Bronze is available as different blends or alloys. Such alloys can contain nickel, lead, and tin. The high leaded tin bronze alloy is popular for bearings for certain applications. The amount of lead may range from 7 percent to 30 percent. The various types offered include C93400, C93600, C93700, and C94000. From this list, one of the more popular types in use is C93700.
The Qualities of C93700 Bearing Bronze
Suppliers and manufacturers also know C93700 as SAE 64 and 80-10-10 bronze. The numbers reflect its content proportions of copper, tin, and lead. It also contains traces of zinc. This alloy has the following favorable qualities that make it attractive for use in bearings for particular environments:
Natural lubricity – as a result of the lead
Excellent strength – resulting from the tin
Superior machinability – the rate is 80
Good anti-friction properties
Good corrosion resistance – particular to paper mill sulfite and mildly acidic mine waters as well as brine and seawater
Excellent wear resistance – even under conditions of high speed, vibration, and heavy pressure
Low friction
Free cutting
Satisfactory thermal conductivity
Such characteristics as good solder ability also increase the attractiveness and suitability of this alloy.
General Applications
Bearings
Bearing plates
Bushings
Brackets for construction
Crankshafts
nuts
Pump impellers
Washers for engines
High Leaded Tin Bronze Bearing Applications
As bearings, certain restrictions prevail. High lead tin bronze bearings must have a hardened shaft. The maximum shaft speed can be as high as 4 m/sec. If the installation procedures and precautions are adhered to, this alloy can easily become an integral part of several different types of applications. The most common usage of such bearings is for
Corrosion resistant applications
Impellers
Marine parts
Parts for steel mill maintenance
Pressure type castings
Pumps
Overall, high leaded tin bearings are excellent wherever the environment is problematic with such problems as dirt, grime, and other contaminants.
