Aluminium bronze is copper alloyed with about 9–11% aluminium, often with iron and nickel. It is one of the strongest copper alloys, resists wear and seawater very well, and does not spark. It is used for heavy-duty bushes and bearings, worm wheels, valve and pump parts, marine propellers and non-sparking tools.
Quick facts
- Type
- Copper-aluminium alloy (cast or wrought)
- Aluminium
- About 9–11%
- Tensile strength
- About 550–750 MPa (nickel aluminium bronze)
- Hardness
- About 150–200 HB
- Corrosion
- Excellent in seawater
- Machinability
- Fair
Common grades
| Grade | Notes |
|---|---|
| AB1 (CuAl10Fe3) | General cast bronze |
| AB2 / NAB (CuAl10Ni5Fe4, C95800) | Stronger; marine and heavy bushes |
| CA104 (wrought NAB) | Bars and forgings |
Equivalents are close, not identical. Name the grade and standard on the drawing.
Aluminium bronze or phosphor bronze?
| Aluminium bronze | Phosphor bronze | |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Higher | Lower |
| Wear under heavy load | Better | Good |
| Bearing with soft shafts | Needs hard shaft | Kinder to shafts |
| Seawater | Excellent | Good |
Typical uses
- Heavy-duty bushes and slide plates
- Worm wheels and gears
- Pump impellers and valve parts
- Marine propellers and fittings
- Non-sparking tools
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Questions
- Is aluminium bronze good for bushes?
- Yes, for heavy loads and slow speeds, running against a hardened shaft.
- What is nickel aluminium bronze (NAB)?
- Aluminium bronze with about 5% nickel and 4% iron, stronger and better in seawater, common in marine parts.
- Does aluminium bronze spark?
- No, which is why it is used for tools in explosive areas.
The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 23 October 2026.