Tin bronze C90500 (SAE 62 gunmetal) C90500
Cu-Sn-Zn casting bronze: copper 86.0 to 89.0 %, tin 9.0 to 11.0 %, zinc 1.0 to 3.0 %, lead 0.30 % maximum (minimum and maximum composition per ASTM B505 in the Concast datasheet)
Also known as UNS C90500, SAE 62, ASTM B505, ASTM B22
Tin bronze C90500 (SAE 62 gunmetal, also printed as gun metal) is a copper-tin-zinc casting alloy designated UNS C90500.
Evidence level
2 of 5
Lab-measured
- 0Predicted only. No one has made it, or no measurement exists.
- 1Calculated. Only calculated or predicted values from sources.
- 2Lab-measured. Measured properties with their conditions stated.
- 3Space-relevant tests. Measured in conditions relevant to space, such as vacuum or atomic oxygen.
- 4Ground-qualified. Qualified for an application on the ground.
- 5Flown or field-proven. Flight or field results exist.
Heavy loads at low speed
172 MPa
Tensile strength
303 MPa
Electrical conduction
11 %IACS
Recipe, share of the weight
- Cu not statedCopper
- Sn not statedTin
- Zn not statedZinc
- Pb not statedLead
Best for
Heavy-load, low-speed bushings, bearings and gears in a copper-tin casting alloy (UNS C90500)
Weakest at
Electrical conduction at 11 %IACS, and no space flight or outgassing data were found for this grade
Risk at a glance
- People None found. Copper-based alloy: handle dust and fume with care
- If it fails Moderate. Permanent deformation under heavy load
- Corrosion Low. General gunmetal, the family that includes C90500, is described as resistant to corrosion from steam and salt water.
Quick facts: C90500
| Property | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 8.72 g/cm³ | 1 sourced value |
| Yield strength | 124 to 172 MPa | 3 sourced values across conditions |
| Tensile strength | 276 to 310 MPa | 3 sourced values across conditions |
| Young's modulus | 103 GPa | 1 sourced value |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 75 BHN | 1 sourced value |
| Thermal conductivity | 74.8 W/(m·K) | 1 sourced value |
| Melting point | 854 to 999 °C | 2 sourced values across conditions |
| Specific heat | 377 J/kg | 1 sourced value |
What is the density of Tin bronze C90500?
Tin bronze C90500 has a density of 8.72 g/cm³. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.
What is the thermal conductivity of Tin bronze C90500?
Tin bronze C90500 has a thermal conductivity of 74.8 W/(m·K). The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.
What is the melting point of Tin bronze C90500?
Tin bronze C90500 has a melting point of 854 to 999 °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 Tin bronze C90500?
Tin bronze C90500 has a yield strength of 124 to 172 MPa. 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 tensile strength of Tin bronze C90500?
Tin bronze C90500 has a tensile strength of 276 to 310 MPa. 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 are the other names and codes for Tin bronze C90500?
Tin bronze C90500 is also written as UNS C90500, SAE 62, ASTM B505, ASTM B22. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.
What is Tin bronze C90500 used for?
Uses recorded in the sources include Gears, bushings and bearings; Movable bridge components and bridge turntables; Electrical connectors.
Why it exists
Tin bronze C90500 (SAE 62 gunmetal) is a copper-tin-zinc casting alloy with a density of 8.72 g/cm3 at 20 °C. In the continuous-cast form its minimum tensile strength is 303 MPa and its minimum yield strength is 172 MPa at 0.5 % extension under load. It is chosen where a strong, wear-resistant casting is needed for bushings, bearings and gears that carry heavy loads at low speed, and where resistance to steam and salt water matters.
Where it's used
Gears, bushings and bearings
Concast describes gear and high-strength bushing and bearing applications where high strength, low speeds and heavy loads are present.
Bridges and structures
Concast lists movable bridge components and turntables for bridges, and structures for fixed and expansion bearings.
Electrical and plumbing parts
The Concast typical-uses column lists electrical connectors, steam fittings and water conditioners.
Recipe
Cu-Sn-Zn casting bronze: copper 86.0 to 89.0 %, tin 9.0 to 11.0 %, zinc 1.0 to 3.0 %, lead 0.30 % maximum (minimum and maximum composition per ASTM B505 in the Concast datasheet); nominal copper 87.5 %, tin 10.0 %, zinc 2.0 % (National Bronze)
Tin bronze C90500 is a copper-tin-zinc casting alloy. Copper is the base metal, tin defines the bronze class, and zinc is a minor addition. The Concast datasheet covers the continuous-cast form, supplied as solids, tubes, rectangles and plate.
| Ingredient | Share of the weight | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Copper Cu | not stated | The base metal and the largest share of the alloy. |
| Tin Sn | not stated | Defines the tin bronze class; the alloy takes its tin-bronze name from this element. |
| Zinc Zn | not stated | Minor addition printed in both the Concast composition table and the National Bronze nominal column. |
| Lead Pb | not stated | Impurity limit; the Concast table prints a single value, which it defines as a maximum. |
Weight shares are as printed in the sources.
What it can do
Heavy loads at low speed
172 MPa
measured
Carry heavy loads at low speed as a bushing or bearing: the continuous-cast form has a minimum yield strength of 172 MPa at 0.5 % extension under load.
Tensile strength
303 MPa
measured
Hold a minimum tensile strength of 303 MPa in the continuous-cast form, with a minimum elongation of 10 % in 2 in. or 50 mm.
Electrical conduction
11 %IACS
measured
Conduct electricity at 11 %IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard, the reference scale for conductivity), so it is a poor conductor.
Corrosion resistance
Resist corrosion from steam and salt water, according to a general gunmetal description (no C90500 test data were read).
