When fatigue life is non-negotiable and electrical contacts must outlive the machine, ASTM C51900 Phosphor Bronze delivers. This tin-phosphorus bronze (6% Sn, 0.15% P) bends, flexes, and conducts decade after decade. From aerospace relays to guitar frets – it’s the alloy that won’t quit.
TECH SPECS: ENGINEERED FOR ENDURANCE
(ASTM B139 / UNS C51900 / RoHS/REACH Compliant)
Property | C51900 Bronze | C51000 (5% Sn) | Beryllium Copper |
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Composition | 94% Cu, 6% Sn, 0.15% P | 95% Cu, 5% Sn | 98% Cu, 2% Be |
Tensile Strength | 690 MPa | 550 MPa | 1.300 MPa |
Fatigue Strength | 320 MPa (10⁷ cycles) | 280 MPa | 480 MPa |
Conductivity (IACS) | 15% | 18% | 22% |
Spring Properties | Elastic Limit: 85% | 75% | 90% |
Corrosion Resistance | 5 star (Seawater) | 4 star | 5 star |
Certifications: ASTM B139. SAE J461. RoHS 3. REACH, DFARS
5 REASONS INDUSTRY RELIES ON C51900
Infinite Flex Life
“Endures 50M+ compression cycles in fuel injector springs – 2X the lifespan of cheaper bronzes.”
Electrical Integrity
“Maintains stable contact resistance (<2mΩ) after 100K mating cycles – critical for EV battery disconnects.”
Corrosion Fighter
“Survives 1.000hr salt spray (ASTM B117) – ideal for marine instrument springs.”
Machinability Master
“Chips cleanly at 150 SFM with carbide tools – 30% faster than beryllium copper.”
Cost-Smart Performance
“Delivers 90% of beryllium copper’s spring performance at 60% lower cost.”
UNIQUE FEATURES: BEYOND THE DATA SHEET
Stress Relaxation Resistance: Loses just 15% load after 1.000hrs at 150°C (vs. 35% for brass)
Weldability: Seamless TIG welding without embrittlement – perfect for custom sensor housings
Anti-Galling Properties: Phosphide inclusions prevent adhesive wear in threaded inserts
Thermal Stability: Coefficient of expansion matches steel – no fretting in thermal-cycling environments
PRECISION PROCESSING: HOW WE MAKE IT
1 Controlled Alloying
"Vacuum-melted 94/6 Cu-Sn blend with 0.15% P – eliminates porosity for uniform grain structure."
2 Continuous Casting
"Extruded at 700°C into rods/strips with ±0.03mm dimensional tolerance."
3 Cold Rolling
"Hardened to H04 temper (Rockwell B 98) for spring applications via 80% reduction."
4 Quality Verification
"Every coil eddy-current tested; batch-specific certs include fatigue test reports."
WHERE IT EXCELS: INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS
Industry | Critical Components | Why C51900? |
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Aerospace | Relay contacts, bearing cages | Zero spark risk in oxygen-rich environments |
Automotive | ABS sensor springs, shift forks | Withstands -40°C to 150°C thermal cycling |
Electronics | MEMS switches, connector pins | Stable conductivity after 10K insertions |
Industrial | Pressure switch discs, valve seals | Immune to hydraulic fluid degradation |
Consumer | Guitar frets, watch mainsprings | Polishes to mirror finish without pitting |
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