What Is CuSn10 Tin Bronze? Properties, Applications and Selection Criteria
Industrial parts such as pumps, valves, turbines, gears and bronze bushings require more than high mechanical strength. The material used must also resist corrosion, friction, impact and the other demanding conditions of the working environment.
CuSn10 tin bronze is a cast copper alloy used where strength, toughness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance are needed in balance. KUPTİN® 10, produced by Çorum Bronz with a CuSn10-C structure, is offered especially for seawater equipment, pump and valve bodies, turbine parts, sealing rings and mechanical system components.
What is CuSn10 tin bronze?
In the CuSn10 designation, “Cu” represents copper and “Sn” represents tin. The “10” in the alloy name indicates that the tin content is nominally 10%. In the KUPTİN® 10 technical data sheet, the tin range is defined as 9.0–11.0% and the copper range as 88.0–90.0%.
The main reason for choosing tin bronzes is their ability to combine different engineering requirements in a single material structure. CuSn10 is considered especially in projects where the following properties are required together:
- Resistance to corrosion and seawater
- Wear resistance on sliding surfaces
- Toughness under impact and mechanical loads
- Suitability for casting and machining
- Long service life in pump, valve, gear and bushing systems
Actual in-service performance also depends on the casting method, part geometry, wall thickness, lubrication conditions, counter-surface characteristics and manufacturing tolerances.
KUPTİN® 10 chemical composition
The chemical composition ranges stated in the manufacturer’s technical data sheet for KUPTİN® 10 are as follows:
| Element | Chemical symbol | Percentage by weight |
|---|---|---|
| Copper | Cu | 88.0–90.0% |
| Tin | Sn | 9.0–11.0% |
| Lead | Pb | max. 1.0% |
| Nickel | Ni | max. 2.0% |
| Phosphorus | P | max. 0.2% |
| Zinc | Zn | max. 0.5% |
This copper and tin based structure gives the alloy a balanced character between mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. Controlled alloying elements help keep casting quality, machinability and final material properties within defined limits.
For certified production or work tied to a technical specification, chemical analysis should be evaluated not only by alloy name but also together with the target element limits.
Mechanical and physical properties of CuSn10
Reference mechanical and physical values in the KUPTİN® 10 technical data sheet are listed below:
| Property | Reference value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 250–280 N/mm² |
| Yield strength | 130–160 N/mm² |
| Elongation | 10–18% |
| Hardness | 70–80 HBW |
| Density | 8.70 kg/dm³ |
| Melting temperature | 830–1020 °C |
| Electrical conductivity | 7–8 MS/m |
| Elastic modulus | 90–110 kN/mm² |
These values should be read as reference ranges for engineering evaluation. Final values may vary according to casting method, section thickness, heat history, machining process and the inspection method used.
Why choose CuSn10 tin bronze?
CuSn10 is preferred because it brings together corrosion resistance, wear performance, toughness and machinability in applications where bronze components operate under load.
Corrosion and seawater resistance
The KUPTİN® 10 technical documentation states that the alloy is resistant to corrosion and seawater. This makes it suitable for evaluation in pump, valve, marine hardware and seawater equipment. Final suitability must be checked against service temperature, flow conditions and the other metals present in the system.
Wear resistance
In sliding bearings, bushings and similar friction surfaces, the alloy can support long service life when load, speed, lubrication and counter-surface conditions are appropriate.
Toughness and elongation capability
Its elongation and toughness support parts exposed to impact or variable mechanical loads. These properties are especially valuable in components that must resist both load and sudden operating changes.
Machinability
CuSn10 tin bronze is suitable for machining after casting. Correct machining allowance, cutting conditions and tolerance planning are important for the final component.
Where is CuSn10 used?
CuSn10 tin bronze can be evaluated for pump and valve parts, turbine components, gears, bronze bushings, sliding bearings, sealing rings, marine hardware and seawater equipment.
| Sector or system | Example parts |
|---|---|
| Machine manufacturing | Gears, worm wheels, flywheels, washers and nuts |
| Bearing and motion systems | Bronze bushings, sliding bearings and well-lubricated heavy-duty bearings |
| Pump and valve systems | Pump bodies, valve bodies, head assemblies and connection parts |
| Marine | Ship hardware, seawater valves, pump parts and drive system components |
| Energy | Water turbine parts, turbine components and sealing rings |
| Automotive | Bushings and mechanical connection elements |
| Oil and gas | Suitable bronze components for drilling equipment |
| Special engineering | Cast parts requiring high toughness and custom-manufactured components |
CuSn10 in bronze bushings and sliding bearings
Bronze bushings and sliding bearings work under friction, load and motion. For CuSn10, shaft hardness, surface roughness, assembly tolerance and lubrication system should be assessed together with the alloy selection.