How it compares
Compared with pure copper in this collection, tin bronze C90500 gives up electrical and thermal conduction for strength and castability. Its electrical conductivity is 11 %IACS and its thermal conductivity is 74.8 W/(m·K) at 20 °C, while its continuous-cast minimum yield strength is 172 MPa. The table compares density, yield strength and modulus.
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.
| Measurement | C90500 | Cu | C360 | C954 | C630 | BeCu | C510 | C260 | Cu-Ag | CuCrZr | CuNi 70/30 | C21000 | CW614N | C75200 | C521 | C655 | Cu-Te | Sn/Cu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal behavior and safety | ||||||||||||||||||
| Liquidus temperature, tin bronze C90500 | 999 °C2 | 1083 °C | 954 °C | 1027 °C | 1060 °C | 870 °C | 954 to 1049 °C | 916 °C | no data | 1081 °C | 1170 to 1240 °C | 954 °C | 875 to 890 °C | 1060 to 1110 °C | 882 to 1027 °C | 971 to 1027 °C | 1080 °C | 231.9 °C |
| Solidus temperature, tin bronze C90500 | 854 °C3 | 1083 °C | 954 °C | 1027 °C | 1060 °C | 870 °C | 954 to 1049 °C | 916 °C | no data | 1081 °C | 1170 to 1240 °C | 954 °C | 875 to 890 °C | 1060 to 1110 °C | 882 to 1027 °C | 971 to 1027 °C | 1080 °C | 231.9 °C |
| Thermal conductivity, tin bronze C90500 | 74.8 W/(m·K)4 | 391 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 data | 323 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, tin bronze C90500 | 377.1 J/kg7 | 0.394 kJ/(kg·K) | no data | 419 J/(kg·K) | 452 J/(kg·K) | no data | 0.38 J/(g·°C) | 377.1 J/(kg·K) | no data | 0.383 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 |
| Physical and electrical | ||||||||||||||||||
| Density, tin bronze C90500 (continuous cast) | 8.72 g/cm³1 | 8.9 g/cm³ | 8.5 g/cm³ | 7.45 g/cm³ | 7.58 g/cm³ | 8.36 g/cm³ | 8.86 g/cm³ | 8.53 g/cm³ | no data | 8.94 g/cm³ | 8.94 g/cm³ | 8.86 g/cm³ | 8.46 g/cm³ | 8.7 g/cm³ | 8.79 g/cm³ | 8.53 g/cm³ | 8.94 g/cm³ | 7.28 g/cm³ |
| Electrical conductivity, tin bronze C90500 | 11 %IACS5 | 58 MS/m | 26 %IACS | 13 %IACS | 7 %IACS | 25 to 30 %IACS | 15 %IACS | 28 %IACS | > 58 MS/m | > 46.4 MS/m | no data | 56 %IACS | 25 %IACS | 6 %IACS | 13 %IACS | 7 %IACS | 93 %IACS | 58 MS/m |
| Brinell hardness, typical, continuous cast | 75 BHN11 | no data | no data | > 150 BHN | 201 HB | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Other measurements | ||||||||||||||||||
| Modulus of elasticity in tension, tin bronze C90500 | 1.03×10^5 MPa6 | 117 GPa | no data | 1.07×10^5 MPa | 117 GPa | 131 GPa | 110 GPa | 1.1×10^5 MPa | no data | 117 GPa | no data | 117 GPa | 97 GPa | 135 GPa | 115 GPa | 1.03×10^5 MPa | 1.17×10^5 MPa | 50 GPa |
| Yield strength at 0.5 % extension under load, continuous cast minimum | > 172 MPa8 | 69 MPa | > 130 MPa | > 221 MPa | > 295 MPa | 130 to 250 MPa | 550 MPa | 103 MPa | no data | > 450 MPa | 124 to 179 MPa | no data | > 220 MPa | no data | > 350 MPa | 310 MPa | > 205 MPa | no data |
| Tensile strength, continuous cast minimum | > 303 MPa9 | 179 to 262 MPa | > 330 MPa | > 586 MPa | > 585 MPa | 410 to 590 MPa | > 485 MPa | 324 MPa | 180 N/mm2 | 480 to 560 MPa | 358 to 414 MPa | 235 MPa | > 360 MPa | 370 to 430 MPa | 475 to 580 MPa | 538 MPa | > 260 MPa | no data |
| Elongation, continuous cast minimum | > 10 %10 | 35 % | > 15 % | > 12 % | > 10 % | 20 to 75 % | > 13 % | 62 % | > 37 % | > 10 % | 30 to 45 % | 45 % | > 20 % | 40 % | > 25 % | 17 % | > 8 % | no data |
| Tensile strength, sand cast typical (temper M01) | 310 MPa12 | 179 to 262 MPa | > 330 MPa | > 586 MPa | > 585 MPa | 410 to 590 MPa | > 485 MPa | 324 MPa | 180 N/mm2 | 480 to 560 MPa | 358 to 414 MPa | 235 MPa | > 360 MPa | 370 to 430 MPa | 475 to 580 MPa | 538 MPa | > 260 MPa | no data |
| Yield strength at 0.5 % extension under load, sand cast typical (temper M01) | 152 MPa13 | 69 MPa | > 130 MPa | > 221 MPa | > 295 MPa | 130 to 250 MPa | 550 MPa | 103 MPa | no data | > 450 MPa | 124 to 179 MPa | no data | > 220 MPa | no data | > 350 MPa | 310 MPa | > 205 MPa | no data |
| Elongation, sand cast typical (temper M01) | 25 %14 | 35 % | > 15 % | > 12 % | > 10 % | 20 to 75 % | > 13 % | 62 % | > 37 % | > 10 % | 30 to 45 % | 45 % | > 20 % | 40 % | > 25 % | 17 % | > 8 % | no data |
| Tensile strength, centrifugal cast minimum as-cast (ASTM B271) | > 276 MPa15 | 179 to 262 MPa | > 330 MPa | > 586 MPa | > 585 MPa | 410 to 590 MPa | > 485 MPa | 324 MPa | 180 N/mm2 | 480 to 560 MPa | 358 to 414 MPa | 235 MPa | > 360 MPa | 370 to 430 MPa | 475 to 580 MPa | 538 MPa | > 260 MPa | no data |
| Yield strength, centrifugal cast minimum as-cast (ASTM B271) | > 124 MPa16 | 69 MPa | > 130 MPa | > 221 MPa | > 295 MPa | 130 to 250 MPa | 550 MPa | 103 MPa | no data | > 450 MPa | 124 to 179 MPa | no data | > 220 MPa | no data | > 350 MPa | 310 MPa | > 205 MPa | no data |
Why choose it, and why not
Good for
- Bushings, bearings and gears under heavy loads at low speed, per the Concast uses section.
