COMPREHENSIVE TECHNICAL ANALYSIS AND DATASHEET OF UNS C63000 ALUMINUM BRONZE FASTENERS
UNS C63000, formally classified as Nickel-Aluminum Bronze (NAB), is an elite, heavy-duty copper alloy engineered to bridge the gap between the extreme corrosion resistance of bronze and the raw structural yield strength of medium-carbon steel. By aggressively alloying Copper with ~10% Aluminum, ~5% Nickel, and ~3% Iron, the metallurgical matrix develops distinct "kappa phase" precipitates. These precipitates dramatically harden the alloy, granting it astonishing tensile strength capable of exceeding 110,000 psi.
Beyond its raw load-bearing capabilities, C63000 is globally revered for its imperviousness to high-velocity seawater, cavitation, and erosion. It possesses exceptional anti-galling characteristics under extreme friction, making it the undisputed metallurgical heavyweight for naval submarine components, aerospace landing gear hardware, deep-water propeller bolting, and heavy offshore oil & gas infrastructure.
■ Product Overview & Specifications
| Material Classification | Nickel-Aluminum Bronze (NAB) |
|---|---|
| UNS Designation | C63000 |
| Microstructure | Alpha-Beta Matrix with Hard Kappa-Phase Precipitates |
| Magnetic State | Low Magnetic Permeability (Slightly magnetic due to Iron/Nickel) |
| Density | 7.58 g/cm³ (0.274 lb/in³) |
| Size Range | Metric: M6 to M64 | Imperial: 1/4" to 2-1/2" |
| Primary Attribute | Steel-Like Tensile Strength with Extreme Cavitation Resistance |
■ Proprietary Datasheet Download (GATED)
UNS C63000 Aluminum Bronze — Complete Technical Datasheet
Contains detailed extreme-load galling thresholds, high-velocity seawater erosion data, and specific thermal expansion coefficients for aerospace and deep-water joint designs.
⬇ DOWNLOAD DATASHEET■ MTC Integration Section
For mission-critical defense and marine applications, precise control of the Aluminum-to-Nickel ratio is mandatory to prevent embrittlement. Every C63000 order shipped by Ananka includes fully authenticated, defense-grade material traceability.
- EN 10204 Type 3.1: Certifies the complex multi-element chemistry (Al, Ni, Fe, Mn), verifies the extruded/drawn mechanical yield strength, and confirms compliance with strict aerospace AMS standards.
- EN 10204 Type 3.2: Routinely facilitated for nuclear submarine contracts, naval shipyards (NAVSEA), and offshore platforms requiring sign-offs from major classification societies (ABS, DNV).
■ Chemical Composition
C63000 derives its immense strength from its complex chemistry. Aluminum acts as the primary solid-solution strengthener, while the combination of Iron and Nickel produces microscopic intermetallic compounds (kappa phases) that lock the crystalline structure together, creating immense resistance to mechanical yielding and wear.
| Copper (Cu) | Aluminum (Al) | Nickel (Ni) + Cobalt (Co) | Iron (Fe) | Manganese (Mn) | Zinc / Tin / Lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78.0 – 85.0 | 9.0 – 11.0 | 4.0 – 5.5 | 2.0 – 4.0 | 1.50 Max | Trace Max |
■ Mechanical Properties
| Mechanical Property | Typical Limits (HR50 Extruded / Drawn) |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 100,000 - 115,000 psi (690 - 795 MPa) |
| Yield Strength | 50,000 - 68,000 psi (345 - 470 MPa) |
| Elongation (in 2 inches) | 10% - 15% |
| Hardness (Rockwell B/C) | 90 - 95 HRB (approx. 20 - 25 HRC) |
■ Equivalent Grades & Designations
| Standard / System | Designation |
|---|---|
| ASTM Specifications | ASTM B150 (Rod, Bar), ASTM F467 / F468 |
| Common Trade Names | Nickel-Aluminum Bronze, NAB, AMS 4640 |
| European Equivalent | EN CW307G / CuAl10Ni5Fe4 (DIN 2.0966) |
| Military / Aerospace | MIL-B-15050, AMS 4640 |
■ Applications & Industries
- Marine & Naval Defense: Submarine dive-plane fasteners, propeller hub bolting, torpedo tube hardware, and high-pressure seawater valves subjected to severe flow cavitation.
- Aerospace Engineering: Structural fasteners for commercial landing gear assemblies and strut bushings where high impact strength and severe friction (galling) resistance are mandatory.
- Heavy Industrial & Oil/Gas: Desalination plant pump shafts, offshore platform structural bolting, and heat exchanger heavy hex bolts.
■ Compatible Fastener Assemblies
| Mating Bolts/Studs | Internal Threads (Nuts) | Washers |
|---|---|---|
| C63000 NAB Heavy Hex Bolts & Studs | C63000 NAB Heavy Hex Nuts | C63000 Precision Flat Washers |
■ Torque & Installation Guidelines
Due to its steel-like strength, C63000 fasteners can handle significantly higher clamping forces and torque loads than standard brasses or pure coppers. Furthermore, its natural anti-galling properties make it incredibly resilient during high-torque tightening. However, marine-grade anti-seize is still recommended for large-diameter deep-sea installations.
| Nominal Diameter | Threads Per Inch (UNC) | Max Target Torque (ft-lbs) — Lubricated |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 20 | ~ 10 |
| 3/8" | 16 | ~ 35 |
| 1/2" | 13 | ~ 75 |
| 3/4" | 10 | ~ 260 |
■ Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between standard Aluminum Bronze (C61400) and Nickel-Aluminum Bronze (C63000)?
Standard Aluminum Bronze (C61400) relies mostly on Aluminum (up to 8%) for strength and is highly ductile. C63000 takes this a step further by adding significant amounts of Nickel and Iron. This creates a much more complex microstructure that drastically increases the yield strength, hardens the metal against frictional wear, and improves its resistance to high-velocity seawater erosion.
2. Is C63000 Nickel-Aluminum Bronze fully non-magnetic?
No, not entirely. Because C63000 contains up to 4% Iron and 5.5% Nickel (both of which are ferromagnetic elements), the alloy retains a slight magnetic permeability (typically around 1.05 to 1.10). While this is practically non-magnetic for general use, it will trigger highly sensitive magnetic sensors. If a 100% strictly non-magnetic high-strength alloy is needed (e.g., for MRI machines or directional drilling), Beryllium Copper (C17200) should be used instead.
3. Does C63000 resist marine biofouling?
Yes. The high Copper content (~80%) in C63000 makes the alloy naturally biocidal. When deployed underwater in marine environments, it actively prevents the growth and attachment of barnacles, algae, and mollusks, drastically reducing maintenance downtime for submerged naval structures and pumps.