If your shop does bronze machining, you should have special tools and equipment for the work. This is especially important for aluminum bronze, and there are several different copper alloys you can choose from. Some are better suited for specific purposes and here are some of the choices you have for alloys.
Why Aluminum Bronze?
When you mix copper with aluminum, you get a material that’s stronger than some kinds of steel. It has excellent resistance to corrosion, especially in saltwater environments. In fact, it’s preferred over stainless steel in some applications. It also resists fatigue and performs well in high temperatures. If you have applications that require welding, an aluminum bronze alloy is the better choice over a standard aluminum alloy.
95400
Alloy 95400 has about 85 percent copper and around 11 percent aluminum. It also has 4 percent iron. It’s good for general purpose bronze machining and for making prototypes, clutch parts, aircraft components, pipe fittings, fasteners, and valves. 95400 is commonly heat treated and annealed.
95800
Alloy 95800 is about 81 percent copper. Aluminum content is a little under 10 percent, and it also has iron and nickel. It contains small amounts of lead and other elements. It’s not difficult to machine 95800 and soldering and brazing is common. 95800 is easily welded except for oxyacetylene welding. It’s commonly used for parts like flanges and propeller shafts for marine operations.
95200
95200 alloy is similar to 95400 except it has a higher copper content (88 percent). It doesn’t respond to heat treatment, and bronze machining is not difficult. It’s used in highly corrosive environments because it resists acids and makes good bearings, valves, and plungers.
The best way to make sure you use the right alloy is to talk to bronze machining professionals. They have years of experience and offer expert advice.