- Castings that see steam or salt water, per the general gunmetal description in Wikipedia.
Watch out for
- Electrical conductivity is only 11 %IACS, so it is a poor choice for conductors.
- The continuous-cast values are minimums and the sand-cast values are typicals; they are different forms and should not be mixed.
- No space flight, outgassing or radiation data for this grade were found in the sources used.
C90500 is a strong, corrosion-resistant bearing and gear bronze for heavy loads at low speed. Its space record is not documented in the sources used.
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.
| System | Codes |
|---|---|
| UNS | C90500 |
| SAE | 62 (SAE 62 gear bronze) |
| ASTM | B505, B22 (listed as a similar or equivalent specification) |
Notes
The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.
| # | Measurement | Method | Conditions | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Density, tin bronze C90500 (continuous cast) | Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet, physical properties table (CDA data) | grade C90500temperature 20 °Cunit in source 8.72 gm/cm3 at 20˚C (0.315 lb/in3 at 68 °F) | — |
| 2 | Liquidus temperature, tin bronze C90500 | Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet, physical properties table (CDA data) | grade C90500point liquidusunit in source 1830 °F | — |
| 3 | Solidus temperature, tin bronze C90500 | Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet, physical properties table (CDA data) | grade C90500point solidusunit in source 1570 °F | — |
| 4 | Thermal conductivity, tin bronze C90500 | Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet; the source prints the unit as W/m, read here as W/(m·K), the unit a thermal conductivity requires | grade C90500temperature 20 °Cunit in source 74.8 W/m at 20°C (the datasheet prints W/m with no kelvin term) | — |
| 5 | Electrical conductivity, tin bronze C90500 | Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet, physical properties table (CDA data) | grade C90500temperature 68 °F (20 °C)unit in source 11% IACS at 68˚F | — |
| 6 | Modulus of elasticity in tension, tin bronze C90500 | Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet, physical properties table (CDA data); the row is labelled modulus of elasticity in tension | grade C90500loading tensiontemperature not printedunit in source 15000 ksi | — |
| 7 | Specific heat capacity, tin bronze C90500 | Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet, physical properties table (CDA data) | grade C90500temperature 20 °Cunit in source 377.1 J/kg at 20˚C (0.09 Btu/lb/°F at 68 °F)unit note the source prints J/kg with no kelvin term | — |
| 8 | Yield strength at 0.5 % extension under load, continuous cast minimum | Minimum mechanical property printed in a manufacturer datasheet under ASTM B505/B505M-23 | grade C90500form continuous cast (ASTM B505 minimum)measure 0.5 % extension under loadtemperature 68 °F (20 °C)unit in source 25 ksi | — |
| 9 | Tensile strength, continuous cast minimum | Minimum mechanical property printed in a manufacturer datasheet under ASTM B505/B505M-23 | grade C90500form continuous cast (ASTM B505 minimum)temperature 68 °F (20 °C)unit in source 44 ksi | — |
| 10 | Elongation, continuous cast minimum | Minimum mechanical property printed in a manufacturer datasheet under ASTM B505/B505M-23 | grade C90500form continuous cast (ASTM B505 minimum)gauge length 2 in. or 50 mm | — |
| 11 | Brinell hardness, typical, continuous cast | Typical value printed in a manufacturer datasheet (Brinell hardness at 500 kg load) | grade C90500form continuous castload 500 kgtyp min typical | — |
| 12 | Tensile strength, sand cast typical (temper M01) | Typical value printed in a supplier datasheet table; a different product form from the continuous-cast values above | grade C90500form sand cast, temper M01typ min typical (TYP)temperature 68 °F (20 °C)unit in source 45 ksi | — |
| 13 | Yield strength at 0.5 % extension under load, sand cast typical (temper M01) | Typical value printed in a supplier datasheet table; a different product form from the continuous-cast values above | grade C90500form sand cast, temper M01typ min typical (TYP)measure 0.5 % extension under loadtemperature 68 °F (20 °C)unit in source 22 ksi | — |
| 14 | Elongation, sand cast typical (temper M01) | Typical value printed in a supplier datasheet table; a different product form from the continuous-cast values above | grade C90500form sand cast, temper M01typ min typical (TYP)gauge length not printed | — |
| 15 | Tensile strength, centrifugal cast minimum as-cast (ASTM B271) | Minimum mechanical property printed in a supplier datasheet under ASTM B271, as-cast heat treatment; a different product form from the continuous-cast values above | grade C90500form centrifugal casting, as-cast (ASTM B271 minimum)unit in source 276 min. (Mpa) | — |
| 16 | Yield strength, centrifugal cast minimum as-cast (ASTM B271) | Minimum mechanical property printed in a supplier datasheet under ASTM B271, as-cast heat treatment; a different product form from the continuous-cast values above | grade C90500form centrifugal casting, as-cast (ASTM B271 minimum)measure not printedunit in source 124 min. (Mpa) | — |
Corrosion and compatibility
What happens when it meets other materials and environments.
| Environment | Concern | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Steam and salt water | low | General gunmetal, the family that includes C90500, is described as resistant to corrosion from steam and salt water.1 |
| # | Environment | Details | Test conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steam and salt water | Wikipedia says gunmetal casts and machines well and is resistant to corrosion from steam and salt water. The article gives no corrosion rate and no test data for C90500 specifically. | basis general gunmetal description, not a C90500 testexposure steam and salt water, no duration stated |
Risks and side effects
Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.
