What is Phosphor Bronze?

Phosphor Bronze Rod

What is Phosphor Bronze? Phosphor Bronze is an alloy of copper with tin and little unit of phosphorous. If we talk in proportion tin is 0.5-11% and the phosphor is around 0.01% to 0.35%. Tin increases the corrosion resistance of alloy and phosphorous increases the wear resistance and the stiffness of the alloy. Other alloys which include are aluminium, iron, lead, manganese, nickel, silicon and zinc. 

Phosphor Bronze is used for springs, bolts, truss wire, blades and various other situations where resistance to fatigue, wear, and chemical corrosion is required. Here are some of the feature of Phosphor Bronze:

· Has a good electrical conductivity

· Good product for strength performance

· Low coefficient of friction

· Excellence Elasticity

Phosphorous helps in reducing the viscosity (the resistance of fluid in the change of shape) of molten alloys which results in easier and cleaner to cast. Phosphor Bronze was invented by George Montefiore - Levi. George Montefiore-Levi was a Belgian politician and industrialist.

Phosphor Bronze is useful for the welding of Copper Tin Bronzes (Cu-Sn-6-8%) and Brass (Cu-Zn). The electrode of Phosphor Bronze is also suitable for joining wrought (made in a specific way) copper-tin bronzes and brasses to cast iron and carbon steel. Phosphor Bronze has applications in Electrical Products such as Connectors & Transistor Terminals, Consumer Electronics, Telecommunication, Automotive, Oil & Gas exploration, some parts of textile machineries, anti-corrosive chemical machinery parts and in many more has phosphor bronze has a wide range of application. Phosphor Bronze use in many industries and in-depth use is mentioned in the below article.

This alloy Phosphor Bronze use in joining of base metals of similar composition. Phosphor Bronze electrode is used in the construction of equipment for the chemical industry and petrochemical industry. The use of this product is high in naval constructions and installations for seawater desalination (desalination is the process of converting seawater into potable drinking water) and other repair works related to naval. Phosphor Bronze electrode can also be used to weld copper if the resistant metal has ample electrical conductivity. An extremely sensitive Phosphor Bronze diaphragm element allows for accurate measurement of low pressure and vacuum in a variety of applications. Ranges are available to measure low pressure and vacuum in inches of water, ounces per square inch, and millimetres of mercury.

 In acoustic guitar strings, Phosphor Bronze is widely used material.  

Phosphor Guitar string was introduced by D'Addario in 1974 and marketed it as an "extended life" strings. In addition to longevity and having greater resilience, these strings resulted in a "warm, bright, and well balanced acoustic tone." Apart from guitar, Phosphor Bronze wires are used in trumpets, trombones, saxophones etc.

Phosphor Bronze is widely used in Fasteners. Some of the Phosphor Bronze Fastener products are Phosphor Bronze Hex Bolts, Phosphor Bronze U Bolts, Phosphor Bronze Hex Nuts, Phosphor Bronze Stud Bolts, Phosphor Bronze Washers and many more.

Phos-Bronze C filler metal is used widely used in surfacing applications. The higher tin (Sn) content (7.0 - 9.0%) gives “PBC” weld deposits higher tensile/yield strength and greater hardness than Phos-Bronze A. “PBC” is used for base metals of similar composition, for joining cast iron to carbon steel for joining brass alloys. Preheating is recommended.

Watch this video (in this video we have used the electrode of Senor makes. Electrode is SME B14 DC. For more information and datasheet of this electrode kindly click on the electrode name) to get tips & tricks for Phosphor Bronze Welding. Phosphor Bronze welding electrode can be used in overlaying on shafts, pumps, bearing surfaces, impellers, pump rotors, building up missing sections and filling cavities in copper alloy castings.

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Check out our article on How to Weld CI and Corrective steps for Porosity.