CuSn10 Powder

Overview of CuSn10 Powder

CuSn10 powder is a copper-tin alloy containing approximately 10% tin and the remainder copper. It offers an excellent combination of strength, ductility, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and antifriction properties.

Key properties and applications of CuSn10 powder include:

CuSn10 Powder Properties and Characteristics

Properties	Details
Composition	90% copper, 10% tin
Density	8.8 g/cc
Particle shape	Irregular, angular
Size range	5-150 microns
Apparent density	Up to 50% of true density
Flowability	Moderate
Strength	Excellent for Cu alloy powder
Ductility	Good
Corrosion resistance	Very good

CuSn10 is widely used in bearing cages, bushings, welding rods, and wear parts across the automotive, electrical, and industrial sectors.

CuSn10 Powder Composition

Typical composition of CuSn10 powder:

CuSn10 Powder Composition

Element	Weight %
Copper (Cu)	Remainder
Tin (Sn)	9-11%
Lead (Pb)	0.2% max
Zinc (Zn)	0.5% max
Other impurities	0.1% max

• Copper provides excellent conductivity, corrosion resistance, ductility
• Tin improves strength, hardness, and wear resistance
• Lead, zinc, and other impurities carefully controlled

The optimized Cu-Sn ratio provides an excellent combination of strength, ductility, and manufacturability.

CuSn10 Powder Physical Properties

CuSn10 Powder Physical Properties

Property	Value
Density	8.8 g/cc
Melting point	1020-1040°C
Thermal conductivity	55 W/mK
Electrical resistivity	7-9 μΩ-cm
Recrystallization temperature	150-250°C
Maximum service temperature	250°C

• Density is higher than copper
• Melting point reduced compared to pure copper
• Maintains good conductivity
• Recrystallization enables powder compaction
• Can withstand moderately high operating temperatures

The physical properties allow use of CuSn10 in electrical components needing good conductivity and strength.

CuSn10 Powder Mechanical Properties

CuSn10 Powder Mechanical Properties

Property	Values
Hardness	80-110 HB
Tensile strength	350-550 MPa
Yield strength	220-320 MPa
Elongation	10-20%
Modulus of elasticity	110-140 GPa

• Excellent strength for a copper alloy powder
• Significantly higher than pure copper powder
• Good ductility for 10% tin composition
• Hardness values suitable for wear applications
• Properties depend on production method and porosity

The mechanical properties allow use of CuSn10 powder in high strength electrical and friction components.

CuSn10 Powder Applications

Typical applications of CuSn10 powder include:

CuSn10 Powder Applications

Industry	Application Examples
Automotive	Bearings, bushings, brake linings
Electrical	Welding electrodes, connectors, contacts
Industrial	Bearing cages, seals, impellers
Manufacturing	Sintered tooling components
Oil and gas	Bushings, ball valves

Some specific product uses:

• Bearing cages requiring antifriction properties
• Bushing and thrust washers in high load applications
• Automotive brake pads and clutch linings
• Electrical connectors and pins
• Welding rods and solder paste filler metal
• Piping components like valves and flanges

Its excellent combination of strength, ductility, and cost make CuSn10 a popular choice for these applications.

CuSn10 Powder Specifications

The main specifications for CuSn10 powder include:

CuSn10 Powder Specifications

Standard	Description
ISO 44001	Copper and copper alloy powders – Specifications
ASTM B602	Standard specification for copper alloy powders
EN 1982	Specification for copper and copper alloys ingots and castings
JIS H2111	Bronze powders

These define:

• Chemical composition limits
• Production method – atomization
• Required physical and mechanical properties
• Acceptable impurity levels
• Particle size distribution
• Testing protocols

Compliance ensures suitability for intended applications across global markets.

CuSn10 Powder Particle Sizes

CuSn10 Powder Particle Size Distribution

Particle Size	Characteristics
5-25 microns	Ultrafine grade for high density and surface finish
15-45 microns	Common size for pressing and sintering
45-150 microns	Larger sizes for better powder flowability

• Finer particles allow greater densification
• Larger particles improve powder flow properties
• Size is selected based on final part properties needed
• Both spherical and irregular shapes are available

Controlling particle size distribution optimizes pressing characteristics and final sintered density.

CuSn10 Powder Apparent Density

CuSn10 Powder Apparent Density

Apparent density	Details
Up to 50% of true density	For irregular morphology powder
4.5-6.5 g/cc	Improves with greater packing density

• Higher apparent density improves powder flow and compactibility
• Density up to 60% is possible with optimized spherical powder
• High apparent density enables easier compaction into green parts

Higher apparent density leads to better manufacturing productivity and part quality.