For people
The alloy is mostly copper. Copper's GHS codes come from PubChem's aggregated company reports, and no safety data sheet for C90500 was read.
- Copper content
- PubChem's copper record gives H302 at 21.7 % and H400 at 43.1 % of the company reports that gave hazard codes, and 52.5 % of all reports state copper does not meet GHS criteria.
- Lead
- Lead is kept to a 0.30 % maximum in the composition table.
In the foundry
Melting and casting temperatures come from the Concast datasheet, which states the solidus and liquidus of the alloy.
- Melting range
- The solidus is 854 °C and the liquidus is 999 °C, so the alloy is poured hot and freezes over a range.
- Brazing
- Brazing is done within the hot-short range, so strain must be avoided during brazing and cooling.
Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.
Failure risks
| Failure | Trigger and consequence |
|---|---|
| Permanent deformation under heavy loadmoderate severity | Stress above the 172 MPa minimum yield strength (0.5 % extension under load) of the continuous-cast formPermanent set in a bushing or bearing. No service or wear data for C90500 were read. |
Handling and storage
- Brazing is done within the hot-short range, so strain must be avoided during brazing and cooling.
- The solidus is 854 °C and the liquidus is 999 °C. The CDA casting table rates shrinkage in solidification as medium and drossing as low, so the foundry must plan feeding for a casting with that freezing range.
Supply and geography
How common the raw materials are and where they come from.
Tin (9.0 to 11.0 % of the alloy)
- Top producers (2025)
- China 24.5%, Indonesia 21%, Peru 11.4%, Brazil 9.7%
- Recycling
- USGS: about 17,000 tons of tin from old and new scrap was estimated to be recycled in 2025, accounting for 22% of apparent consumption.
- Substitutes
- USGS: aluminum, glass, paper, plastic or tin-free steel substitute for tin in cans and containers; aluminum alloys, alternative copper-base alloys and plastics substitute for tin in bronze.
Copper (86.0 to 89.0 % of the alloy)
- Top producers (2025)
- Chile 23%, Congo (Kinshasa) 13.9%, Peru 11.7%, China 7.8%
- Critical mineral lists
- U.S. Final 2025 List of Critical Minerals (copper added): listed
- Recycling
- USGS: old scrap provided an estimated 160,000 tons of copper in 2025, and about 760,000 tons were recovered from new scrap; scrap contributed about 30% of U.S. copper supply.
- Substitutes
- USGS: aluminum substitutes for copper in electrical equipment and power cable; plastics substitute for copper in drain pipe and plumbing fixtures.
Documents
Datasheets, safety data sheets, papers and standards you can open.
| Document | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Wieland Concast datasheet, C90500 tin bronze (continuous cast) | datasheet | |
| National Bronze and Metals, C90500 (SAE62) Bronze | datasheet | |
| USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Tin | report | 2026 |
| USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Copper | report | 2026 |
| PubChem compound record for copper, CID 23978 | database | |
| ICAST Alloys, ASTM B271 Tin Bronze UNS C90500 datasheet | datasheet |
Full record
The complete spore, as stored. Free to reuse under CC-BY-4.0. Images keep the licence shown with each one.
Show the full YAML
spore: profile
id: tin-bronze-c90500
spore_version: 0.2
family: copper-alloys
name: Tin bronze C90500 (SAE 62 gunmetal)
abbreviation: C90500
role: bearing and gear casting alloy
category: metals
type: copper-alloys
summary: |
Tin bronze C90500 (SAE 62 gunmetal, also printed as gun metal) is a copper-tin-zinc casting alloy designated UNS C90500. Its continuous-cast form has a density of 8.72 g/cm3 at 20 °C, a minimum tensile strength of 303 MPa and a minimum yield strength of 172 MPa at 0.5 % extension under load. Its electrical conductivity is 11 %IACS, far below that of pure copper. Concast and National Bronze name it for gears, bushings and bearings that carry heavy loads at low speed. No space flight or outgassing data for this alloy were found in the sources used.
