Leaded tin bronze C94300 (high-leaded tin bronze) C943

Cu-Sn-Pb cast bronze, UNS C94300, ASTM B505 composition: copper 67 to 72 %, lead 23 to 27 %, tin 4.5 to 6 %

Also known as UNS C94300, SAE J461, SAE J462, SAE CA943, ASTM B505, ASTM B144‐3E · 3 more

Leaded tin bronze C94300 (UNS C94300, sold as high-leaded tin bronze or soft bronze) is a copper alloy with 23 to 27 % lead and 4.5 to 6 % tin, per the ICAST ASME SB-505 limits.

9 sources · Updated 2026-11-01 · CC BY 4.0

Evidence level

2 of 5

Lab-measured

Carry a minimum load

145 MPa minimum

Machine freely

80

Take the density

9.3 g/cm3

Recipe, share of the weight

  • Cu 67 to 72%Copper
  • Pb 23 to 27%Lead
  • Sn 4.5 to 6%Tin
  • P maximumPhosphorus
  • Zn maximumZinc
  • Fe maximumIron
  • Sb maximumAntimony
  • Ni+Co maximumNickel plus cobalt
  • S maximumSulphur

Best for

Bearings and bushings: Concast says the lead gives good lubricity and the alloy envelopes foreign matter, and the machinability rating is 80

Weakest at

Strength: 145 MPa minimum tensile strength (Concast, ICAST), against 185 MPa in AZoM, and brazing is rated poor (Concast)

Risk at a glance

  • People Moderate. Lead: fertility and organ harm
  • If it fails Moderate. Hot shortness during brazing
  • Corrosion No data. No corrosion data recorded

Quick facts: C943

Key properties of C943
PropertyValueBasis
Density8.86 to 9.3 g/cm³3 sourced values across conditions
Yield strength90 to 103 MPa2 sourced values across conditions
Tensile strength145 to 185 MPa2 sourced values across conditions
Young's modulus72.4 to 117 GPa3 sourced values across conditions
Hardness (Brinell)45 BHN1 sourced value
Thermal conductivity54 to 62.7 W/(m·K)2 sourced values across conditions
Melting point904 to 1,027 °C2 sourced values across conditions
Specific heat377 J/kg1 sourced value

What is the density of Leaded tin bronze C94300?

Leaded tin bronze C94300 has a density of 8.86 to 9.3 g/cm³. The range covers 3 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the thermal conductivity of Leaded tin bronze C94300?

Leaded tin bronze C94300 has a thermal conductivity of 54 to 62.7 W/(m·K). The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the melting point of Leaded tin bronze C94300?

Leaded tin bronze C94300 has a melting point of 904 to 1,027 °C. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the yield strength of Leaded tin bronze C94300?

Leaded tin bronze C94300 has a yield strength of 90 to 103 MPa. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the tensile strength of Leaded tin bronze C94300?

Leaded tin bronze C94300 has a tensile strength of 145 to 185 MPa. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What are the other names and codes for Leaded tin bronze C94300?

Leaded tin bronze C94300 is also written as UNS C94300, SAE J461, SAE J462, SAE CA943, ASTM B505, ASTM B144‐3E. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.

What is Leaded tin bronze C94300 used for?

Uses recorded in the sources include High-speed bearings and bushings; Railroad parts and soft bushings.

Why it exists

Leaded tin bronze C94300 is a copper alloy with 23 to 27 % lead and 4.5 to 6 % tin, sold as high-leaded tin bronze or soft bronze. Concast says the lead makes the alloy free cutting and gives it good lubricity for bearings. The ICAST ASME SB-505 limits give a minimum tensile strength of 145 MPa, but AZoM prints 185 MPa, so the sources disagree on strength.

Where it's used

Bearings and bushings

Concast lists high-speed bearings for light loads and high-speed or light-to-medium pressure bushings among its typical uses.

Railroad parts and soft bushings

Concast lists railroad applications, soft bushings and soft metal applications among its typical uses.

