Nickel-aluminum bronze C63000 – UNS C63000
Wrought aluminum bronze with nickel and iron (NAB)
Aluminum bronze with ≈ 10% Al, 5% Ni and 3% Fe that reaches ≈ 690 – 810 MPa tensile strength in bar, with excellent resistance to seawater corrosion, cavitation and wear. One of the strongest beryllium-free copper alloys, it performs well in bushings, shafts and marine fasteners.
Designations and equivalents
| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| UNS | C63000 |
| W.Nr./EN | CW307G – CuAl10Ni5Fe4 |
| DIN | 2.0966 (CuAl10Ni5Fe4) |
| JIS | C6301* |
| Trade names | NAB, CuAl10Ni5Fe4 |
| Others | AMS 4640; QQ-C-450; MIL-B-16166 (forgings); SAE J461/J463 |
Standards by product form
| Form | Standard |
|---|---|
| Bar | ASTM B150/B150M |
| Forging | ASTM B124/B124M, B283/B283M |
| Plate | ASTM B171/B171M (exchanger tubesheets) |
| Bar | ASTM F467 / F468 (nuts and bolts) |
Tolerances and HS codes
- Forged bars (round and square): machining allowance from 2 mm (Ø 6–16 mm) to 24 mm (Ø 400–500 mm) on the diameter. E.g. Ø 100–125 mm finished: +7 mm, tolerance +6 / −0 (length up to 3,500 mm).
- Forged discs: allowance of 4 to 9 mm on the diameter and 3 to 11 mm on the height, plus-only tolerance.
- Cutting and machining: band saw −0 / +5 to +15 mm on length; waterjet +10 % of thickness on the diameter (min. 2 mm); machined parts −0 / +2 to +5 mm on the diameter. See the full tables (INF 002 and INF 003, the same for every alloy).
| Form | NCM (Brazil, 8 digits) | HS (international, 6 digits) | HTS (USA, 10 digits)* | CN (European Union, 8 digits)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forged bar | 7407.29.10 | 7407.29 | 7407.29.5000 | 7407 29 00 |
| Hot-rolled bar | 7407.29.10 | 7407.29 | 7407.29.5000 | 7407 29 00 |
| Plate (> 10 mm, width ≥ 600 mm) | 7409.90.00 | 7409.90 | 7409.90.1060 | 7409 90 00 |
| Flange and fitting | 7412.20.00 | 7412.20 | 7412.20.0090 | 7412 20 00 |
Tariff class: other copper alloys (by chemical composition, under the Chapter 72 Notes and Section XV Note 5).
*: US and EU codes for reference. NCM per current legislation (General Rules of Interpretation, Notes to Chapters 72, 74 and 75 and Section XV Note 5). Confirm the final code with your customs broker according to the item size and finish. HS = first 6 digits of the NCM.
Chemical composition (%)
ASTM B150 (UNS C63000)
| Element | Range (%) |
|---|---|
| Al | 9.0 – 11.0 |
| Ni (+Co) | 4.0 – 5.5 |
| Fe | 2.0 – 4.0 |
| Mn | ≤ 1.5 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.30 |
| Si | ≤ 0.25 |
| Sn | ≤ 0.20 |
| Cu | balance (Cu + named elements ≥ 99.5) |
Mechanical properties
typical, bar (CDA)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Hot extruded (M30): tensile strength | ≈ 690 MPa |
| Hot extruded (M30): yield strength (0.5%) | ≈ 415 MPa |
| Drawn and stress relieved (HR50, Ø 25 mm): tensile strength | ≈ 810 MPa |
| Drawn and stress relieved (HR50, Ø 25 mm): yield strength (0.5%) | ≈ 515 MPa |
| Elongation | ≈ 15% |
| Hardness | ≈ 96 – 98 HRB |
| Fatigue strength (10⁸ cycles) | ≈ 250 – 260 MPa |
Typical physical properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.58 g/cm³ |
| Melting range | 1,035 – 1,054 °C |
| Modulus of elasticity | 121 GPa |
| Electrical conductivity | ≈ 7% IACS |
| Thermal conductivity (20 °C) | ≈ 39 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion (20–300 °C) | 16.2 µm/m·K |
Heat treatment, welding and machining
| Item | Usual practice |
|---|---|
| Service temperature | Keeps good strength up to ≈ 300 – 400 °C* and resists oxidation well thanks to the alumina film. Typical use from ambient up to moderate temperatures in seawater. |
| Heat treatment | Annealing at ≈ 595 – 705 °C. Hot working between ≈ 790 and 925 °C. Not conventionally precipitation hardenable; in marine service a stabilizing anneal is recommended to reduce the risk of selective corrosion of the kappa phase*. |
| Welding | Good weldability by TIG/MIG and covered electrode; good spot and butt welding. Consumables AWS A5.7 ERCuNiAl and A5.6 ECuNiAl*. Soft soldering and oxyacetylene welding not recommended. |
| Machining | Medium-low machinability (≈ 30, C36000 = 100); hard, abrasive material. Use carbide, constant feed and good coolant. |
Typical applications
- High-load bushings, bearings and guides
- Shafts, stems and pump and valve components in seawater
- Marine bolts, nuts and studs (ASTM F467/F468)
- Gears, worm gears and wear parts
- Heat exchanger and condenser tubesheets
- Beryllium-free non-sparking tools
Alternatives: Cast aluminum bronze C95400/C95500 for large or complex-shaped parts; 70/30 copper-nickel C71500 when seawater corrosion prevails over strength; Monel 400 or K500 for more severe service.
Frequently asked questions
What is the chemical composition of Nickel-aluminum bronze C63000?
Per ASTM B150 (UNS C63000): Al 9.0 – 11.0; Ni (+Co) 4.0 – 5.5; Fe 2.0 – 4.0; Mn ≤ 1.5; Zn ≤ 0.30; Si ≤ 0.25.
Which standards cover Nickel-aluminum bronze C63000?
Bar: ASTM B150/B150M. Forging: ASTM B124/B124M, B283/B283M. Plate: ASTM B171/B171M (exchanger tubesheets). Bar: ASTM F467 / F468 (nuts and bolts).
Up to what temperature can Nickel-aluminum bronze C63000 be used?
Keeps good strength up to ≈ 300 – 400 °C* and resists oxidation well thanks to the alumina film. Typical use from ambient up to moderate temperatures in seawater.
Which materials can replace Nickel-aluminum bronze C63000?
Cast aluminum bronze C95400/C95500 for large or complex-shaped parts; 70/30 copper-nickel C71500 when seawater corrosion prevails over strength; Monel 400 or K500 for more severe service.