best_for: Heavy-load, low-speed bushings, bearings and gears in a copper-tin casting alloy (UNS C90500)
weakest_at: Electrical conduction at 11 %IACS, and no space flight or outgassing data were found for this grade
identity:
formula: 'Cu-Sn-Zn casting bronze: copper 86.0 to 89.0 %, tin 9.0 to 11.0 %, zinc 1.0 to 3.0 %, lead 0.30 % maximum (minimum and maximum composition per ASTM B505 in the Concast datasheet); nominal copper 87.5 %, tin 10.0 %, zinc 2.0 % (National Bronze)'
source: concast-c90500
where: Chemical composition table of the Concast C90500 datasheet; nominal values from the Specifications table of the National Bronze C90500 page
designations:
- system: UNS
code: C90500
source: concast-c90500
where: Machinability table, row Copper alloy UNS no. C90500
- system: ASTM
code: B505
note: continuous castings; composition and mechanical properties per ASTM B505/B505M-23
source: concast-c90500
where: Chemical composition and Mechanical properties headings
- system: ASTM
code: B22
note: listed as a similar or equivalent specification
source: concast-c90500
where: Similar or equivalent specification table, ASTM column
- system: SAE
code: '62'
note: SAE 62 gear bronze
source: nationalbronze-c90500
where: Page heading C90500 (SAE62) Bronze
tags:
environments: []
stresses: []
applications:
- mechanisms
- structures
- electronics-and-chips
properties:
- benchmark: density
label: Density, tin bronze C90500 (continuous cast)
value: 8.72
unit: g/cm3
scope: material
conditions:
grade: C90500
temperature: 20 °C
unit_in_source: 8.72 gm/cm3 at 20˚C (0.315 lb/in3 at 68 °F)
method: Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet, physical properties table (CDA data)
status: ground
source: concast-c90500
where: Physical properties table, row Density, metric column
- benchmark: melting_point
label: Liquidus temperature, tin bronze C90500
value: 999
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
grade: C90500
point: liquidus
unit_in_source: 1830 °F
method: Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet, physical properties table (CDA data)
status: ground
source: concast-c90500
where: Physical properties table, row Melting point liquidus, metric column
- benchmark: melting_point
label: Solidus temperature, tin bronze C90500
value: 854
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
grade: C90500
point: solidus
unit_in_source: 1570 °F
method: Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet, physical properties table (CDA data)
status: ground
source: concast-c90500
where: Physical properties table, row Melting point solidus, metric column
- benchmark: thermal_conductivity
label: Thermal conductivity, tin bronze C90500
value: 74.8
unit: W/(m·K)
scope: material
conditions:
grade: C90500
temperature: 20 °C
unit_in_source: 74.8 W/m at 20°C (the datasheet prints W/m with no kelvin term)
method: Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet; the source prints the unit as W/m, read here as W/(m·K), the unit a thermal conductivity requires
status: ground
source: concast-c90500
where: Physical properties table, row Thermal conductivity, metric column
- benchmark: electrical_conductivity
label: Electrical conductivity, tin bronze C90500
value: 11
unit: '%IACS'
scope: material
conditions:
grade: C90500
temperature: 68 °F (20 °C)
unit_in_source: 11% IACS at 68˚F
method: Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet, physical properties table (CDA data)
status: ground
source: concast-c90500
where: Physical properties table, row Electrical conductivity, US customary column
- benchmark: elastic_modulus
label: Modulus of elasticity in tension, tin bronze C90500
value: 103400
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
grade: C90500
loading: tension
temperature: not printed
unit_in_source: 15000 ksi
method: Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet, physical properties table (CDA data); the row is labelled modulus of elasticity in tension
status: ground
source: concast-c90500
where: Physical properties table, row Modulas of elasticity in tension (source spelling), metric column
- benchmark: specific_heat
label: Specific heat capacity, tin bronze C90500
value: 377.1
unit: J/kg
scope: material
conditions:
grade: C90500
temperature: 20 °C
unit_in_source: 377.1 J/kg at 20˚C (0.09 Btu/lb/°F at 68 °F)
unit_note: the source prints J/kg with no kelvin term
method: Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet, physical properties table (CDA data)
status: ground
source: concast-c90500
where: Physical properties table, row Specific heat capacity, metric column
- benchmark: yield_strength
label: Yield strength at 0.5 % extension under load, continuous cast minimum
value: 172
bound: lower
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
grade: C90500
form: continuous cast (ASTM B505 minimum)
measure: 0.5 % extension under load
temperature: 68 °F (20 °C)
unit_in_source: 25 ksi
method: Minimum mechanical property printed in a manufacturer datasheet under ASTM B505/B505M-23
status: ground
source: concast-c90500
where: Mechanical properties table, min columns, yield strength at 0.5 % extension under load
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Tensile strength, continuous cast minimum
value: 303
bound: lower
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
grade: C90500
form: continuous cast (ASTM B505 minimum)
temperature: 68 °F (20 °C)
unit_in_source: 44 ksi
method: Minimum mechanical property printed in a manufacturer datasheet under ASTM B505/B505M-23
status: ground
source: concast-c90500
where: Mechanical properties table, min columns, tensile strength
- benchmark: elongation
label: Elongation, continuous cast minimum
value: 10
bound: lower
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
grade: C90500
form: continuous cast (ASTM B505 minimum)
gauge_length: 2 in. or 50 mm
method: Minimum mechanical property printed in a manufacturer datasheet under ASTM B505/B505M-23
status: ground
source: concast-c90500
where: Mechanical properties table, min columns, elongation
- benchmark: hardness_brinell
label: Brinell hardness, typical, continuous cast
value: 75
unit: BHN
scope: material
conditions:
grade: C90500
form: continuous cast
load: 500 kg
typ_min: typical
method: Typical value printed in a manufacturer datasheet (Brinell hardness at 500 kg load)
status: ground
source: concast-c90500
where: Mechanical properties table, Brinell hardness (500 kg load), typical BHN
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Tensile strength, sand cast typical (temper M01)
value: 310
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
grade: C90500
form: sand cast, temper M01
typ_min: typical (TYP)
temperature: 68 °F (20 °C)
unit_in_source: 45 ksi
method: Typical value printed in a supplier datasheet table; a different product form from the continuous-cast values above
status: ground
source: nationalbronze-c90500
where: Mechanical properties table, row As Sand Cast M01 TYP, tensile strength
- benchmark: yield_strength
label: Yield strength at 0.5 % extension under load, sand cast typical (temper M01)
value: 152
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
grade: C90500
form: sand cast, temper M01
typ_min: typical (TYP)
measure: 0.5 % extension under load
temperature: 68 °F (20 °C)
unit_in_source: 22 ksi
method: Typical value printed in a supplier datasheet table; a different product form from the continuous-cast values above
status: ground
source: nationalbronze-c90500
where: Mechanical properties table, row As Sand Cast M01 TYP, yield strength column
- benchmark: elongation
label: Elongation, sand cast typical (temper M01)
value: 25
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
grade: C90500
form: sand cast, temper M01
typ_min: typical (TYP)
gauge_length: not printed
method: Typical value printed in a supplier datasheet table; a different product form from the continuous-cast values above
status: ground
source: nationalbronze-c90500
where: Mechanical properties table, row As Sand Cast M01 TYP, elongation column
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Tensile strength, centrifugal cast minimum as-cast (ASTM B271)
value: 276
bound: lower
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
grade: C90500
form: centrifugal casting, as-cast (ASTM B271 minimum)
unit_in_source: 276 min. (Mpa)
method: Minimum mechanical property printed in a supplier datasheet under ASTM B271, as-cast heat treatment; a different product form from the continuous-cast values above
status: ground
source: icast-c90500
where: Mechanical Properties table, row Tensile Strength in Mpa, 276 min.
