Abstract A copper-tin alloy having improved wear performance and a process for forming the alloy is described herein. The alloy consists essentially of about 2% to about 11%, preferably about 3.5% to about 9% tin, about 0.03% to about 0.75%, preferably about 0.08% to about 0.5% phosphorous and the balance essentially copper. The processing for improving the wear performance includes a final heat treatment at a temperature in the range of about 400 DEG C. to about 650 DEG C., preferably about 500 DEG C. to about 600 DEG C. in an atmosphere having a dew point in the range of about -75 DEG C. to about +95 DEG C., preferably -57 DEG C. to +21 DEG C. and an oxygen level in the range of about 0.001 ppm to about 225 ppm.
Inventors
👤 Eugene Shapiro
👤 Frank N. Mandigo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-11-01 19:53
CPC Classifications
C; C22; C22F; C22F1/00; C22F1/08; C22F1/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
A copper-tin alloy having a lubricating type, discontinuous film on at least one surface to improve wear performance, said alloy consisting essentially of about 2% to about 11% tin, about 0.03% to about 0.75% phosphorous and the balance essentially copper; and said film being formed by subjecting said alloy to a heat treatment at a temperature in the range of about 400° C. to about 650° C. in an atmosphere having a dew point in the range of about -75° C. to about +95° C. and an oxygen level less than about 300 ppm.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
94 words
A copper-tin alloy having a lubricating type, discontinuous film on at least one surface to improve wear performance, said alloy consisting essentially of about 2% to about 11% tin, about 0.03% to about 0.75% phosphorous and the balance essentially copper; and said film being formed by subjecting said alloy to a heat treatment at a temperature in the range of about 400° C. to about 650° C. in an atmosphere having a dew point in the range of about -75° C. to about +95° C. and an oxygen level less than about 300 ppm.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
67 words
The copper tin alloy of claim 1 wherein: said film being formed by subjecting said alloy to a heat treatment at a temperature in the range of about 500° C. to about 600° C. in an atmosphere having a dew point in the range of about -57° C. to about +21° C. and an oxygen level in the range of about 0.001 ppm to about 225 ppm.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The copper-tin alloy of claim 1 wherein: said alloy consists essentially of about 3.5% to about 9% tin, about 0.08% to about 0.5% phosphorous and the balance essentially copper.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The alloy of claim 1 wherein said film comprises: a plurality of discrete tin sweat nodules on said at least one surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The alloy of claim 1 wherein said film comprises: a tin-containing amorphous film on said at least one surface.