VoluFab

Phosphor Bronze

Copper-tin alloy (usually C51000/C52100) with spring-grade strength, low friction and outstanding corrosion resistance — the classic bearing, spring and electrical material.

Get an instant quote Lead time: 4-6 business days after DFM confirmation

Key properties

Key properties
Tensile strength ~450-760 MPa (temper dependent)
Excellent wear resistance against steel
Low coefficient of friction
Good corrosion and fatigue resistance
Electrical conductivity ~10-15% IACS
Non-sparking (safe in hazardous areas)

Common applications

  • Bearings, bushings and thrust washers
  • Springs and spring contacts
  • Electrical connectors and terminals
  • Marine hardware and propeller parts
  • Pump and valve components
  • Worm gears and sliding parts

Processes available

  • CNC turning
  • CNC milling
  • Swiss turning (small precision parts)

Surface finishes

  • As machined
  • Polished
  • Tin plated
  • Nickel plated

Cost & pricing

Costs more than brass or steel — priced on copper content; good value where wear or non-sparking is required.

Tolerance: ±0.05mm standard; ±0.01mm on ground precision features.

Frequently asked questions

Phosphor bronze or brass for a bushing?
Phosphor bronze for real bearing duty with lower wear against steel; brass for light-duty, cost-driven applications.
Does phosphor bronze corrode in seawater?
It resists seawater corrosion well — a traditional marine bearing material, though it should be paired with a compatible shaft material.

Frequently asked questions

How long does production take?

Lead time depends on the process and quantity — 3D printing typically ships in 2–3 business days, CNC machining in 3–5, and injection molding in 10–15 after tooling. You'll see the exact lead time on every quote.

What is the standard tolerance?

CNC-machined parts are held to ±0.1 mm as standard, with ±0.05 mm achievable on critical features. 3D-printed parts are typically ±0.2–0.3 mm. Add your critical dimensions in the notes field.

What is the minimum order quantity?

There is no minimum order — we produce single prototype parts as easily as large production runs. Quantity discounts start from around 10–25 pieces.

What surface finishes are available?

A wide range of finishes is available locally, including as-machined/printed, bead blasting, anodizing (clear, black, gold), powder coating, painting and polishing.

How do I get a quote?

Upload your CAD file (STL, STEP, IGES or 3MF) to the instant-quote tool — the VoluFab pricing engine returns a real quote in seconds, with DFM feedback included.

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