- benchmark: yield_strength
label: Yield strength, centrifugal cast minimum as-cast (ASTM B271)
value: 124
bound: lower
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
grade: C90500
form: centrifugal casting, as-cast (ASTM B271 minimum)
measure: not printed
unit_in_source: 124 min. (Mpa)
method: Minimum mechanical property printed in a supplier datasheet under ASTM B271, as-cast heat treatment; a different product form from the continuous-cast values above
status: ground
source: icast-c90500
where: Mechanical Properties table, row Yield Strength in Mpa, 124 min.
corrosion:
- environment: Steam and salt water
headline: General gunmetal, the family that includes C90500, is described as resistant to corrosion from steam and salt water.
effect: Wikipedia says gunmetal casts and machines well and is resistant to corrosion from steam and salt water. The article gives no corrosion rate and no test data for C90500 specifically.
rating: low
conditions:
basis: general gunmetal description, not a C90500 test
exposure: steam and salt water, no duration stated
source: wikipedia-gunmetal
where: Gunmetal article, corrosion sentence
risks:
hazards:
- text: The copper in the alloy carries the PubChem copper classification. ECHA aggregated hazard codes for copper are H302 at 21.7 %, H400 at 43.1 %, H410 at 18.8 % and H411 at 22.5 % of the company reports that gave codes (1645 of 3463 reports). The remaining 1818 reports, which is 52.5 %, state that copper does not meet GHS criteria.
ghs:
- H302
- H400
- H410
- H411
source: pubchem-cu
where: GHS Classification section, ECHA C&L Notifications Summary, copper CID 23978
- text: Lead is present in C90500 at a 0.30 % maximum in the Concast composition table. No lead hazard statement or safety data sheet for this alloy was read.
ghs: []
source: concast-c90500
where: Chemical composition table, column Pb
failure_risks:
- mode: Permanent deformation under heavy load
trigger: Stress above the 172 MPa minimum yield strength (0.5 % extension under load) of the continuous-cast form
consequence: Permanent set in a bushing or bearing. No service or wear data for C90500 were read.
severity: moderate
source: concast-c90500
where: Mechanical properties table; uses described on the Concast product page
side_effects: []
handling:
- text: Brazing is done within the hot-short range, so strain must be avoided during brazing and cooling.
source: concast-c90500
where: Fabrication properties note under the table
- text: The solidus is 854 °C and the liquidus is 999 °C. The CDA casting table rates shrinkage in solidification as medium and drossing as low, so the foundry must plan feeding for a casting with that freezing range.
source: concast-c90500
where: Physical properties table (melting points); Casting characteristics table (shrinkage in solidification, drossing)
mitigations: []
uses:
- application: mechanisms
device: Gears, bushings and bearings
example: Concast describes gear and high-strength bushing and bearing applications where high strength, low speeds and heavy loads are present.
source: concast-c90500-page
where: Uses and applications section
- application: structures
device: Movable bridge components and bridge turntables
example: Concast lists movable bridge components, turntables for bridges, and other structures for fixed and expansion bearings.
source: concast-c90500-page
where: Uses and applications section
- application: electronics-and-chips
device: Electrical connectors
example: The Concast typical-uses column lists electrical connectors, plumbing steam fittings and water conditioners, and pump impellers and valve bodies among the uses.
source: concast-c90500
where: Typical uses column
supply:
- subject: Tin (9.0 to 11.0 % of the alloy)
producers:
- country: China
share_percent: 24.5
year: 2025
- country: Indonesia
share_percent: 21
year: 2025
- country: Peru
share_percent: 11.4
year: 2025
- country: Brazil
share_percent: 9.7
year: 2025
critical_lists: []
recycling: 'USGS: about 17,000 tons of tin from old and new scrap was estimated to be recycled in 2025, accounting for 22% of apparent consumption.'
substitutes:
- 'USGS: aluminum, glass, paper, plastic or tin-free steel substitute for tin in cans and containers; aluminum alloys, alternative copper-base alloys and plastics substitute for tin in bronze.'
source: usgs-tin-2026
where: World Mine Production table, 2025e column (world total 290,000 t; China 71,000 t, Indonesia 61,000 t, Peru 33,000 t, Brazil 28,000 t). Shares calculated by Space Mushroom from those tonnes. Recycling and Substitutes paragraphs.
