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Bronze Machining Services

Bronze CNC machining is a precision manufacturing process that uses computer numerical control (CNC) machines to shape bronze alloys into complex, high-accuracy components. This advanced manufacturing method ensures consistent quality and tight tolerances for bronze parts used in various industrial applications.

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Bronze CNC Machining Services
SpecificationCapabilities
Machine Axes3, 4, and 5-axis capabilities
Tolerance Range±0.0001″ to ±0.005″
Maximum Part Size48″ × 36″ × 30″
Minimum Feature Size0.005″
Surface FinishUp to 8 RMS
Production VolumePrototypes to 100,000+ units
Lead TimesStandard 2-3 weeks, expedited options available

Understanding Bronze in CNC Machining

Bronze is an alloy primarily composed of copper, typically with tin as the main additive, though other elements like phosphorus, aluminum, silicon, and nickel are often included to enhance specific properties. This versatile material has been used for millennia and remains a popular choice in modern manufacturing due to its unique combination of characteristics.
In CNC machining, bronze offers excellent machinability compared to many other metals, allowing for precise, efficient production of complex components. Its natural lubricity reduces tool wear and improves surface finish, making it ideal for parts that require both precision and durability.

Key Properties of Bronze for Machining

  • Excellent Machinability: Bronze cuts cleanly with minimal tool wear, allowing for high-speed machining and tight tolerances.
  • Natural Lubricity: Self-lubricating properties reduce friction, making it ideal for bearing surfaces and moving parts.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Good resistance to corrosion and tarnishing, especially in marine and humid environments.
  • High Thermal Conductivity: Efficiently transfers heat, making it suitable for heat exchangers and thermal management components.
  • Good Electrical Conductivity: Excellent for electrical components and connectors where conductivity is important.

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Pros and Cons of Bronze CNC Machining

Understanding the advantages and limitations of bronze CNC machining helps in selecting the right material for your specific application requirements.

Advantages

  • Excellent Machinability: Bronze machines easily with good chip formation, reducing tool wear and extending tool life.
  • Superior Surface Finish: Achieves excellent surface finishes without extensive secondary operations.
  • Wear Resistance: Excellent resistance to friction and wear, ideal for moving parts and bearings.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Performs well in harsh environments, including marine and industrial settings.
  • Dimensional Stability: Maintains its shape and dimensions under varying temperature conditions.

Considerations

  • Higher Material Cost: More expensive than steel or aluminum, which can increase component costs.
  • Weight Considerations: Heavier than aluminum, which may be a disadvantage in weight-sensitive applications.
  • Lower Tensile Strength: Not as strong as steel, limiting its use in high-stress applications.
  • Galvanic Corrosion: Can cause galvanic corrosion when in contact with certain other metals in wet environments. 
  • Temperature Limitations: May lose strength at elevated temperatures compared to some other metals.

Subtypes of Bronze for CNC Machining

At Fecision, we work with a variety of brass grades to meet your specific application requirements. Each grade offers unique properties that make it suitable for particular uses.
Our engineering team can help you select the optimal brass alloy for your project.

Tin Bronze

  • Tin Bronze is the “classic” bronze alloy, consisting of copper (Cu) as the base metal and tin (Sn) as the primary alloying element (typically 5–15% Sn). It may contain small additions of zinc (Zn) or lead (Pb) to improve machinability or fluidity.
  • Tin enhances the alloy’s strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance compared to pure copper, while maintaining good ductility.

Tensile Strength (MPa)

Yield Strength (MPa)

Fatigue Strength (MPa)

Hardness (Brinell)

Elongation at Break (%)

Density (g/cm³)

Maximum Temp (°C)

300-600

150–400

120–250 (10⁷ cycles)

60-150 HB

5-40

8.6-8.9

200-300

Aluminum Bronze

  • Aluminum Bronze is a high-performance alloy where aluminum (Al: 5–12%) replaces tin as the main alloying element. Some grades include iron (Fe) or nickel (Ni) to further enhance strength and heat resistance.
  • It offers exceptional strength, hardness, and wear resistance—surpassing most other bronzes. 

Tensile Strength (MPa)

Yield Strength (MPa)

Fatigue Strength (MPa)

Hardness (Brinell)

Elongation at Break (%)

Density (g/cm³)

Maximum Temp (°C)

500-1200

300–800

200–450 (10⁷ cycles)

100-250 HB

5-30

7.4-8.1

400-550

Phosphor Bronze

  • Phosphor Bronze (also called Phosphorized Bronze) is a tin bronze variant with controlled additions of phosphorus (P: 0.01–0.35%).
  • Phosphorus acts as a deoxidizer (improving casting quality) and enhances the alloy’s strength, stiffness, and fatigue resistance—especially in spring applications.

