Bronze Rounds

Bronze Rounds

Bronze rounds refer to cylindrical bars made of bronze, an alloy primarily composed of copper and tin, though other elements like aluminum, phosphorus, or silicon can be added for specific properties.

Characteristics:

  • Bushings & Bearings – Due to their low friction and wear resistance.
  • Marine Applications – High corrosion resistance makes them ideal for ship components.
  • Machinery Components – Gears, shafts, and pump parts.
  • Aerospace & Automotive – Used in heavy-duty applications needing high strength.

They come in various grades, such as:

  • C932 (SAE 660) Bearing Bronze – High wear resistance, good machinability.
  • C954 Aluminum Bronze – Higher strength, good corrosion resistance.
  • C905 (Gunmetal) – Marine-grade, high durability.

Precision Ground Bars

Precision ground refers to a machining process where a material (like bronze rounds, steel, or other metals) is ground to very tight tolerances for diameter, straightness, and surface finish. This is typically done with a centerless grinding or cylindrical grinding process.

Key Benefits:

  • High Dimensional Accuracy – Ensures parts fit precisely.
  • Smooth Surface Finish – Reduces friction in mechanical applications.
  • Improved Performance – Essential for high-precision machinery, hydraulic systems, or aerospace parts.
When buying precision ground bronze rounds, you are getting highly accurate, straight, and smooth bars, ideal for applications where low friction and tight tolerances are crucial.

Bronze Rounds: Grades and Material Names

Bronze rounds (bronze bars in round form) are available in various grades and material compositions, primarily depending on the specific alloying elements used. Here’s a breakdown of common bronze grades and their material names:

Phosphor Bronze (PB)

  • Grades: C51000, C52100, C54400
  • Material Composition: Copper (Cu) with Tin (Sn) and Phosphorus (P)
  • Properties: High strength, wear resistance, good fatigue resistance, and corrosion resistance
  • Common Uses: Bushings, bearings, springs, electrical connectors

Aluminum Bronze (AB)

  • Grades: C95400, C95500, C95900
  • Material Composition: Copper (Cu) with Aluminum (Al) and Iron (Fe)
  • Properties: Excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, good wear resistance
  • Common Uses: Marine applications, heavy-duty bearings, gears, and aerospace parts

Silicon Bronze (SB)

  • Grades: C65500
  • Material Composition: Copper (Cu) with Silicon (Si) and small amounts of other elements
  • Properties: Good corrosion resistance, weldability, and moderate strength
  • Common Uses: Marine hardware, electrical components, fasteners

Manganese Bronze

  • Grades: C86300, C86400, C86500
  • Material Composition: Copper (Cu) with Manganese (Mn), Aluminum (Al), and Iron (Fe)
  • Properties: High strength, excellent wear resistance, limited corrosion resistance
  • Common Uses: Heavy-duty applications such as gears, hydraulic cylinder parts, and marine hardware

Bearing Bronze (Leaded Tin Bronze)

  • Grades: C93200, C93600, C93700
  • Material Composition: Copper (Cu) with Tin (Sn), Lead (Pb), and Zinc (Zn)
  • Properties: Good machinability, wear resistance, and moderate strength
  • Common Uses: Bearings, bushings, thrust washers
Each of these grades offers different mechanical and chemical properties, making them suitable for specific industrial applications.