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High-Precision CNC Machined Bronze Parts with Exceptional Strength & Durability

  • Prototype Through High-Volume Bronze Production Runs
  • 9 Bronze Alloy Grades Available for Precision Machining
  • Dimensional Tolerances Down to ±0.01 mm
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Custom Precision Bronze CNC Machining Components

Expert CNC Bronze Machining Services

SHBD Metal offers complete CNC bronze machining solutions, producing components with outstanding accuracy from a diverse selection of bronze alloys. Bronze is an outstanding material for CNC machining because of its superior wear resistance, naturally low friction, excellent corrosion resistance, and strong mechanical properties.

Common applications for custom-machined bronze parts include marine hardware, bearings and bushings, valve and pump components, electrical connectors, gears, and architectural fittings. Bronze's inherent resistance to saltwater corrosion makes it especially valuable in marine and offshore environments.

Using our modern CNC machining centers and highly skilled technicians, we fabricate custom bronze parts to exact specifications, maintaining tight tolerances and delivering exceptional surface quality.

Contact our engineering team to discuss your bronze CNC machining project requirements.

Bronze CNC Machining Operation - ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Alloy Selection

Bronze Alloy Grades for CNC Machining

SHBD Metal stocks an extensive range of bronze alloys for CNC machining projects. Each grade delivers unique mechanical and physical characteristics suited to particular applications. Below are the bronze alloys we machine most frequently.

Aluminum Bronze

C95400, C95500, C95900

Aluminum bronze delivers outstanding strength and corrosion resistance, especially in seawater and chemical environments. It offers high wear resistance and excellent anti-galling behavior, making it a top choice for heavy-duty uses such as valve seats, pump components, and marine hardware.

Tensile Strength620–758 MPa
Yield Strength250–400 MPa
Fatigue Strength170–240 MPa
Elongation12–35%
Hardness (Brinell)150–200
Density7.45–7.65 g/cm³

Phosphor Bronze

C51000, C54400

Phosphor bronze is valued for its outstanding fatigue resistance, low coefficient of friction, and refined grain structure. It is widely used for springs, electrical contacts, diaphragms, and corrosion-resistant fittings. The phosphorus addition boosts wear resistance and stiffness.

Tensile Strength310–690 MPa
Yield Strength140–480 MPa
Fatigue Strength110–240 MPa
Elongation15–70%
Hardness (Brinell)70–200
Density8.86–8.96 g/cm³

Nickel Aluminum Bronze

C63000, C63200

Nickel aluminum bronze merges the strength of aluminum bronze with enhanced corrosion resistance and toughness gained from nickel content. It is the preferred material for seawater pumps, valves, propellers, and offshore oil and gas equipment requiring high strength and corrosion protection.

Tensile Strength655–800 MPa
Yield Strength275–450 MPa
Fatigue Strength190–260 MPa
Elongation10–22%
Hardness (Brinell)170–220
Density7.55–7.75 g/cm³

Leaded Bronze

C93200, C93600

Leaded bronze incorporates distributed lead particles that deliver outstanding machinability and exceptional anti-friction characteristics. Typical applications include bearings, bushings, thrust washers, and wear plates under moderate load and speed conditions.

Tensile Strength205–275 MPa
Yield Strength125–170 MPa
Fatigue Strength70–110 MPa
Elongation15–25%
Hardness (Brinell)55–80
Density8.93–9.07 g/cm³

Tin Bronze

C90500, C90700

Tin bronze is a traditional bearing material noted for excellent wear resistance and good corrosion protection. Its high strength and hardness suit heavy-duty gears, worm wheels, and bearing uses involving high loads at low speeds.

Tensile Strength275–380 MPa
Yield Strength140–200 MPa
Fatigue Strength90–140 MPa
Elongation12–30%
Hardness (Brinell)65–100
Density8.73–8.93 g/cm³

Silicon Bronze

C65500, C65100

Silicon bronze is prized for high strength, outstanding corrosion resistance, and good weldability. Common uses span architectural projects, marine hardware, fasteners, and electrical parts. Its warm reddish-gold appearance also suits decorative and artistic applications.

Tensile Strength345–550 MPa
Yield Strength140–270 MPa
Fatigue Strength100–180 MPa
Elongation20–60%
Hardness (Brinell)80–150
Density8.53 g/cm³

Manganese Bronze

C86300

Manganese bronze is a high-strength alloy delivering excellent toughness and wear resistance. It exhibits the highest tensile strength among bronze grades, suiting heavy-duty roles such as hydraulic cylinder components, valve stems, bridge bearing plates, and heavy equipment parts.

Tensile Strength620–800 MPa
Yield Strength345–550 MPa
Fatigue Strength200–280 MPa
Elongation12–25%
Hardness (Brinell)180–240
Density7.70–7.85 g/cm³

Bismuth Bronze

Lead-Free Alternative

Bismuth bronze provides a lead-free option with good machinability and corrosion resistance. Bismuth substitutes for lead as the chip-breaking agent, offering an environmentally conscious solution for plumbing fittings, valves, and drinking water system parts.