Recipe

Cu-Sn-Pb cast bronze, UNS C94300, ASTM B505 composition: copper 67 to 72 %, lead 23 to 27 %, tin 4.5 to 6 %; zinc 0.8 max, iron 0.15 max, antimony 0.8 max, nickel plus cobalt 1 max, phosphorus 1.5 max, sulphur 0.08 max, aluminium 0.005 max, silicon 0.005 max (wt %)

C94300 is a copper-tin-lead alloy: copper is the matrix, lead is the main addition that gives free cutting and bearing lubricity (Concast), and tin is the second alloying element. Phosphorus, zinc, iron, antimony, nickel plus cobalt and sulphur are limits, not deliberate additions, per the ICAST composition table. It is supplied as cast or continuously cast shapes.

What C943 is made of
IngredientShare of the weightWhat it does
Copper Cu 67 to 72% Matrix; the ICAST table gives copper 67 to 72 %
Lead Pb 23 to 27% Gives free cutting and lubricity (Concast)
Tin Sn 4.5 to 6% Second alloying element; the ICAST table gives tin 4.500 to 6.000 %
Phosphorus P maximum Limit only
Zinc Zn maximum Impurity limit
Iron Fe maximum Impurity limit
Antimony Sb maximum Limit only
Nickel plus cobalt Ni+Co maximum Limit only
Sulphur S maximum Limit only

Weight shares are as printed in the sources.

What it can do

Carry a minimum load

145 MPa minimum

measured

The ICAST ASME SB-505 limit for the as-cast alloy is 145 MPa minimum tensile strength, and Concast prints the same minimum.

Machine freely

80

measured

AZoM gives a machinability rating of 80, with free-cutting brass UNS C36000 at 100 as the reference.

Take the density

9.3 g/cm3

measured

Concast gives a density of 9.3 g/cm3 at 20 °C.

How it compares

Among copper alloys, C94300 is a soft, cast-type bearing alloy: its strength is set by the lead and tin content rather than by work hardening. Compare it with the phosphor bronze profile, a wrought spring alloy, and the copper profile, which is a different, nearly pure grade. The three rows below show the density, thermal conductivity and elastic modulus recorded here.

The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details. Other materials are shown beside it; each was measured under its own conditions, so open its page before comparing closely. Compare every grade in the family.