- Radial and axial loads
- Rotational or sliding speed
- Possibility of impact load
- Lubrication type and lubrication frequency
- Shaft material, hardness and surface roughness
- Operating temperature
- Presence of dust, sand or other contaminants
- Bushing wall thickness and assembly tolerance
KUPTİN® 10 casting methods
KUPTİN® 10 may be supplied through casting routes such as custom casting, hollow components, flat bars, plates and round bars. The correct casting method should be selected according to part geometry, section thickness, requested tolerances and inspection requirements.
In which forms can KUPTİN® 10 be supplied?
The product page lists custom casting, pipe or hollow products, flat bar or plate, and round bar supply forms. The correct form depends on the intended machining process, final dimensions and order quantity.
- Custom cast parts
- Pipe or hollow products
- Flat bar and plate
- Round bar
What should be considered when ordering CuSn10?
For an order, stating only the alloy name may not be sufficient. The technical specification should include as much of the following information as possible:
- Requested alloy and standardization information
- Chemical composition limits
- Casting method
- Raw and machined dimensions
- Machining allowances and dimensional tolerances
- Minimum mechanical properties
- Hardness requirement
- Test and material certificate requirements
- Service environment and working conditions of the part
- Requested quantity and delivery form
Standard selection should be compatible with the production method. For example, ASTM B505/B505M-23 covers requirements for rods, bars, tubes and other shapes produced by continuous casting. Therefore, casting method and requested tests should also be clearly stated in the order document together with the alloy code.
Project-specific bronze solutions with KUPTİN® 10
Not every bronze component can be covered by a standard catalog size. Large-diameter bushings, thick-walled tubes, special gear blanks or pump and valve parts may require project-specific production.
KUPTİN® 10 can be adapted to different production needs with custom casting, tube, hollow component, flat bar, plate and round bar options. Determining the correct size and production method directly affects both material performance and total production cost.
If your project requires a bronze alloy where corrosion resistance, wear resistance, toughness and machinability are needed together, you can review KUPTİN® 10 CuSn10 tin bronze and get support from the Çorum Bronz engineering team on dimensions, casting method and technical specification.
CuSn10 tin bronze is an engineering material with a wide range of applications, from pump and valve systems to gears, bronze bushings and seawater equipment.
The main strengths of KUPTİN® 10 are corrosion and seawater resistance, wear performance, toughness, machinability and production through different casting methods. Successful use still requires evaluating alloy selection together with working load, speed, lubrication conditions, part geometry, casting method and technical standards.
Frequently asked questions
What does CuSn10 mean?
CuSn10 identifies a bronze alloy based on copper and tin. “Cu” stands for copper, “Sn” for tin, and “10” indicates the nominal tin content. In the KUPTİN® 10 technical data sheet, the tin range is 9.0–11.0%.
Are KUPTİN® 10 and CuSn10 the same material?
KUPTİN® 10 is the brand name used by Çorum Bronz for its CuSn10-C tin bronze product. The product is offered with the EN reference CC480K.
Is CuSn10 resistant to seawater?
The KUPTİN® 10 technical documentation states that the alloy is resistant to corrosion and seawater. It can therefore be evaluated for pumps, valves, marine hardware and seawater equipment. Final suitability should be checked according to operating temperature, flow conditions and the other metals in the system.
Can CuSn10 be used for bronze bushings?
Yes. CuSn10 can be used for bronze bushings and sliding bearings under suitable load, speed and lubrication conditions. Shaft hardness, surface roughness, assembly tolerance and the lubrication system are as important as material selection.
In which forms can KUPTİN® 10 be supplied?
The product page lists custom casting, tube or hollow product, flat bar or plate, and round bar supply forms.
What is CC480K?
CC480K is one of the EN numerical material designations used for CuSn10-C cast tin bronze. During ordering, the chemical composition, casting method and mechanical properties should be specified together with the standard.