C63000 Nickel Aluminum Bronze (AMS 4640): High-Strength Corrosion-Resistant Copper Alloy
ASTM B150 / AMS 4640 / ASME SB-150 · Published: 2026-05-31 · Updated: 2026-05-31
C63000 nickel aluminum bronze is the highest-strength copper alloy in common industrial use, achieving tensile strengths competitive with carbon steel while maintaining the corrosion resistance and non-sparking characteristics of copper alloys....
C63000 nickel aluminum bronze is the highest-strength copper alloy in common industrial use, achieving tensile strengths competitive with carbon steel while maintaining the corrosion resistance and non-sparking characteristics of copper alloys. The nickel (4.0-5.5%) and iron (2.0-4.0%) additions refine the grain structure and enable precipitation of kappa-phase intermetallics (NiAl, Fe₃Al) that provide both strengthening and excellent wear resistance. C63000 is the standard material for aircraft landing gear bushings, marine propeller shafts, pump wear rings, and non-sparking safety tools for explosive atmospheres (oil refineries, chemical plants, grain elevators). It is immune to hydrogen embrittlement (unlike high-strength steels) and maintains toughness at cryogenic temperatures.
Quick Facts
| Category | Copper Alloy |
| Standard | ASTM B150 / AMS 4640 / ASME SB-150 |
| Density | 7.58 g/cm³ |
| Yield Strength | 345-415 MPa (50-60 ksi) depending on temper |
| Tensile Strength | 655-760 MPa (95-110 ksi) depending on temper |
Global Equivalents & Cross-Reference
| Alternative Standard / Grade | Action |
|---|---|
| EN CuAl10Ni5Fe4 | Compare |
| DIN 2.0966 | Compare |
| JIS C6301 | Compare |
| BS CA104 | Compare |
| Nibron Special | Compare |
🧮 Material Weight Calculator
Calculate the weight based on this material's density: 7.58 g/cm³
Frequently Asked Questions
How does C63000 compare to C95400 aluminum bronze?
C63000 adds 4-5.5% nickel to the base Al-bronze composition, which: (1) increases tensile strength by ~20% (690 MPa vs 585 MPa for C95400); (2) dramatically improves corrosion fatigue resistance in seawater; (3) suppresses the formation of continuous gamma-2 phase (Cu₉Al₄ — brittle intermetallic that forms in aluminum bronzes with >9.4% Al, causing embrittlement from slow cooling in heavy sections). C63000 can be used in sections >75 mm without the selective phase corrosion that plagues high-aluminum-content nickel-free aluminum bronzes. The cost premium for C63000 over C95400 is approximately 25-35%.
References & International Standards
- ASTM International. Standard Specifications for Steel & Metal Alloys. astm.org
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Metallic Materials — Cross-Reference Database. iso.org
- American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Steel Grade Designations & Equivalents. steel.org
- European Committee for Standardization (CEN). EN Steel Standards & Numbering System. cencenelec.eu