Benchmarks
MeasurementC943CuC360C954C630BeCuC510C260Cu-AgCuCrZrCuNi 70/30C21000CW614NC75200C521C655Cu-TeSn/Cu
Thermal behavior and safety
Thermal conductivity, leaded tin bronze C9430062.7 W/mK5391 W/(m·K)116 W/(m·K)58.7 W/(m·K)63 W/(m·K)105 W/(m·K)84 W/(m·K)121.2 W/(m·K)no data323 W/(m·K)29 W/(m·K)234 W/(m·K)123 W/(m·K)32 W/(m·K)67 W/(m·K)36.3 W/(m.K)355 W/(m·K)66.6 W/(m·K)
Thermal conductivity, leaded tin bronze C94300 (Aviva Metals)54 W/mK6391 W/(m·K)116 W/(m·K)58.7 W/(m·K)63 W/(m·K)105 W/(m·K)84 W/(m·K)121.2 W/(m·K)no data323 W/(m·K)29 W/(m·K)234 W/(m·K)123 W/(m·K)32 W/(m·K)67 W/(m·K)36.3 W/(m.K)355 W/(m·K)66.6 W/(m·K)
Specific heat capacity, leaded tin bronze C94300377.1 J/kg70.394 kJ/(kg·K)no data419 J/(kg·K)452 J/(kg·K)no data0.38 J/(g·°C)377.1 J/(kg·K)no data0.383 kJ/(kg·K)377 J/(kg·K)0.38 J/(g·K)380 J/(kg·K)380 J/(kg·K)0.377 kJ/(kg·K)376.8 J/(kg.K)385.5 J/(kg·K)no data
Incipient melting temperature, leaded tin bronze C94300316 °C10no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Solidus, leaded tin bronze C94300 (Aviva Metals)904 °C111083 °C954 °C1027 °C1060 °C870 °C954 to 1049 °C916 °Cno data1081 °C1170 to 1240 °C954 °C875 to 890 °C1060 to 1110 °C882 to 1027 °C971 to 1027 °C1080 °C231.9 °C
Liquidus, leaded tin bronze C94300 (Aviva Metals)1027 °C121083 °C954 °C1027 °C1060 °C870 °C954 to 1049 °C916 °Cno data1081 °C1170 to 1240 °C954 °C875 to 890 °C1060 to 1110 °C882 to 1027 °C971 to 1027 °C1080 °C231.9 °C
Physical and electrical
Density, leaded tin bronze C943009.3 g/cm³18.9 g/cm³8.5 g/cm³7.45 g/cm³7.58 g/cm³8.36 g/cm³8.86 g/cm³8.53 g/cm³no data8.94 g/cm³8.94 g/cm³8.86 g/cm³8.46 g/cm³8.7 g/cm³8.79 g/cm³8.53 g/cm³8.94 g/cm³7.28 g/cm³
Density, leaded tin bronze C94300 (AZoM)9.29 g/cm³28.9 g/cm³8.5 g/cm³7.45 g/cm³7.58 g/cm³8.36 g/cm³8.86 g/cm³8.53 g/cm³no data8.94 g/cm³8.94 g/cm³8.86 g/cm³8.46 g/cm³8.7 g/cm³8.79 g/cm³8.53 g/cm³8.94 g/cm³7.28 g/cm³
Density, leaded tin bronze C94300 (Aviva Metals)8.86 g/cm³38.9 g/cm³8.5 g/cm³7.45 g/cm³7.58 g/cm³8.36 g/cm³8.86 g/cm³8.53 g/cm³no data8.94 g/cm³8.94 g/cm³8.86 g/cm³8.46 g/cm³8.7 g/cm³8.79 g/cm³8.53 g/cm³8.94 g/cm³7.28 g/cm³
Electrical conductivity, leaded tin bronze C943009 %IACS458 MS/m26 %IACS13 %IACS7 %IACS25 to 30 %IACS15 %IACS28 %IACS> 58 MS/m> 46.4 MS/mno data56 %IACS25 %IACS6 %IACS13 %IACS7 %IACS93 %IACS58 MS/m
Brinell hardness, leaded tin bronze C94300, typical45 BHN21no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data76 BHNno data
Other measurements
Modulus of elasticity in tension, leaded tin bronze C94300 (Concast)72400 MPa8117 GPano data1.07×10^5 MPa117 GPa131 GPa110 GPa1.1×10^5 MPano data117 GPano data117 GPa97 GPa135 GPa115 GPa1.03×10^5 MPa1.17×10^5 MPa50 GPa
Elastic modulus, leaded tin bronze C94300 (AZoM)117 GPa9117 GPano data1.07×10^5 MPa117 GPa131 GPa110 GPa1.1×10^5 MPano data117 GPano data117 GPa97 GPa135 GPa115 GPa1.03×10^5 MPa1.17×10^5 MPa50 GPa
Modulus of elasticity in tension, leaded tin bronze C94300 (Aviva Metals)1.03×10^5 MPa13117 GPano data1.07×10^5 MPa117 GPa131 GPa110 GPa1.1×10^5 MPano data117 GPano data117 GPa97 GPa135 GPa115 GPa1.03×10^5 MPa1.17×10^5 MPa50 GPa
Poisson's ratio, leaded tin bronze C943000.34 -14no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data0.34 -no data0.34 -no datano datano datano data
Tensile strength, leaded tin bronze C94300, minimum (ASTM B505)> 145 MPa15179 to 262 MPa> 330 MPa> 586 MPa> 585 MPa410 to 590 MPa> 485 MPa324 MPa180 N/mm2480 to 560 MPa358 to 414 MPa235 MPa> 360 MPa370 to 430 MPa475 to 580 MPa538 MPa> 260 MPano data
Tensile strength, leaded tin bronze C94300 (AZoM)185 MPa16179 to 262 MPa> 330 MPa> 586 MPa> 585 MPa410 to 590 MPa> 485 MPa324 MPa180 N/mm2480 to 560 MPa358 to 414 MPa235 MPa> 360 MPa370 to 430 MPa475 to 580 MPa538 MPa> 260 MPano data
Yield strength at 0.5 % extension, leaded tin bronze C94300, minimum> 103 MPa1769 MPa> 130 MPa> 221 MPa> 295 MPa130 to 250 MPa550 MPa103 MPano data> 450 MPa124 to 179 MPano data> 220 MPano data> 350 MPa310 MPa> 205 MPano data
Yield strength at 0.500 % extension, leaded tin bronze C94300 (AZoM)90 MPa1869 MPa> 130 MPa> 221 MPa> 295 MPa130 to 250 MPa550 MPa103 MPano data> 450 MPa124 to 179 MPano data> 220 MPano data> 350 MPa310 MPa> 205 MPano data
Elongation, leaded tin bronze C94300, minimum> 7 %1935 %> 15 %> 12 %> 10 %20 to 75 %> 13 %62 %> 37 %> 10 %30 to 45 %45 %> 20 %40 %> 25 %17 %> 8 %no data
Elongation at break, leaded tin bronze C94300 (AZoM)10 %2035 %> 15 %> 12 %> 10 %20 to 75 %> 13 %62 %> 37 %> 10 %30 to 45 %45 %> 20 %40 %> 25 %17 %> 8 %no data
Machinability rating, leaded tin bronze C9430080 -22no data100 %60 -no datano datano data30 %no datano datano data20 %100 %no datano datano data85 -no data
Machinability rating, leaded tin bronze C94300 (Conex Casting)80 -23no data100 %60 -no datano datano data30 %no datano datano data20 %100 %no datano datano data85 -no data