Tensile Strength (MPa)

Yield Strength (MPa)

Fatigue Strength (MPa)

Hardness (Brinell)

Elongation at Break (%)

Density (g/cm³)

Maximum Temp (°C)

400-800

200–550

150–300 (10⁷ cycles)

80-200 HB

3-35

8.7-8.9

250-350

Silicon Bronze

  • Silicon Bronze is a copper-silicon alloy (Si: 1–4%), often with small additions of manganese (Mn) or zinc (Zn) to optimize strength and ductility.
  •  It combines high tensile strength with excellent formability and weldability—properties that make it a popular alternative to stainless steel in certain applications.

Tensile Strength (MPa)

Yield Strength (MPa)

Fatigue Strength (MPa)

Hardness (Brinell)

Elongation at Break (%)

Density (g/cm³)

Maximum Temp (°C)

400-750

200–500

160–280 (10⁷ cycles)

70-180 HB

10-40

8.3-8.6

250-400

Leaded Bronze

  • Leaded Bronze is a tin bronze or copper-zinc alloy (brass variant) containing lead (Pb: 5–25%) as a key alloying element. 
  • Lead does not dissolve in copper but forms discrete particles that act as internal lubricants, drastically improving machinability (reducing tool wear and cutting forces). However, lead reduces the alloy’s strength and ductility compared to other bronzes.

Tensile Strength (MPa)

Yield Strength (MPa)

Fatigue Strength (MPa)

Hardness (Brinell)

Elongation at Break (%)

Density (g/cm³)

Maximum Temp (°C)

250-500

120–300

100–200 (10⁷ cycles)

50-120 HB

3-25

8.4-8.9

150-250

Surface Finishing Options for Bronze CNC Machined Parts

We offer a variety of surface finishing options for CNC machined bronze components to enhance their appearance, performance, and durability.

As Machined

The surface retains visible tool marks without any further processing. This represents the standard finish directly after machining.

Polishing

Creates a smooth, reflective surface finish ranging from satin to mirror-like for aesthetic applications.

Heat Treatment

Improves mechanical properties such as hardness and wear resistance through controlled heating and cooling.

Passivation

Chemical treatment that enhances corrosion resistance by forming a protective oxide layer on the bronze surface.

Painting & Powder Coating

Applied for decorative purposes and additional corrosion protection in harsh environments.

Electroplating

Chrome, nickel, or gold plating for enhanced corrosion resistance, conductivity, or decorative purposes.

Bronze CNC Machining Application

Industries We Serve

Bronze CNC machined components are valued across numerous industries for their unique combination of properties, including wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and excellent machinability.

Automotive Industry

• Bearings and bushings
• Valve guides and seats
• Gear components
• Fuel system parts
• Hydraulic system components

Marine Industry

• Propellers and propeller shafts
• Pump components
• Valve bodies and fittings
• Rudder components
• Marine hardware and fasteners

Industrial Machinery

• Bearing sleeves and thrust washers
• Gear blanks and worm gears
• Hydraulic cylinder components
• Pump rotors and stators
• Valve stems and seats

Aerospace & Defense

• Landing gear components
• Hydraulic system parts
• Actuator components
• Instrumentation parts
• Bearing assemblies

Electrical & Electronics

• Electrical connectors
• Switch components
• Terminal blocks
• Heat sinks
• Motor components

Plumbing & Hydraulics

• Valve bodies and stems
• Fittings and couplings
• Pump components
• Pressure regulators
• Pipe connectors

Bronze Machining FAQs

While both are copper alloys, bronze typically contains tin as the main alloying element, while brass is primarily copper and zinc. Bronze generally offers better wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and strength compared to brass, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications. Brass, however, often has better machinability and is more cost-effective for non-critical components. Both materials machine well, but bronze's properties make it preferable for high-performance applications.
Our bronze CNC machining capabilities typically achieve tolerances of ±0.0001" for small features and ±0.005" for larger components. The exact tolerance depends on several factors including part size, geometry, bronze alloy, and machining process. For critical applications requiring tighter tolerances, we can often achieve ±0.00005" with specialized processes.
The best bronze alloy depends on your specific application requirements. For bearing applications, C93200 (SAE 660) is an excellent choice due to its wear resistance and lubricity. For high-strength requirements, aluminum bronzes like C95400 offer exceptional mechanical properties. Phosphor bronzes (C51000, C52100) are ideal for electrical components and springs. Our engineering team can help select the optimal alloy for your specific needs.
Lead times for bronze CNC machining projects vary based on part complexity, quantity, and current workload. For simple prototypes, we can often deliver within 3-5 business days. Production runs typically take 2-4 weeks, depending on volume. Rush services are available for urgent projects. We recommend contacting us with your specific requirements for a more accurate timeline.
Yes, our facility is equipped to handle large bronze components up to 48" × 36" × 30" in size. We have a range of CNC machines including large-format vertical and horizontal machining centers capable of precision machining large bronze parts. Our expertise includes handling the unique challenges of machining large bronze components, including material handling, thermal considerations, and maintaining tight tolerances across large surfaces.

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CNC machined Bronze Part
CNC machined Bronze Part 1
CNC machined Bronze Part 4
CNC machined Bronze Part 2
CNC machined Bronze Part 5
CNC machined Bronze Part 3

Contact Us for Bronze CNC Machining

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