CuSn10 Powder Production Method

CuSn10 Powder Production

Method	Details
Atomization	Melted alloy stream broken into fine droplets which solidify into powder
Induction melting	Pure copper and tin melted together under controlled atmosphere
Inert gas atomization	Prevent oxidation of particles during production
Sieving	Classifies powder into different particle size ranges

• Automated atomization enables large scale production
• Controlled melting and atomization minimizes impurities
• Inert gas prevents powder oxidation
• Post-processing allows customization of particle sizes

Strict process controls result in reliable powder quality and repeatable characteristics.

CuSn10 Powder Pricing

CuSn10 Powder Pricing

Factor	Impact on Price
Purity grade	Higher purity increases price
Particle size	Finer powder is more expensive
Order quantity	Bulk pricing discounts apply
Production method	Complex processes increase cost
Additional services	Customization adds cost

Indicative Pricing

• CuSn10 powder: $8-12 per kg
• Lower prices applicable for bulk orders >1000 kg

Pricing varies based on order parameters like quantity, particle size, purity level, alloy composition etc.

CuSn10 Powder Suppliers

CuSn10 Powder Suppliers

Company	Location
Kymera International	USA
Hoganas	Sweden
CNPC Powder Group	China
Shanghai CNPC Powder Material	China
Gujarat Reclaim Industries	India
American Chemet Corporation	USA

Selection factors for suppliers:

• Powder sizes and lead time
• Customization capability
• Production capacity
• Packaging options
• Pricing levels
• Quality certifications and compliance

CuSn10 Powder Handling and Storage

CuSn10 Powder Handling

Recommendation	Reason
Avoid inhalation	Potential respiratory irritation
Use protective mask and goggles	Prevent accidental ingestion
Ensure adequate ventilation	Reduce airborne particles
Avoid ignition sources	Flammable dust hazard
Follow anti-static procedures	Prevent fire from static discharge
Use non-sparking tools	Avoids sparks during handling
Store sealed containers in cool, dry area	Prevent oxidation and moisture absorption

Storage Recommendations

• Store in stable, inert containers
• Keep away from acids, ammonia, acetylene
• Maintain temperatures below 27°C

Proper handling and storage preserves powder purity and prevents reaction hazards.

CuSn10 Powder Inspection and Testing

CuSn10 Powder Testing

Test	Details
Chemical analysis	ICP and XRF to verify composition
Particle size distribution	Sieve analysis or laser diffraction
Apparent density	Hall flowmeter test per ASTM B212
Powder morphology	SEM imaging of particle shape
Tap density	Density measured after mechanical tapping
Flow rate analysis	Gravity flow rate through specified nozzle

Stringent testing ensures the powder meets the chemical composition, physical properties, and microstructure required for the application.

CuSn10 Powder Pros and Cons

Advantages of CuSn10 Powder

• Excellent strength for a copper alloy powder
• Good ductility and formability
• Very good corrosion resistance
• Cost-effective compared to bronze grades
• Good electrical and thermal conductivity
• Recyclable and environmentally friendly

Disadvantages of CuSn10 Powder

• Lower conductivity than pure copper powder
• Moderate high temperature strength
• Heavy compared to aluminum or magnesium alloys
• Not suitable for highly stressed structural components
• Surface discoloration over time if uncoated
• Limitations for food contact applications

Comparison With CuNi10 Powder

CuSn10 vs CuNi10 Powder

Parameter	CuSn10	CuNi10
Density	8.8 g/cc	8.9 g/cc
Strength	350-550 MPa	500-650 MPa
Conductivity	55 W/mK	20 W/mK
Corrosion resistance	Excellent	Very Good
Cost	Low	High
Uses	Electrical, moderate load	High strength structures

• CuSn10 provides better conductivity and cost
• CuNi10 has higher tensile strength
• CuSn10 preferred for electrical components
• CuNi10 suited for high strength structural parts

CuSn10 Powder FAQs

Q: What are the main applications of CuSn10 powder?

A: Main applications include bearing cages, bushings, welding rods, brake linings, antifriction components, and electrical contacts, connectors and brushes. It is commonly used in automotive and electrical products.

Q: Does CuSn10 powder require special handling precautions?

A: General precautions are recommended including avoiding inhalation, ensuring proper ventilation, controlling dust, preventing ignition sources, avoiding static charge buildup, using non-sparking tools, and storing in a dry, inert atmosphere.

Q: What affects the properties of CuSn10 powder parts?

A: Key factors are apparent density, particle size distribution, compaction pressure, sintering temperature and time, alloy composition, impurities, and porosity.

Q: What is the key difference between bronze and CuSn10 powders?

A: Bronze powders contain 90-95% copper while CuSn10 has 90% copper, 10% tin. CuSn10 provides an optimal combination of strength, ductility and cost.