Why choose it, and why not

Good for

  • Bearings and bushings: Concast says the lead gives good lubricity and the alloy envelopes foreign matter.
  • Machined parts: the machinability rating is 80 relative to free-cutting brass.
  • Soldered joints: Concast rates soldering good.

Watch out for

  • Strength: the sources give 145 MPa minimum tensile strength (Concast, ICAST) and 185 MPa (AZoM), which are not the same basis.
  • Brazing is rated poor and strain during brazing and cooling must be avoided.
  • No corrosion rate for C94300 was found in the sources read.
  • The composition ranges differ between AZoM and ICAST, and ICAST is used here.

Leaded tin bronze C94300 (UNS C94300, high-leaded tin bronze) is a copper alloy with 23 to 27 % lead and 4.5 to 6 % tin. It is a soft bearing and machining alloy: the sources give 145 MPa minimum tensile strength and a machinability rating of 80. Brazing is rated poor and the lead carries the hazard statements. No corrosion rate and no EN number were found.

Technical details

For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.

Other names and standards

The same grade under other systems, as datasheets and standards print them. Each code was checked against the page it comes from.

Other names and standards
SystemCodes
UNSC94300
SAEJ461, J462, CA943
ASTMB505, B144‐3E
FederalQQ-C-390
MILMIL-B-16261 (Grade V)
Trade nameSoft Bronze (generic name printed in the Other column, not a brand)

Notes

The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.