- subject: Copper (86.0 to 89.0 % of the alloy)
producers:
- country: Chile
share_percent: 23
year: 2025
- country: Congo (Kinshasa)
share_percent: 13.9
year: 2025
- country: Peru
share_percent: 11.7
year: 2025
- country: China
share_percent: 7.8
year: 2025
critical_lists:
- list: U.S. Final 2025 List of Critical Minerals (copper added)
listed: true
recycling: 'USGS: old scrap provided an estimated 160,000 tons of copper in 2025, and about 760,000 tons were recovered from new scrap; scrap contributed about 30% of U.S. copper supply.'
substitutes:
- 'USGS: aluminum substitutes for copper in electrical equipment and power cable; plastics substitute for copper in drain pipe and plumbing fixtures.'
source: usgs-copper-2026
where: World Mine and Refinery Production table, mine production 2025e column (world total 23,000 thousand t of copper content; Chile 5,300, Congo (Kinshasa) 3,200, Peru 2,700, China 1,800). Shares calculated by Space Mushroom from those values. Recycling, Critical Minerals and Substitutes paragraphs.
documents:
- title: Wieland Concast datasheet, C90500 tin bronze (continuous cast)
type: datasheet
url: https://www.concast.com/files/C90500.pdf
- title: National Bronze and Metals, C90500 (SAE62) Bronze
type: datasheet
url: https://nationalbronze.com/C90500_Gear_Bronze.php
- title: USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Tin
type: report
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-tin.pdf
year: 2026
- title: USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Copper
type: report
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-copper.pdf
year: 2026
- title: PubChem compound record for copper, CID 23978
type: database
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Copper
- title: ICAST Alloys, ASTM B271 Tin Bronze UNS C90500 datasheet
type: datasheet
url: https://icastllp.com/material_db_pdf/ASTM%20B271%20Tin%20Bronze%20and%20Leaded%20Tin%20Bronze%20UNS%20C90500.pdf
gaps:
- Electrical conductivity and Brinell hardness are not names in property-canon.yaml, so the short names electrical_conductivity and hardness_brinell are used.
- The coefficient of thermal expansion is printed only in exponent form (11 · 10 per °F and 19.8 · 10-6 per °C in the Concast table), so it is left out.
- A MakeItFrom page for C90500 returned HTTP 403 and was not read, so no second modulus or density source is recorded; the 103400 MPa modulus is the only value.
- No corrosion test data for C90500 were read. The only corrosion statement is a general gunmetal description in Wikipedia.
- No space flight, outgassing, radiation or atomic oxygen data for any tin bronze were found in the sources used; this grade is not named in a space application in them.
- No safety data sheet for C90500 was opened, so the lead hazard classification is not recorded.
- The Concast PDF prints phosphorus in a column that does not align in the text extraction, so no phosphorus value is recorded.
- The USGS tin summary text does not state whether tin is on the U.S. critical minerals list, so the tin critical_lists entry is empty.
- Sand cast values (National Bronze) and continuous-cast minimum values (Concast) are different product forms and are kept as separate rows.
- The National Bronze fatigue value (13 ksi, 90 MPa, typical) has no footnote text in the page, so it is not recorded.
- The Wikipedia gunmetal melting point (about 1,000 degrees Celsius) and tensile range are for general gunmetal, not C90500, so they are not recorded.
- The footnote markers (1), (2) and (3) in the Concast composition table have no printed text, so the exact definitions of Cu (min) and Ni (incl. Co) are taken from the table note only.
sources:
concast-c90500:
title: C90500 datasheet, Wieland Concast (continuous-cast tin bronze; composition and mechanical properties per ASTM B505/B505M-23; physical properties from CDA)
id: UNS C90500; ASTM B505, B22; SAE 62
url: https://www.concast.com/files/C90500.pdf
kind: datasheet
license: Manufacturer datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
nationalbronze-c90500:
title: C90500 (SAE62) Bronze, National Bronze and Metals
id: SAE 62
url: https://nationalbronze.com/C90500_Gear_Bronze.php
kind: datasheet
license: Supplier datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
concast-c90500-page:
title: C90500 product page, Wieland Concast
url: https://www.concast.com/c90500.php
kind: web
license: Manufacturer web page (cited, not reproduced)
wikipedia-gunmetal:
title: Gunmetal, Wikipedia
url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunmetal
kind: web
license: CC BY-SA 4.0 (cited, not reproduced)
usgs-tin-2026:
title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Tin
id: USGS MCS 2026
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-tin.pdf
year: 2026
kind: report
license: public domain (USGS)
usgs-copper-2026:
title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Copper
id: USGS MCS 2026
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-copper.pdf
year: 2026
kind: report
license: public domain (USGS)
pubchem-cu:
title: PubChem compound record for copper (CID 23978), including ECHA C&L Inventory classification
id: CAS 7440-50-8, EC 231-159-6
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Copper
kind: database
license: PubChem (NCBI), public domain; sections attributed to ECHA and others
icast-c90500:
title: ASTM B271 Tin Bronze and Leaded Tin Bronze UNS C90500, ICAST Alloys LLP datasheet (centrifugal castings; composition, as-cast minimums and cross reference table)
id: UNS C90500; ASTM B271, B505; SAE 62
url: https://icastllp.com/material_db_pdf/ASTM%20B271%20Tin%20Bronze%20and%20Leaded%20Tin%20Bronze%20UNS%20C90500.pdf
kind: datasheet
license: Supplier datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
review:
status: draft
method: assistant
checked_values: 16
unreachable: 1
caveats: 4
note: 'Values were read by an AI assistant on 2026-11-01 from the datasheets and USGS PDFs named in each entry (PDF text extracted with pdftotext). Unreachable: a MakeItFrom C90500 page (HTTP 403). Caveats: the Concast values are continuous-cast minimums and the National Bronze values are sand-cast typicals; the thermal conductivity unit is printed as W/m and read as W/(m·K); the tin and copper shares are calculated from printed tonnes.'
license: CC-BY-4.0
updated: '2026-11-01'
story:
recipe:
line: Tin bronze C90500 is a copper-tin-zinc casting alloy. Copper is the base metal, tin defines the bronze class, and zinc is a minor addition. The Concast datasheet covers the continuous-cast form, supplied as solids, tubes, rectangles and plate.
parts:
- name: Copper
symbol: Cu
share: 86.0 to 89.0 % (min to max), nominal 87.5 %
role: The base metal and the largest share of the alloy.
