Materials

Silicon Bronze C642

• Material: A high-strength copper alloy containing aluminum and silicon, offering an excellent combination of mechanical strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. C642 is stronger than traditional silicon bronze alloys while maintaining the corrosion-resistant characteristics associated with copper-based materials.

• Mechanical Properties:

  • Yield strength typically ~45–70 ksi; tensile strength typically ~85–105 ksi depending on product form and condition.

  • Higher strength and hardness than conventional silicon bronze alloys.

  • Good fatigue resistance and wear resistance.

  • Maintains toughness and ductility across a wide range of operating temperatures.

• Corrosion Resistance:

  • Excellent resistance to seawater, freshwater, and many industrial environments.

  • Highly resistant to oxidation, corrosion, and biofouling in marine service.

  • Performs well in harsh outdoor exposure and mildly acidic or alkaline conditions.

  • Provides better resistance to corrosion than many brass alloys while retaining good mechanical properties.

• Manufacturing Considerations:

  • Good machinability for a high-strength copper alloy.

  • Can be hot-formed and machined into complex components.

  • Suitable for brazing and soldering using proper procedures.

  • Welding is possible but may require specialized techniques and filler materials.

• Applications in Fasteners & Components:

  • Marine fasteners including bolts, nuts, studs, and washers used in corrosive environments.

  • Heavy-duty hardware requiring both corrosion resistance and mechanical strength.

  • Pump, valve, and fluid-handling components exposed to seawater or brackish water.

  • Bearings, bushings, and wear-resistant components used in industrial and marine equipment.