Notes for the numbered rows
#MeasurementMethodConditionsCaveat
1Density, leaded tin bronze C94300Value printed in the physical properties table of a manufacturer product page (data provided by CDA)grade C94300 (high-leaded tin bronze)temperature 20 °Cunit in source 9.3 gm/cm3 at 20 °C—
2Density, leaded tin bronze C94300 (AZoM)Value printed in the physical properties table of an AZoM copper alloy articlegrade C94300temperature not statedunit in source 0.336 lb/in3Concast prints 9.3 g/cm3 at 20 °C for the same alloy; the two values agree to rounding.
3Density, leaded tin bronze C94300 (Aviva Metals)Value printed in the Physical Properties table of a supplier product pagegrade C94300temperature 20 °Cunit in source 8.86 gm/cm3 @ 20 CConcast prints 9.3 g/cm3 and AZoM prints 9.29 g/cm3 for the same alloy. The sources disagree and all are recorded.
4Electrical conductivity, leaded tin bronze C94300Value printed in the physical properties table of a manufacturer product page (data provided by CDA)grade C94300temperature 68 °F (20 °C)unit in source 9% IACS at 68 °F—
5Thermal conductivity, leaded tin bronze C94300Value printed in the thermal properties table of an AZoM copper alloy articlegrade C94300temperature 20 °Cunit in source 62.7 W/mKConcast prints the same figure, 62.7 W/m at 20 °C, in its physical properties table, with the unit printed without the K.
6Thermal conductivity, leaded tin bronze C94300 (Aviva Metals)Value printed in the Physical Properties table of a supplier product pagegrade C94300temperature 20 °Cunit in source 54.0 W/moK at 20 CConcast and AZoM print 62.7 W/mK at 20 °C for the same alloy. The sources disagree and all are recorded.
7Specific heat capacity, leaded tin bronze C94300Value printed in the physical properties table of a manufacturer product page (data provided by CDA)grade C94300temperature 20 °Cunit in source 377.1 J/kg at 20 °C—
8Modulus of elasticity in tension, leaded tin bronze C94300 (Concast)Value printed in the physical properties table of a manufacturer product page (data provided by CDA)grade C94300temperature not statedunit in source 10500 ksiAZoM prints 117 GPa for the same alloy; the two sources disagree and both are recorded.
9Elastic modulus, leaded tin bronze C94300 (AZoM)Value printed in the mechanical properties table of an AZoM copper alloy articlegrade C94300temperature not statedunit in source 17000 ksiConcast prints 72400 MPa for the same alloy; the two sources disagree and both are recorded.
10Incipient melting temperature, leaded tin bronze C94300Value printed in the physical properties table of a manufacturer product page (data provided by CDA)grade C94300unit in source 600 °Fnote incipient melting point as printed; no solidus or liquidus range is printed on the sources read—
11Solidus, leaded tin bronze C94300 (Aviva Metals)Value printed in the Physical Properties table of a supplier product pagegrade C94300unit in source 1660 FThe incipient melting temperature of 316 °C from Concast is far below this solidus. No source read explains the difference, and both are recorded.
12Liquidus, leaded tin bronze C94300 (Aviva Metals)Value printed in the Physical Properties table of a supplier product pagegrade C94300unit in source 1880 F—
13Modulus of elasticity in tension, leaded tin bronze C94300 (Aviva Metals)Value printed in the Physical Properties table of a supplier product pagegrade C94300temperature not statedunit in source 10500 ksiConcast prints 72400 MPa and AZoM prints 117 GPa for the same alloy. The sources disagree and all are recorded.
14Poisson's ratio, leaded tin bronze C94300Value printed in the mechanical properties table of an AZoM copper alloy articlegrade C94300temperature not stated—
15Tensile strength, leaded tin bronze C94300, minimum (ASTM B505)Minimum value printed in the mechanical properties table of a manufacturer product page (data provided by CDA)grade C94300, continuous casting, as caststandard ASTM B505/B505M-23unit in source 21 ksiICAST prints the same 145 MPa minimum for ASME SB-505 C94300 (as-cast).
16Tensile strength, leaded tin bronze C94300 (AZoM)Value printed in the mechanical properties table of an AZoM copper alloy articlegrade C94300temperature not statednote AZoM does not say whether this is a minimum or a typical valueunit in source 26800 psiConcast gives a minimum of 145 MPa for the same alloy. The two sources disagree and both are recorded.
17Yield strength at 0.5 % extension, leaded tin bronze C94300, minimumMinimum value printed in the mechanical properties table of a manufacturer product page (data provided by CDA)grade C94300, continuous casting, as castmeasure 0.5 % extension under loadunit in source 15 ksi—
18Yield strength at 0.500 % extension, leaded tin bronze C94300 (AZoM)Value printed in the mechanical properties table of an AZoM copper alloy articlegrade C94300measure 0.500 % extension under loadunit in source 13100 psiConcast gives a minimum of 103 MPa at 0.5 % extension. The two sources disagree and both are recorded.
19Elongation, leaded tin bronze C94300, minimumMinimum value printed in the mechanical properties table of a manufacturer product page (data provided by CDA)grade C94300, continuous casting, as castgauge length 2 in or 50 mm—
20Elongation at break, leaded tin bronze C94300 (AZoM)Value printed in the mechanical properties table of an AZoM copper alloy articlegrade C94300gauge length 50 mmConcast gives a minimum of 7 % in 2 in or 50 mm. The two sources disagree and both are recorded.
21Brinell hardness, leaded tin bronze C94300, typicalTypical value printed in the mechanical properties table of a manufacturer product page (data provided by CDA)grade C94300load 500 kgbasis typical value, not a minimum—
22Machinability rating, leaded tin bronze C94300Rating printed in the mechanical properties table of an AZoM copper alloy article, with the reference alloy printedgrade C94300reference free-cutting brass UNS C36000 = 100—
23Machinability rating, leaded tin bronze C94300 (Conex Casting)Rating printed in the Machinability section of a foundry product pagegrade C943 (UNS C94300)reference reference alloy not printed on this pageAZoM prints the same rating of 80 for this alloy.