- name: Tin
symbol: Sn
share: 9.0 to 11.0 %, nominal 10.0 %
role: Defines the tin bronze class; the alloy takes its tin-bronze name from this element.
- name: Zinc
symbol: Zn
share: 1.0 to 3.0 %, nominal 2.0 %
role: Minor addition printed in both the Concast composition table and the National Bronze nominal column.
- name: Lead
symbol: Pb
share: 0.30 % maximum
role: Impurity limit; the Concast table prints a single value, which it defines as a maximum.
risk_groups:
- title: For people
level: 0
verdict: 'Copper-based alloy: handle dust and fume with care'
lead: The alloy is mostly copper. Copper's GHS codes come from PubChem's aggregated company reports, and no safety data sheet for C90500 was read.
points:
- label: Copper content
line: PubChem's copper record gives H302 at 21.7 % and H400 at 43.1 % of the company reports that gave hazard codes, and 52.5 % of all reports state copper does not meet GHS criteria.
- label: Lead
line: Lead is kept to a 0.30 % maximum in the composition table.
- title: In the foundry
level: 1
verdict: Hot metal between 854 and 999 °C
lead: Melting and casting temperatures come from the Concast datasheet, which states the solidus and liquidus of the alloy.
points:
- label: Melting range
line: The solidus is 854 °C and the liquidus is 999 °C, so the alloy is poured hot and freezes over a range.
- label: Brazing
line: Brazing is done within the hot-short range, so strain must be avoided during brazing and cooling.
why: Tin bronze C90500 (SAE 62 gunmetal) is a copper-tin-zinc casting alloy with a density of 8.72 g/cm3 at 20 °C. In the continuous-cast form its minimum tensile strength is 303 MPa and its minimum yield strength is 172 MPa at 0.5 % extension under load. It is chosen where a strong, wear-resistant casting is needed for bushings, bearings and gears that carry heavy loads at low speed, and where resistance to steam and salt water matters.
uses:
- where: Gears, bushings and bearings
line: Concast describes gear and high-strength bushing and bearing applications where high strength, low speeds and heavy loads are present.
- where: Bridges and structures
line: Concast lists movable bridge components and turntables for bridges, and structures for fixed and expansion bearings.
- where: Electrical and plumbing parts
line: The Concast typical-uses column lists electrical connectors, steam fittings and water conditioners.
can_do:
- label: Heavy loads at low speed
benchmark: yield_strength
value: 172 MPa
line: 'Carry heavy loads at low speed as a bushing or bearing: the continuous-cast form has a minimum yield strength of 172 MPa at 0.5 % extension under load.'
- label: Tensile strength
benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
value: 303 MPa
line: Hold a minimum tensile strength of 303 MPa in the continuous-cast form, with a minimum elongation of 10 % in 2 in. or 50 mm.
- label: Electrical conduction
benchmark: electrical_conductivity
value: 11 %IACS
line: Conduct electricity at 11 %IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard, the reference scale for conductivity), so it is a poor conductor.
- label: Corrosion resistance
line: Resist corrosion from steam and salt water, according to a general gunmetal description (no C90500 test data were read).
compare: Compared with pure copper in this collection, tin bronze C90500 gives up electrical and thermal conduction for strength and castability. Its electrical conductivity is 11 %IACS and its thermal conductivity is 74.8 W/(m·K) at 20 °C, while its continuous-cast minimum yield strength is 172 MPa. The table compares density, yield strength and modulus.
compare_rows:
- label: Density
benchmark: density
- label: Yield strength (continuous cast minimum)
benchmark: yield_strength
- label: Modulus of elasticity
benchmark: elastic_modulus
handling:
- Keep strain off the part while brazing and cooling, because brazing is done inside the hot-short range.
- Pour between the solidus of 854 °C and the liquidus of 999 °C, and plan feeding because solidification shrinkage is rated medium.
- Treat the alloy as a copper product for any hazard assessment, because the copper classification from PubChem applies to its main constituent.
good_for:
- Bushings, bearings and gears under heavy loads at low speed, per the Concast uses section.
- Castings that see steam or salt water, per the general gunmetal description in Wikipedia.
watch_out:
- Electrical conductivity is only 11 %IACS, so it is a poor choice for conductors.
- The continuous-cast values are minimums and the sand-cast values are typicals; they are different forms and should not be mixed.
- No space flight, outgassing or radiation data for this grade were found in the sources used.
verdict: C90500 is a strong, corrosion-resistant bearing and gear bronze for heavy loads at low speed. Its space record is not documented in the sources used.
References
Every number above carries a reference number. Click one to see the source and where in it the value comes from.
| # | Source | Type | Year | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C90500 datasheet, Wieland Concast (continuous-cast tin bronze; composition and mechanical properties per ASTM B505/B505M-23; physical properties from CDA) | datasheet | 17 values | ||
| C90500 (SAE62) Bronze, National Bronze and Metals | datasheet | 3 values | ||
| C90500 product page, Wieland Concast | web | 2 values | ||
| Gunmetal, Wikipedia | web | 1 value | ||
| Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Tin | report | 2026 | 1 value | |
| Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Copper | report | 2026 | 1 value | |
| PubChem compound record for copper (CID 23978), including ECHA C&L Inventory classification | database | 1 value | ||
| ASTM B271 Tin Bronze and Leaded Tin Bronze UNS C90500, ICAST Alloys LLP datasheet (centrifugal castings; composition, as-cast minimums and cross reference table) | datasheet | 2 values |
Updated