Nickel Bronze Vs Phosphor Bronze

Nickel Bronze Vs Phosphor Bronze

Bronze is a family of copper alloys that have copper for the most part of the composition. Nickel bronze has higher nickel content up to 30% where the phosphor bronze has less nickel. The phosphor bronze has high stiffness and wear resistance than the nickel bronze counterparts. The usage of both these materials are seen in various industries, predominantly in the musical instruments such as guitar strings. The elasticity of the bronze helps it be used in these various applications.

The superficial oxide formation helps prevent further corrosion to the core metal. The copper oxide layer that forms on the surface also provides it with the trademark coloration of the bronze material. Based on the added elements such as nickel or phosphorus, the coloration and tone differ slightly. The materials are about 10% less denser than usual stainless steels. This makes them easy to produce, cut, form and machine. The material also has higher electric conductivity than stainless steel materials.

Nickel And Phosphor Bronze Melting Point

The nickel bronze has a melting point range from 1060 degrees to 1075 degrees Celsius where the phosphor bronze can have it up to 1060 from 930 degrees Celsius. So the nickel bronze naturally has higher range of melting points. Depending on the precise amounts of chemical composition, the melting points vary, but the nickel bronze grades have the higher melting point ranges. The melting points are lower compared to stainless steels and this helps in the rapid production of the bronze materials.

Bronze materials have been used in the making of sculptures and shapes from the old times. It is used in musical instruments and others for the ductility. The low metal to metal friction of the bronze material make it useful in making bushes and bearing. The low corrosion to chloride ion makes the bronze materials be used in sea water and marine industrial applications.

 

Difference Between Nickel And Phosphor Bronze Metal Price

The phosphor bronze materials are cheaper than the nickel bronze materials. The difference in the composition allows for the price variation. However, any special ingredients or unique chemical composition requires production cost added. So, it can lead to increased prices of the phosphor bronze, if the chemical composition is a special and unique requirement. Bronze material is generally expensive than the stainless steel material because of the copper in the composition. Since copper is expensive, all copper alloys are expensive as well.

 

Composition of PB1 and Pb2 Phosphor Bronze

 

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

 

Pb2 Phosphor Bronze Properties

Pb2 Physical Properties

 

 

831-999  °C

 

 

 

• ASTM B505
• ASTM B584
• MIL V-18436
• SAE J461
• ASTM B763
• ASME SB584
• ASTM B30
• ASTM B271
• SAE J462