Risks and side effects

Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.

For people

The main hazard comes from the lead in the alloy, as the lead safety data sheet describes it.

Hazard statements
The lead safety data sheet, signal word Danger, prints H360, H362 and H372: it may damage fertility or the unborn child, may harm breast-fed children, and causes organ damage through prolonged or repeated exposure if swallowed.
Source of the data
That sheet describes lead metal, not this alloy. No safety data sheet for C94300 itself was read in this run.

If it fails

The failure route in the sources is brazing.

Hot shortness
Concast says brazing is performed within the hot-short range, so strain must be avoided during brazing and cooling.

Handling and welding

Joining
Concast rates soldering good and brazing poor, and says oxyacetylene welding and gas shielded arc welding are not recommended.

Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.

Failure risks

Failure risks
FailureTrigger and consequence
Hot shortness during brazingmoderate severityBrazing, or cooling after brazing, with strain on the partConcast says brazing is performed within the hot-short range, so strain must be avoided during brazing and cooling. Brazing is rated poor.

Handling and storage

  • Solder rather than braze: Concast rates soldering good and brazing poor.
  • Do not use oxyacetylene welding or gas shielded arc welding: Concast says both are not recommended.

Supply and geography

How common the raw materials are and where they come from.

Copper (67 to 72 % of the alloy)

USGS 2026 reports world copper mine production of 23,000 in 2025e, led by Chile at 5,300, Congo (Kinshasa) at 3,200 and Peru at 2,700 (table units).

Top producers (2025)
Chile 23%, Congo (Kinshasa) 13.9%, Peru 11.7%, China 7.8%, Russia 5.7%
Critical mineral lists
U.S. Final 2025 List of Critical Minerals (copper added, 90 FR 50494): listed
Substitutes
USGS: aluminum substitutes for copper in electrical equipment and power cable, and optical fiber substitutes for copper in telecommunications applications.

Lead (23 to 27 % of the alloy)

USGS 2026 reports world lead mine production of 4,500 in 2025e, led by China at 1,900, Australia at 480 and Peru at 290 (table units).

Top producers (2025)
China 42.2%, Australia 10.7%, Peru 6.4%, Russia 5.8%
Critical mineral lists
U.S. Final 2025 List of Critical Minerals (lead added, 90 FR 50494): listed
Recycling
USGS: in 2025 an estimated 1 million tons of secondary lead was produced in the United States, equivalent to 70% of apparent domestic consumption, nearly all from old scrap, mostly lead-acid batteries.
Substitutes
USGS: tin has replaced lead in solder for potable water systems; steel and zinc are common substitutes for lead in wheel weights.

Tin (4.5 to 6 % of the alloy)

USGS 2026 reports world tin mine production of 290,000 in 2025e, led by China at 71,000, Indonesia at 61,000 and Peru at 33,000 (table units).

Top producers (2025)
China 24.5%, Indonesia 21%, Peru 11.4%, Brazil 9.7%, Congo (Kinshasa) 9.3%

Updated