Tensile Strength240–310 MPa
Yield Strength110–170 MPa
Fatigue Strength70–110 MPa
Elongation15–30%
Hardness (Brinell)55–80
Density8.90–9.00 g/cm³

Copper-Nickel Bronze

C70600, C71500

Copper-nickel bronze provides outstanding resistance to saltwater corrosion and biofouling. With strong thermal conductivity and good workability, it is extensively used in marine piping, heat exchangers, desalination facilities, and offshore oil and gas platforms.

Tensile Strength275–450 MPa
Yield Strength100–200 MPa
Fatigue Strength90–160 MPa
Elongation20–45%
Hardness (Brinell)70–140
Density8.89–8.94 g/cm³
Finishing Options

Bronze Surface Finishing Options

SHBD Metal provides multiple finishing choices for machined bronze parts to meet your aesthetic, functional, and protective requirements.

As-Machined

The standard as-machined finish retains the natural cutting-tool surface texture; visible tool marks may remain. This cost-effective choice works well for parts where appearance is secondary, such as internal or structural components. Typical surface roughness is Ra 1.6–3.2 μm.

Polishing

Mechanical polishing creates a smooth, reflective surface on bronze components. Various grit levels range from satin to mirror finish. Polishing accentuates bronze's natural warm color and is commonly requested for decorative, architectural, and visible consumer parts.

Bead Blasting

Bead blasting produces an even matte or satin texture by propelling fine glass or ceramic beads at the part under pressure. It eliminates minor surface flaws and delivers a uniform, non-glare finish suited to industrial and functional parts.

Brushing

Brushing generates fine, parallel surface lines on bronze, producing a characteristic directional grain. This decorative treatment is popular for architectural hardware, nameplates, and consumer goods requiring an elegant aesthetic.

Sanding

Abrasive sanding removes surface irregularities and delivers a smooth finish with controlled roughness. It frequently serves as a preparatory step before polishing, plating, or coating. Multiple grit sizes are offered to reach the target surface quality.

Chemical Coating

Protective chemical coatings including clear lacquer, wax, or epoxy are applied to bronze components to prevent tarnishing, oxidation, and environmental damage. These treatments preserve bronze's natural color while offering lasting protection for indoor and outdoor use.

Anodizing

Though less typical than on aluminum, electrochemical treatments can be applied to bronze to form a controlled oxide layer. This process yields patina colors from dark brown to green, combining decorative value with improved corrosion resistance.

Patination

Controlled patination speeds bronze's natural aging to achieve targeted surface colors and textures. Popular patina finishes include verdigris (blue-green), brown, black, and golden hues. Patination is widely applied to architectural elements, sculptures, and ornamental hardware.

Electroplating

Electroplating applies a thin coating of another metal — such as nickel, chrome, or tin — onto the bronze surface. This enhances wear resistance, corrosion protection, and visual appeal. Electroplated finishes are often specified for high-wear parts, electrical contacts, and components needing a bright, uniform surface.

Advantages and Limitations of Bronze CNC Machining

Understanding the pros and cons of bronze as a machining material helps guide alloy selection for your specific project requirements.

Benefits

  • Excellent wear resistance and low coefficient of friction, ideal for bearings and bushings
  • Superior corrosion resistance in seawater, chemical, and marine environments
  • High strength-to-weight ratio compared to many other copper alloys
  • Good machinability with proper tool selection and cutting parameters
  • Natural anti-galling and anti-seizing properties for moving assemblies
  • Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity for electrical components
  • Attractive appearance with warm golden tones suitable for decorative applications
  • Non-sparking properties make it safe for use in hazardous environments
  • Can be cast, forged, and welded in addition to CNC machining

Limitations

  • Higher material cost compared to steel, aluminum, and brass alloys
  • Lower strength and hardness compared to many steel and stainless steel grades
  • Can be prone to work hardening during machining, requiring careful tool path planning
  • Limited availability of certain specialty bronze grades may require longer lead times
  • Heavier than aluminum and titanium, which can be a drawback in weight-sensitive applications
  • Some bronze alloys contain lead, which may restrict use in potable water or food-contact applications
  • Surface finishes may require post-machining treatments for aesthetic applications
Applications

Typical Bronze Applications

Bronze CNC machined components serve industries from marine and industrial to architecture and art.

Bronze Bearings and Bushings

Bearings & Bushings

Bronze's low friction and excellent wear resistance make it the material of choice for plain bearings, sleeve bearings, thrust washers, and bushings in heavy machinery and automotive applications.

Bronze Valves

Valves & Pumps

Bronze is widely used for valve bodies, stems, seats, and pump impellers in marine, industrial, and plumbing systems where corrosion resistance and sealing performance are critical.

Bronze Electrical Components

Electrical Components

Bronze's excellent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance make it ideal for electrical connectors, terminals, switch parts, and grounding components in demanding environments.

Bronze Gears

Gears & Worm Wheels

Bronze gears and worm wheels offer quiet operation, low wear, and high load capacity, making them ideal for power transmission systems in industrial and automotive applications.

Bronze Art and Architecture

Art & Architecture

Bronze's warm aesthetic, durability, and ability to accept patina finishes make it a preferred material for sculptures, architectural hardware, railings, fixtures, and custom decorative elements.

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Upload your CAD files for a free quote and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) review within hours. Our engineering team stands ready to support your bronze CNC machining project.

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