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Anti-Friction Alloy

C93200 Bearing Bronze forHeavy-Duty Bushings

C93200 (SAE 660) is the industry standard for high-leaded tin bronze, offering excellent anti-friction properties, high load capacity, and superior machinability.

C93200 SAE 660 bronze bearings and industrial bushings
Material Overview

What is C93200 (SAE 660) Bronze?

C93200, commonly referred to as SAE 660, is a high-leaded tin bronze known for its outstanding bearing performance. The addition of lead ensures excellent anti-friction qualities and 'emergency' self-lubricating properties if the lubricant film fails. For CNC machining, C93200 is arguably the easiest bronze to machine, allowing for high production speeds and tight tolerances. It is resistant to many chemicals and is specifically engineered for medium-duty applications involving friction, such as bushings, wear plates, and thrust washers in industrial machinery.

Precision CNC machined C93200 bronze bushings with lubrication grooves
Specifications

C93200 Bronze Specifications

Technical engineering data for C93200 bearing bronze. Optimized for applications where friction management and load-bearing capacity are the primary design requirements.

C93200 Engineering Properties

Material Type

High-Leaded Tin Bronze (SAE 660)

Composition

83% Copper, 7% Tin, 7% Lead, 3% Zinc

Primary Characteristics

Excellent anti-friction, high machinability, good load capacity, corrosion resistant

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

35 ksi (241 MPa)

Tensile Strength (Yield)

20 ksi (138 MPa)

Elongation at Break

10–20%

Brinell Hardness

60–70 HB

Density

8.91 g/cm³ (0.322 lb/in³)

Elastic Modulus

14,500 ksi (100 GPa)

Thermal Conductivity

59 W/m·K (≈ 34 BTU/ft·hr·°F)

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

18.0 µm/m·°C

Specific Gravity

8.91

Electrical Conductivity

12% IACS

Machinability

Excellent (Rating 70%; extremely easy to machine to fine finishes)

Weldability

Poor (Not recommended for welding due to high lead content; soldering is good)

Corrosion Resistance

Good (Resistant to seawater and brine)

Surface Treatment

Oil impregnation common; supports decorative clear coats

Common Forms

Cored bar, solid bar, plate

Typical Applications

Bushings, bearings, thrust washers, wear plates, fuel pump bushings, main spindle bearings

Standards

ASTM B505, B584, SAE 660

Performance

C93200 Bronze Performance Overview

Balanced for friction management, load handling, and high-efficiency machining in industrial applications.

Anti-Friction

Wear Resistance

Machinability

Load Capacity

Conformability

Corrosion Resistance

Weldability

Cost Efficiency

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Where C93200 Bronze is Commonly Used

The go-to alloy for any component where a shaft rotates under load and requires a sacrificial, low-friction interface.

Industrial pump and motor bushings

Machine tool spindle bearings

Thrust washers and wear strips

Automotive transmission parts

General purpose machinery bushings

Heavy equipment pivot pins

Hydraulic cylinder guide bushings

Agricultural equipment bearings

Printing press components

Material FAQs

Bronze C93200 (SAE 660) FAQs for Wear-Resistant Components

Expert technical guidance for engineering teams utilizing C93200 Bearing Bronze for high-load bushings, wear plates, and precision mechanical assemblies.

Ready for your Project

High-Load Anti-Friction Standard

Bronze C93200: The Engineered Solution for Industrial Wear & Bearing Performance

Bronze C93200, universally recognized as SAE 660, is the industrial benchmark for high-leveled bearing applications. Formulated with a precise matrix of copper, tin, and lead, this alloy is specifically engineered to handle heavy loads while providing a low-friction interface that protects mating steel shafts.

At PREMSA Industries, we leverage our advanced CNC Machining capabilities to transform C93200 into high-performance bushings, thrust washers, and wear plates that act as a 'fail-safe' for your most expensive mechanical assemblies.

The Strategic Advantages of SAE 660 Bronze

  • Self-Lubricating Microstructure: The high lead content (up to 7%) creates a microscopic 'lubricant' layer, preventing metal-to-metal seizing even during temporary lubrication failure.
  • Exceptional Load Capacity: Designed to support high-pressure rotational and oscillating movements without deforming or cracking under stress.
  • Shaft Protection (Sacrificial Wear): Engineered to be slightly softer than hardened steel shafts, ensuring the bronze wears down over years of use instead of damaging the more expensive crankshaft or spindle.
  • Superior Thermal Conductivity: Dissipates frictional heat rapidly, preventing localized overheating that can lead to bearing failure.
  • Excellent Machinability Rating: With a rating of 70%, it allows for high-precision CNC Milling of complex internal oil grooves and lubrication paths.
  • Corrosion & Bio-Fouling Resistance: Highly resilient against brine, sea water, and industrial coolants, making it perfect for pump and marine hardware.

