (BS 1400) | PB2 | Phosphor Bronze Grade 2 | BS 1400 |
| German (DIN 1705) | CuSn12 | Tin Bronze | DIN 1705 |
Summary:
CuSn12 is recognized internationally under various designations, depending on regional standards. Despite the different naming systems—such as C90800 in the U.S., PB2 in the U.K., and CC483K in Europe—all represent a high-tin bronze alloy known for its excellent wear resistance, strength, and corrosion performance. These materials are widely interchangeable in engineering applications requiring self-lubricating and high-load-bearing bronze components.
Custom CuSn12 Bronze Bushing with Groove
Bronzeoilless.com offers customization services for CuSn12 bronze bushings. Here’s a guide to the customization options:
Customization Requirements:
- Dimensions: Bushings can be tailored to specific application needs, with options for varying diameters, lengths, and wall thicknesses.
- Oil Groove Design: The design of the oil grooves is crucial for the lubrication and longevity of the bushing. The shape, number, and placement of the grooves can be optimized based on specific usage conditions to ensure effective lubrication.
- Material Selection: Ensure the use of high-quality CuSn12 bronze to meet the required wear and corrosion resistance. The bushings should be manufactured using casting or machining methods, with precise processing of the oil grooves.
- Surface Treatment: Surface treatments can be applied as needed to enhance the bushing’s wear resistance and corrosion resistance.
CuSn12 Bronze Bushing with Graphite Plug
Introducing graphite plugs (also known as graphite inserts or graphite liners) into CuSn12 bronze bushings significantly improves their lubrication performance. Graphite is an excellent lubricant that forms a lubricating film during friction, reducing the friction coefficient, minimizing wear, and aiding in heat dissipation. The inclusion of graphite plugs can notably enhance the bushing’s lifespan and performance.
Material Specifications for CuSn12 Bronze Bushings with Solid Lubricants
Self-lubricating CuSn12 bronze bushings are engineered for heavy-duty, maintenance-free applications. The CuSn12 alloy provides exceptional strength, wear resistance, and thermal stability, while embedded solid lubricants (graphite or PTFE) ensure low-friction performance under both dry and submerged conditions.
The following table summarizes the key material and mechanical properties of CuSn12 bronze bushings equipped with solid lubricants:
Technical Specifications of CuSn12 Bronze Bushings
| Property | Specification | Unit | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Material | CuSn12 (Tin Bronze) | — | Continuous cast or centrifugally cast bronze alloy |
| Solid Lubricants | Graphite (for dry/atmospheric use); PTFE (for underwater use) | — | Provides self-lubrication and reduced friction |
| Density | 8.9 | g/cm³ | Typical of high-tin bronze composition |
| Hardness | > 90 | HB | Ensures wear resistance and dimensional stability |
| Tensile Strength | > 260 | N/mm² | Indicates excellent load-bearing capability |
| Yield Strength | > 140 | N/mm² | Suitable for medium to high mechanical stress |
| Elongation | > 7 | % | Provides ductility for impact and vibration absorption |
| Coefficient of Linear Expansion | 1.8 × 10⁻⁵ | /°C | Ensures dimensional stability over wide temperature changes |
| Thermal Conductivity | 60–68 | W/(m·K) | Supports efficient heat dissipation during operation |
| Elastic Modulus | 90–120 | kN/mm² | Represents material rigidity and structural strength |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 to +350 | °C | Suitable for wide thermal environments |
| Maximum Dynamic Load | 70 | N/mm² | Recommended for continuous, dynamic applications |
Applications of Self-Lubricating CuSn12 Bronze Bushings with Graphite Plug
Self-lubricating CuSn12 bronze bushings are widely used in industries where reliability, durability, and minimal maintenance are essential. Their superior mechanical strength, wear resistance, and built-in solid lubrication make them suitable for demanding operating environments.
1. Marine and Offshore Applications
CuSn12 bushings are highly resistant to saltwater corrosion, making them an ideal choice for marine environments.
Typical uses include:
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Ship propulsion and rudder systems
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Steering gear components
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Anchoring and mooring accessories
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Bearings and wear plates in coastal or offshore structures
2. Mold and Die Machinery
The combination of high load capacity and precision cast manufacturing makes CuSn12 bushings indispensable in mold and die systems.
Common applications include:
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Continuous casting and stamping dies
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Injection mold guide bushings
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Bolt and ejector pin bushings where lubrication is difficult to apply
Their self-lubricating graphite inserts ensure smooth, maintenance-free operation even under high friction conditions.
3. Heavy Construction and Mining Equipment
In industries exposed to intense mechanical stress and abrasive contaminants, CuSn12 bushings deliver long service life and stable performance.
Typical installations include:
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Pivot joints and linkages in excavators and loaders
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Support bearings in crushers, conveyors, and drilling rigs
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Articulation points in heavy machinery subject to vibration and impact
4. Automotive Industry
In the automotive sector, CuSn12 self-lubricating bushings provide reliable operation under high pressure, variable temperature, and dynamic load conditions.
Key uses include:
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Engine and gearbox components
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Suspension and steering systems
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Chassis joints and hydraulic actuators
Across marine, industrial, and automotive sectors, CuSn12 bronze bushings with solid graphite lubrication deliver maintenance-free, high-performance solutions that extend equipment lifespan, reduce downtime, and enhance operational reliability under the harshest working environments.


