CuSn10 (Bronze)

metal

copper alloy — tin bronze

Cu-10SnTin BronzeCuSn10 AMBronze AMC90700 AM equivalentPhosphor Bronze AM

Density

8.80 g/cm³

YS (Binder Jetting sintered (isotropic))

140–190 MPa

UTS (Binder Jetting sintered (isotropic))

250–310 MPa

Elongation (Binder Jetting sintered (isotropic))

12.0–25.0 %

Elastic modulus

95–108 GPa

Thermal conductivity

45.0–60.0 W/m·K

Composition — EN 1982 CC480K / ASTM B505 C90700 equivalent — CuSn10 (10 wt% Sn nominal)

Element	Min %	Max %	Notes
Cu	—	—	balance — copper matrix; provides electrical/thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance
Sn	9.00	11.000	10 wt% tin — primary alloying element; improves corrosion resistance, hardness, and wear performance at significant cost to conductivity
P	—	0.400	Phosphorus — deoxidiser and minor strengthener in phosphor bronze variants; improves fluidity in sintering
Zn	—	0.050	Zinc trace impurity
Pb	—	0.050

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Mechanical & thermal properties — 2 conditions

Property	Binder Jetting sintered (isotropic)	LPBF as-built (XY)
Elastic modulus	95–108 GPa	93–105 GPa
Yield strength (0.2%)	140–190 MPa	175–225 MPa
Ultimate tensile strength	250–310 MPa	280–350 MPa
Elongation at break	12.0–25.0 %	8.0–18.0 %
Hardness (HV)	80–105 HV	95–125 HV
Density	8.70–8.87 g/cm³	8.65–8.85 g/cm³
Thermal conductivity	45.0–60.0 W/m·K	—

Values shown as min–max where a spread is reported, otherwise as typical ± unit. Ranges reflect inter-source variation, not single-sample scatter. All values are for AM-processed specimens unless noted.

Engineering considerations

Process route selection: Binder Jetting is preferred for dental, jewellery, and bearing applications where isotropy, surface finish, and near-cast properties are required. LPBF is preferred where higher strength is needed and some anisotropy is acceptable.
Shrinkage compensation (BJ): Programme a linear scale factor of ~1.18–1.22 (18–22% oversize) in the print file to account for sintering shrinkage. Verify the exact shrinkage factor for your powder + sintering cycle combination with test coupons before printing production parts.
Sintering atmosphere: Use pure H₂ or 95% N₂ / 5% H₂ reducing atmosphere. Oxidising or inert atmospheres alone will not reduce surface oxides on the green body and will impair sintering densification.
Bearing design: For oil-impregnated bushings, specify a porosity of 15–20% in the green body and use partial sintering (>90% density, not >97%) to retain interconnected porosity for oil retention. Full sintering closes pores.
Dental application: BJ CuSn10 is now ISO 22674 Type 3–4 compatible for framework alloys. Verify biocompatibility data from the powder supplier for each specific application — regulatory approval pathway varies by country.
Corrosion in seawater: CuSn10 forms a stable tin oxide/patina layer in seawater. Avoid galvanic coupling with aluminium (nobility difference); stainless steel is an acceptable galvanic partner with appropriate isolation.

Advantages

Binder Jetting + sintering produces isotropic properties matching sand-cast CuSn10 — direct replacement for lost-wax or sand castings
Excellent corrosion resistance in seawater and saline environments — no cathodic protection needed (unlike steel)
Good sliding wear behaviour — compatible with steel shafts in lubricated bearing applications
BJ-sintered parts can be manufactured without support structures in most geometries — cost-effective for complex shapes
Familiar material in dental labs — smooth transition from traditional casting to BJ AM workflow
Lower cost than Cu-CP or CuCrZr LPBF when using Binder Jetting — BJ machines are generally lower capex than green-laser LPBF

Limitations

Low thermal and electrical conductivity (vs pure copper or CuCrZr) — not a thermal or electrical management material
Binder Jetting sintering introduces ~15–20% linear shrinkage — dimensional compensation required; tolerances typically ±0.3–0.5% after sintering
LPBF processing window is narrower than BJ — Sn volatility at high laser power can cause composition drift and balling
Not suitable for elevated-temperature applications (>250°C) — Sn reduces melting point and high-temperature strength
Lower strength than stainless steels or titanium — not a structural alloy for high-load applications
Sintering atmosphere control is critical (H₂/N₂ or pure H₂) — oxide formation in insufficient reducing atmosphere degrades properties

Typical applications

Dental prosthetics and frameworks (BJ-sintered replaces lost-wax casting in dental labs)Bearings and bushings — sliding contacts, oil-impregnated bush bearingsMarine hardware: fittings, valves, pump components requiring seawater corrosion resistanceLubricated sliding contacts and wear platesArt, sculpture, jewellery, and architectural decorative elementsGear blanks and worm gears for low-load applicationsHydraulic manifolds and valve bodies for corrosive media

CuSn10 (Bronze)

Composition — EN 1982 CC480K / ASTM B505 C90700 equivalent — CuSn10 (10 wt% Sn nominal)

Mechanical & thermal properties — 2 conditions

Engineering considerations

Advantages

Limitations

Typical applications

Industries

Compatible AM processes (2)

Other metal materials

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