C93200 vs. Steel & Plastic: The Technical Verdict

While plastics may fail under heat and steel may seize under friction, Bronze C93200 offers the 'middle ground' of high strength and low friction. It is the tactical choice for machinery that must operate 24/7 without risk of catastrophic breakdown.

Why It Lowers Your Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

  • Extends the lifespan of expensive shafts and pins by absorbing the primary wear
  • Reduces unplanned downtime through its 'emergency' lubrication properties
  • Minimizes noise and mechanical vibration in high-speed rotating equipment
  • Allows for field-serviceable assemblies: it’s easier to swap a bushing than a shaft

Precision Tribology at PREMSA

  • Our CNC Turning achieves 'Press-Fit' tolerances (H7/p6) for perfect bearing seating
  • Specialized tooling for burr-free internal Drilling & Threading of grease ports
  • Capabilities for intricate spiral, figure-8, and loop-style oil grooves to maximize lubrication flow

Mechanical Strengths for Heavy-Duty Motion

  1. Impact Absorption: Handles intermittent shocks and vibration without losing dimensional accuracy.
  2. Anti-Galling: The material prevents 'welding' between the bushing and the shaft under high pressure.
  3. Friction Reduction: Dramatically lowers the energy required to move heavy mechanical loads.
  4. Geometric Stability: Maintains its diameter and clearance even under significant thermal expansion.
  5. Reliability: Decades of proven performance in the mining, construction, and maritime industries.
  6. Versatility: Compatible with a wide range of lubricants, from heavy greases to light oils.

Design Limitations & Pro Tips

  1. Lead Content Compliance: Not for use in food processing or potable water systems; use lead-free alternatives for those sectors.
  2. Load Limits: For extreme high-impact or 'crushing' loads, consider higher strength alternatives like C95400.
  3. Maximum Temperature: Best performance is achieved below 230°C (450°F); specialized cooling is needed for higher heat.
  4. Joining Strategy: Press-fitting or mechanical retention is the standard; welding is not recommended due to lead outgassing.
  5. Clearance Management: Proper 'running clearance' is vital to allow for an oil film; our engineers can help you determine the ideal fit.

Advanced Fabrication at PREMSA Industries

Custom Bushing & Wear Plate Production

We specialize in 'Made-to-Print' friction components. Whether you need a 2mm thrust washer or a 300mm industrial sleeve, our CNC Machining centers provide the accuracy your machine demands.

  • High-precision internal honing for ultra-smooth rotation
  • Complex Swiss-Type Machining for micro-bearings and pins
  • Precision milling of flat wear plates with integrated lubrication channels

Prototyping & Kinematic Testing

Use our Prototype 3D Printing services to verify your assembly's movement and assembly sequence before we cut the final C93200 bronze parts.

  • Validate assembly fit with SLS prototypes
  • Rapid transition from digital concept to heavy-duty bronze reality

Critical Finishing & Traceability

  • Precision deburring to ensure oil ports never clog with metal particles
  • Bead blasting for non-functional surfaces for a premium industrial look
  • Laser engraving of part numbers and maintenance dates for inventory control

Common High-Impact Applications

Wherever there is friction and high-load, C93200 is the core of premium CNC machined components.

  • Main bearings for presses, crankshafts, and pumps
  • Bushing for construction equipment (excavators, loaders, cranes)
  • Automotive steering knuckles and suspension pivot points
  • Agricultural machinery bearings and wear sleeves
  • Marine propeller shaft struts and rudder bearings
  • Hydraulic cylinder rod ends and glands
  • Machine tool spindles and guideway bushings
  • Industrial gearbox thrust washers and spacers

Is C93200 Bronze the Right Choice for Your Machinery?

If you need a reliable, anti-friction material that protects your drivetrain and lowers maintenance costs, C93200 is your best technical investment.

  • When parts involve high-load rotational or oscillating motion
  • When you need a 'sacrificial' component to prevent damage to expensive shafts
  • When the environment is corrosive (sea water, industrial fluids)
  • When precision oil grooves are required for automated lubrication systems
  • When building heavy-duty industrial equipment intended for a 20+ year lifespan