CuSn10 vs CuSn8: Same phosphor bronze family — CuSn10 stronger but less ductile
CuSn10 vs CuSn8
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
CuSn10
CW480K
High-tin phosphor bronze with 10% Sn. Higher strength and wear resistance than CuSn8 but better ductility than CuSn12. Used for bearings, worm gears, thrust washers, valve guides, and marine hardware. Available as wrought and cast forms.
CuSn8
2.1030
Phosphor bronze with 8% tin. High mechanical strength, excellent wear resistance, good corrosion resistance (especially seawater). Self-lubricating sliding properties. Used for heavy-duty bearings, gears, worm wheels, springs, sliding elements, and connectors.
| CuSn10 | CuSn8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | CW480K | 2.1030 |
| Category | Copper & Brass | Copper & Brass |
| Standard | EN 1652 | EN 12163 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | CuSn10 | CuSn8 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| P | 0–0.4% | 0.01–0.4% | OK |
| Ni | — | 0–0.3% | — |
| Cu | — | — | — |
| Sn | 9–11% | 7.5–8.5% | No overlap |
Mechanical properties
| Property | CuSn10 | CuSn8 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 250–320 | 450–540 | MPa |
| yield_strength | 130–160 | ≥ 300 | MPa |
| elongation | 5–12 | ≥ 18 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
CuSn10 has 25% higher Sn content giving better wear resistance and higher strength (UTS 290 vs 250 MPa cast). CuSn8 has better ductility (El 18% vs 8%) and is more easily cold-formed. Choose CuSn10 for heavy-duty bearings/gears; CuSn8 for springs and contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CuSn10 the same as CuSn8?
CuSn10 and CuSn8 have a 80% composition overlap. Same phosphor bronze family — CuSn10 stronger but less ductile
Can I replace CuSn10 with CuSn8?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (80%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between CuSn10 and CuSn8?
The main differences are in the following elements: Sn. CuSn10 is a Copper & Brass grade, while CuSn8 is a Copper & Brass grade.
Related Comparisons
View full data for each material:
Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.