Bronze CNC Machining Service

Bronze CNC Machining Service

      Bronze is a durable and versatile material formed from a combination of copper, tin, and lead. It boasts exceptional machinability, with a perfect index of 100%. The addition of lead contributes to its excellent machinability. Known for its excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal conductivity, bronze is widely used in various industries such as marine, aerospace, and industrial machinery. It provides reliable performance and longevity in demanding applications. This material’s mechanical properties make it more suitable for low-stress components produced through CNC machining. Bronze machining is a popular method for creating a variety of products, including bearings, electrical conductors, bushings, marine equipment, and more.

 

Tin Bronze

his high-performance alloy is known for its superior strength, corrosion resistance, and excellent wear properties. It typically consists of a range of tin content (from .5% to 1%) and phosphorus content (from .01% to .35%). This combination offers exceptional strength, long-lasting durability, a refined grain structure, excellent resistance to fatigue and wear, and a minimal coefficient of friction. It is often used for electrical components, anti-corrosive equipment, springs, washers, and bellows.

Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa):150 - 370

Fatigue Strength (MPa): 100 - 250

Elongation at Break (%):5 - 30

Hardness (Brinell):60 - 150

Density (g/cm³):

8.7 - 8.9

Surface Finishing Options for Bronze

Surface finish may sometimes not be necessary due to the unique properties of bronze. Nevertheless, bronze parts can be enhanced through various surface finishing options to improve their appearance, performance, and durability. provides a variety of surface finishing services that are highly compatible with bronze materials. These can involve surface treatments such as sandblasting, tumbling, electropolishing, painting, electroplating, or chemical coatings to prevent oxidation.

As machined

Leaves the surface with visible tool marks and no additional treatment. This is a basic finish after machining.

Polishing

A common finishing method for bronze, polishing will create a smooth and reflective surface, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

Sand Blasting

Sandblasting can give bronze a matte or textured surface, which may be desired for decorative purposes or to remove oxidation.

Tumbling

Tumbling smooths out rough edges and improves the surface texture, typically leaving a matte finish.

Electropolish

Electropolishing provides a bright, mirror-like finish to bronze, enhancing corrosion resistance and appearance.

Alodine

This is typically used for aluminum, but some chemical films can be applied to bronze for corrosion resistance.

Heat Treatment

While heat treatment is more commonly used for adjusting the mechanical properties of metals, it can also affect the surface appearance by altering the oxidation state of bronze.

Black Oxidize

This process can be applied to bronze to give it a blackened, protective oxide layer, enhancing both corrosion resistance and appearance.

Electroless Nickel

Adds a thin layer of nickel to the surface of bronze, enhancing its corrosion resistance and wear properties.

Chrome Plating

Typically used for aesthetic purposes, this can be applied to bronze to give a shiny, durable finish.

Powder Coating

Powder coating can be used on bronze, offering a durable and colorful finish with excellent corrosion resistance.

Brushed Finish

Brushing creates a textured finish on bronze, often giving a matte, linear appearance, used for decorative purposes.

Pros and Cons of Bronze CNC Machining

Bronze CNC machining offers a range of benefits and some limitations. Understanding these can help determine if bronze is the right material for your project.

Pros

High Strength and Durability: Bronze offers excellent tensile strength and durability, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications.

Corrosion Resistance: It is highly resistant to corrosion, especially in marine environments, which enhances its longevity.

Excellent Machinability: Despite its hardness, bronze can be machined effectively with the right tools and settings. Thanks to the addition of lead.

Thermal Conductivity: Bronze’s good thermal conductivity makes it beneficial for heat exchange applications.

Low Friction Coefficient: This is highly beneficial in applications that require minimized friction and wear, such as sliding components and bearings.

Cons

Higher Cost: Bronze can be more expensive than some other metals, which may impact project budgets.

Tool Wear: The hardness of bronze can cause significant tool wear, requiring frequent tool maintenance or replacement.

High Heat Production: Machining bronze typically produces a higher amount of heat compared to working with harder metals. This excessive heat can have an impact on the longevity and performance of the tools.

Applications of CNC Machined Bronze Parts

Project managers in various fields use bronze in many applications because of its durability and longevity. Some typical applications of these bronze CNC machined components are:

Aerospace Components: Used in bushings and landing gear components due to its strength and reliability under stress.

Marine Hardware: Examples include propellers, bearings, and underwater fittings, taking advantage of bronze’s resistance to seawater corrosion.

Industrial Machinery: Bronze gears, bearings, and bushings are common due to their durability and wear resistance.

Electrical Contacts: Its excellent conductivity makes bronze ideal for electrical connectors and switches.

Art and Sculpture: Bronze’s aesthetic qualities and workability make it a popular choice for sculptures and decorative items.