C63000 Aluminum Bronze

C63000 Aluminum Bronze is a high-strength copper alloy with excellent corrosion resistance, ideal for CNC machining applications in aerospace, automotive, and marine industries.

Introduction to C63000 Aluminum Bronze

C63000 Aluminum Bronze is a high-performance copper alloy containing a significant amount of aluminum, iron, and nickel, enhancing its strength, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. This alloy stands out from other bronze alloys due to its exceptional mechanical properties, particularly its high tensile strength and fatigue resistance. C63000 Aluminum Bronze offers excellent resistance to seawater and other corrosive environments, making it ideal for applications that demand both durability and strength. For precision machining, C63000 is an ideal choice due to its ability to be easily machined into complex components with high performance.

C63000 Aluminum Bronze is widely used in CNC machined parts such as marine hardware, gears, bushings, valves, and industrial machinery components, where corrosion resistance and high mechanical strength are essential. Its durability and wear resistance make it suitable for use in demanding environments, such as marine, aerospace, and heavy machinery industries.

Chemical, Physical, and Mechanical Properties of C63000 Aluminum Bronze

Chemical Composition (Typical)

Element

Composition Range (wt.%)

Key Role

Copper (Cu)

80.0–88.0%

Provides strength, conductivity, and corrosion resistance

Aluminum (Al)

9.0–11.0%

Increases strength and enhances corrosion resistance

Iron (Fe)

3.0–5.0%

Improves strength and wear resistance

Nickel (Ni)

2.0–4.0%

Enhances corrosion resistance and improves strength

Manganese (Mn)

≤1.0%

Improves strength and aids in the alloy's hardening

Physical Properties

Property

Value (Typical)

Test Standard/Condition

Density

8.8 g/cm³

ASTM B311

Melting Point

1050–1070°C

ASTM E29

Thermal Conductivity

60 W/m·K at 20°C

ASTM E1952

Electrical Conductivity

15% IACS at 20°C

ASTM B193

Coefficient of Expansion

17 µm/m·°C

ASTM E228

Specific Heat Capacity

380 J/kg·K

ASTM E1269

Elastic Modulus

105 GPa

ASTM E111

Mechanical Properties (Annealed Temper)

Property

Value (Typical)

Test Standard

Tensile Strength

700–900 MPa

ASTM E8/E8M

Yield Strength (0.2%)

400–550 MPa

ASTM E8/E8M

Elongation

12–18%

ASTM E8/E8M

Hardness

90–120 HB

ASTM E10

Fatigue Strength

~250 MPa

ASTM E466

Impact Resistance

Good

ASTM E23

Key Characteristics of C63000 Aluminum Bronze

Superior Strength and Durability

C63000 Aluminum Bronze is known for its high tensile strength and exceptional durability, which makes it suitable for components that must withstand heavy mechanical stress. It’s ideal for high-load applications like gears, bushings, and valve components.

Excellent Corrosion Resistance

With a high aluminum content, C63000 offers superior corrosion resistance, especially in marine environments, chemical exposure, and seawater. This makes it a popular choice for marine hardware and other outdoor applications.

Wear and Fatigue Resistance

The combination of aluminum, iron, and nickel makes C63000 Aluminum Bronze highly resistant to wear and fatigue, allowing it to perform in applications subjected to repeated stress, such as machinery parts and components exposed to friction.

High Strength-to-Weight Ratio

C63000 Aluminum Bronze offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, which provides added performance in applications where both strength and reduced weight are critical, such as in aerospace and high-performance industrial machinery.

Good Machinability

C63000 Aluminum Bronze is relatively easy to machine with proper tooling, offering good formability and the ability to achieve high-precision parts when using CNC machining methods.

CNC Machining Challenges and Solutions for C63000 Aluminum Bronze

Machining Challenges

  • Chip Formation C63000 Aluminum Bronze can produce long, stringy chips when machined at high speeds, which can impede machining operations.

    Solution: Use chip breakers to control chip formation and adjust feed rates. Apply air or coolant to clear chips during the process.

  • Tool Wear The high strength of C63000 can cause increased tool wear, particularly during high-speed machining.

