Monel Vs Phosphor Bronze

Monel Vs Phosphor Bronze
Phosphor bronze is a copper alloy where monel is a nickel alloy with copper. The nickel composition in monel is higher where the copper content in the bronze alloys are higher. The phosphor bronze grades contain phosphorus and tin in their composition with up to 11% tin and 0.35% phosphorus. The increased phosphorus content improves the wear resistance of the material and it also improves the stiffness of the material. Monlel can have high amounts of copper as well. The ones with more than 60% copper in the composition are called the cupronickel alloys.

These are stronger materials than pure nickel grades and can have high corrosion resistance against acids and rapid flow of water. Phosphor bronze also has high corrosion resistance against many corrosive agents but the monel is more corrosion resistant in comparison. Monel is a trademark of Special Metals Corporation and is used in many corrosive applications. Monel can be readily fabricated with different techniques such as welding, machining, hot and cold working. Phosphor bronze has high ductility and can be formed under lower temperatures than the monel grades.

Monel And Phosphor Bronze Price Difference

Since monel has high nickel content, it is more expensive than the phosphor bronze materials. The phosphor bronze use cases are limited than monel. Due to the wide range of applications, the monel is more readily available than the phosphor bronze materials. Yet, the price of monel remains higher than that of phosphor bronze.

Monel And Phosphor Bronze Applications

phosphor bronze is used in making bushings and bearings due to its low metal to metal friction. It is also used in making springs, bolts, and screws due to the high stiffness. The electric switches with sliding parts also utilize phosphor bronze as the electric conductivity of the material is very high. The applications include dental bridges, reed components of organ pipes and many other medical applications as well. The material has high fatigue, wear and tear resistance and corrosion resistance. The high corrosion resistance lands the material in marine and sea water applications such as propellers of boats and ships as well.

Monel is highly malleable. It can be welded, brazed and soldered. Also it is stronger than steel and has low coefficient of thermal expansion. The material is also highly resistant to alkalis. These properties make the material suitable for marine engineering applications, heat exchangers, production of high strength fasteners, fittings, valves, pumps, shafts and in chemical processing equipment. Some grades of monel are resistant to concentrated acids. This allows for the material to be used in chemical processing and acid processing units. Phosphor bronze is used in particular in the musical instruments such as the guitar strings.

Monel And Phosphor Bronze Melting Point

The melting point of Monels range from 1300 degrees Celsius to 1450 degrees Celsius. This combined with a high heat capacity and thermal conductivity, these are good options for heat exchangers, power plant applications and boiler grade components. The phosphor bronze has a lower melting point of 954 degrees Celsius compared to the monel grades. This allows for the preferred use of monel in high temperature applications.

 

 

PB1 and Pb2 Phosphor Bronze Chemical Composition

 

Equivalent Specifications of Pb2

• DIN 1705 2.1052.04
• AS 1565-1985 C90810
• ASTM B 505 C90700
• BS EN 1982-2008 GC CC481K
• UNI 7013-72-2A
• BS 1400 PB2
• AS 1565-1974 904D
• SAE 65C
• CuSn11P-C

Equivalent Specifications of Pb1

• BS EN 1982-2008 GC CC481K
• BS 1400 PB1
• CuSn11P-C
• SAE 65c
• AS 1565-1974 904D
• Def Stan 02 838 Part 1
• NES 838 Part 1
• NES 838
• AS 1565-1985 C90710
• ASTM B 505 C90700

 

831-999  °C

 

Pb2 Phosphor Bronze Properties

Pb2 Physical Properties