Background Bronzes are copper-based alloys. Major alloying elements are often, but not always, zinc and tin. They offer a combination of properties such as high strength, hardness, corrosion resistance and wear resistance.
Aluminium BronzesCopper-Aluminium alloys are commonly known as Aluminium Bronzes. These alloys cover a range of copper-based alloys in which the primary alloying element is up to 14% aluminium. The four major groups of Aluminium Bronze are:
· Single phase alloys containing less than 8% Aluminium.
· Two-phase or duplex alloys containing 8 to 11% Aluminium. These alloys also frequently have additions of Iron and Nickel to increase strength. This group contains casting alloys AB1 and AB2, the wrought alloys CA105, CA104 and Naval Engineering Standard (NES) alloys (NES 747 when cast and the wrought form NES 833).
· The low magnetic permeability Aluminium Silicon alloys.
· The Copper Manganese Aluminium alloys with good castability.
Alloy CA104Alloy CA104 is an Aluminium Bronze with high strength. CA104 also has excellent corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance and ability to withstand shock loading. Chemical Composition Table 1. Typical chemical composition for bronze alloy CA104
% CA104 Cu 80 Pb - Sn - Fe 4.0-5.5 Al 8.5-11 Mn 0.5 Zn - Si - Ni 4.0-5.5
Properties Mechanical PropertiesTable 2. Typical mechanical properties for bronze alloy CA104
Grade CA104 Tensile Strength (MPa) 750 Proof Stress 0.2% (MPa) 430 Elongation A5 (%) 15 Hardness VPN 210-300
Physical PropertiesTable 3. Typical physical properties for bronze alloy CA104
Property Value Density 7.58 g/cm3 Melting Point 1035°C Modulus of Elasticity 115 GPa Thermal Conductivity 37.7 W/m.K at 100°C
Alloy DesignationsBronze alloy CA104 corresponds to the following designations:
CEN BS UNS CW307G CA104 C63200
Corrosion ResistanceCorrosion resistance is considered to be excellent in most environments.
FabricationCold WorkingCA104 has only a fair rating for cold working.
Hot WorkingThe hot forgeability rating for CA104 is quite good at 70, compared to Forging Brass which is rated as 100.
The recommended hot working temperature for this alloy is between 815 and 900°C. The hot working capabilities of CA104 are considered to be good.
Heat TreatmentSolution treatment or annealing can be done by rapid cooling after heating to 620-800°C.
MachinabilityBronze alloy CA104 has a fairly poor machinability rating of 30 compared to Alloy 360 FC Brass which is rated as 100.
Welding and Joining· Gas shielded arc welding of CA104 is rated as “excellent”
· Coated metal arc welding, spot welding and butt welding are rated as “good”
· Soldering, brazing and seam welding are rated as “fair”
· Oxyacetylene welding is rated as “fair”
ApplicationsCA104 is typically used in:
· Valve and pump components
· Marine equipment
· Fasteners
· Engine components
· High temperature applications
Supplied FormCA104 is typically supplied by Aalco in the following form:
· Round rod