    Solution: Use carbide or ceramic cutting tools that offer superior wear resistance, which will help extend tool life during machining operations.

  • Surface Finish Quality Achieving a fine surface finish can be difficult due to the alloy’s hardness, which can cause rough edges during high-speed cutting.

    Solution: Use sharp, high-quality tools, apply proper lubrication, and consider using slower speeds for finer finishes.

  • Work Hardening Like other high-strength alloys, C63000 Aluminum Bronze can experience work hardening if excessive cutting speeds or pressure are applied.

    Solution: Use moderate cutting speeds and sharp tools, and ensure sufficient coolant to minimize the likelihood of work hardening.

Optimized Machining Strategies

Parameter

Recommendation

Rationale

Tool Material

Carbide or ceramic tools

Carbide and ceramic tools offer better wear resistance and cutting performance.

Geometry

Positive rake, sharp edges

Improves chip flow and ensures smoother surface finishes.

Cutting Speed

150–250 m/min

Reduces heat generation and prevents material deformation.

Feed Rate

0.10–0.20 mm/rev

Ensures smooth cutting and reduces burr formation.

Coolant

Flood coolant or air blast

Helps in heat dissipation and improves surface finish.

C63000 Cutting Parameters (ISO 513 Compliance)

Operation

Speed (m/min)

Feed (mm/rev)

Depth of Cut (mm)

Coolant Pressure (bar)

Roughing

150–200

0.15–0.20

2.0–3.5

25–35

Finishing

200–250

0.05–0.10

0.5–1.0

30–50

Typical Machining Methods for C63000 Aluminum Bronze

Machining Process

Function and Benefit for C63000 Aluminum Bronze

CNC Machining

Ideal for high-speed, precision machining of components like gears, bushings, and valves.

CNC Milling

Suitable for creating slots, grooves, and complex shapes in components like gears and bushings.

CNC Turning

Used for turning cylindrical parts such as valves, gears, and bushings.

CNC Drilling

Ideal for creating precise holes for fasteners and other components.

CNC Boring

Ensures precision internal machining for components like bearings and bushings.

CNC Grinding

Provides smooth finishes for parts exposed to wear and tear, such as shafts and gears.

Multi-Axis Machining

Ideal for producing complex, multi-featured parts in aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors.

Precision Machining

Provides ultra-tight tolerances for high-performance components used in aerospace and medical devices.

EDM Machining

Used for creating intricate features and fine details in parts such as electrical connectors and gears.

Surface Treatment for C63000 Aluminum Bronze CNC Parts

  • Electroplating: Enhances corrosion resistance and provides a shiny finish for parts such as valves and connectors.

  • Polishing: Achieves a high-gloss finish for decorative parts and improves their functionality.

  • Brushing: Creates satin or matte finishes for parts exposed to frequent handling, such as mechanical components.

  • PVD Coating: Adds a durable coating that increases wear resistance and extends the life of mechanical components.

  • Passivation: Improves corrosion resistance, especially for parts exposed to aggressive chemicals.

  • Powder Coating: Provides a thick, protective finish ideal for parts exposed to UV light and harsh conditions.

  • Teflon Coating: Adds non-stick and chemical-resistant properties, ideal for mechanical applications.

  • Chrome Plating: Provides a glossy, durable coating that resists corrosion and enhances the appearance of components.

Industry Applications of C63000 Aluminum Bronze

  • Aerospace Industry: Used for manufacturing high-strength components such as bushings, bearings, and connectors.

  • Electrical & Power: Ideal for electrical components requiring high conductivity and durability, including connectors and terminals.

  • Automotive Industry: Commonly used in automotive applications such as gears, bushings, and other high-performance components.

  • Marine Industry: Suitable for marine hardware and components exposed to seawater and other corrosive elements.

FAQs

  1. What are the key considerations when selecting C63000 Aluminum Bronze for CNC machining?

  2. How does the machining speed affect the surface finish of C63000 Aluminum Bronze?

  3. Can C63000 Aluminum Bronze be effectively used for high-precision CNC machined parts?

  4. What are the common challenges faced during CNC machining of C63000 Aluminum Bronze?

  5. How does the cost of CNC machining C63000 Aluminum Bronze compare to other copper alloys?

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