CuSn6 Phosphor Bronze Strip – High-Strength, Fatigue-Resistant Alloy for Connector Springs & Electrical Contacts
CuSn6 Phosphor Bronze Strip is a tin-phosphor bronze containing approximately 6% tin, offering an optimal balance of high strength, excellent fatigue resistance, and good electrical conductivity. As a leading CuSn6 strip supplier, we provide precision-rolled strip in tempers from soft to extra-hard, engineered for connector springs, terminals, switch contacts, and precision-stamped components.
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Product Overview
CuSn6 (UNS C51900 / EN CW452K / JIS C5191) is one of the most widely specified phosphor bronze alloys for electrical and electronic applications. The 6% tin content combined with phosphorus addition delivers:
- Higher strength and elasticity than lower-tin phosphor bronzes
- Excellent fatigue resistance for repeated deflection cycles
- Good corrosion resistance in industrial and marine atmospheres
- Reliable spring properties for long-term contact force retention
Phosphor bronze strip is commonly used for deep drawing into bellows, stamping and forming into spring devices, and terminals and connectors for electrical apparatus. CuSn6 specifically is suitable where a component must flex repeatedly without permanently losing its functional shape.
Key Features & Benefits
1. High Fatigue Resistance
CuSn6 strip exhibits fatigue life exceeding 1 million cycles, making it ideal for high-frequency elastic components in connectors and switches. The alloy maintains functional spring behavior under repeated deformation.
2. Excellent Elasticity
With an elastic modulus of about 115 GPa and an elastic limit up to 500 MPa, CuSn6 provides reliable contact force for precision spring applications.
3. Superior Corrosion Resistance
The alloy resists atmospheric, seawater, and weak-acid corrosion, with a corrosion rate of ≤0.005 mm/a, making it suitable for harsh environments, including marine hardware and industrial instrumentation.
4. Good Formability
CuSn6 strip supports cold/hot working, welding, and brazing, with excellent stamping and forming characteristics for high-volume production.
5. Controlled Impurity Levels
Lead content is strictly controlled to ≤0.02%, avoiding brittleness while maintaining material purity and consistency.
Technical Specifications
Chemical Composition (wt%)
| Element | CuSn6 | Function |
| Cu | Balance (≥93.5%) | Base material, ensures conductivity and corrosion resistance |
| Sn | 5.5 – 7.0% | Enhances elasticity, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance |
| P | 0.10 – 0.35% | Deoxidizer, refines grain structure, improves wear resistance |
| Pb | ≤0.02% | Strictly controlled to avoid brittleness |
| Fe | ≤0.10% | Impurity control |
| Zn | ≤0.20% | Residual element |
| Others | ≤0.20% | Total impurities |
Values in weight %.
Mechanical Properties
| Temper | Tensile Strength (N/mm²) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (HV) |
| Soft (O) | ≥290 – 400 | ≥35 – 40 | 80 – 180 |
| 1/4 Hard (H02) | 390 – 510 | ≥35 | 100 – 160 |
| 1/2 Hard (H04) | 440 – 570 | ≥8 | 150 – 205 |
| Hard (H06) | 540 – 690 | ≥5 | 180 – 230 |
| Extra Hard (H08) | ≥640 | ≥2 | ≥200 |
Properties vary with thickness and processing conditions.
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Remarks |
| Density | 8.82 – 8.9 g/cm³ | High density for precision parts |
| Electrical Conductivity | 13 – 16% IACS | Suitable for electrical contacts |
| Thermal Conductivity | 60 – 75 W/(m·K) | Moderate heat dissipation |
| Elastic Modulus | ≥115 GPa | Critical for spring applications |
| Melting Point | 995 – 1050°C |
Available Forms & Sizes
| Form | Size Range | Temper |
| Strip/Coil | Thickness: 0.05 – 2.0mm; Width: < 600 mm | O, 1/4H, 1/2H, H, EH |
| Sheet | Thickness: 0.1 – 1.5mm; Width: 10 – 200mm | O, 1/2H, H |
| Rod | Diameter: 5 – 150mm | Drawn, Hot-Rolled |
| Wire | Diameter: 0.05 – 8.0mm | Soft, Half-hard |
Custom sizes and profiles available upon request.
Applications
Electronics & Electrical
- Connector springs and terminals
- Relay springs and switch contacts
- EMI shielding components
- Probe card springs for semiconductor testing
Precision Engineering
- Stamped parts requiring wear resistance and high mechanical strength
- Diaphragms and bellows
- Spring contacts for electrical apparatus
Automotive
- High-pressure fuel system precision springs
- Sealing rings for corrosion and pressure resistance
Marine & Industrial
- Seawater-resistant valves and sensor components
- Components in paper and textile manufacturing plants
- Marine hardware and instrument components
Processing Guidelines
| Process | Recommendation |
| Annealing | 650 – 750°C for 1-2 hours (post-cold working) |
| Stress Relief | 200 – 350°C |
| Welding | Laser or electron beam welding preferred; brazing strongly recommended |
| Machining | Cutting speed ≤50 m/min; carbide tools with oil-based coolant |
| Surface Preparation | Clean thoroughly before plating to ensure adhesion |
Quality Assurance
Each order ships with:
Mill Test Certificate (MTC) – chemical composition, mechanical properties
Dimensional Inspection Report – thickness, width, tolerance verification
Surface Quality Report – visual and dimensional checks
Material Traceability – lot and heat number tracking
Compliant Standards: ASTM B103/B103M, EN 1652/1654, GB/T 2059-2000, JIS H3110.
Why Choose Our CuSn6 Phosphor Bronze Strip?
Consistent Quality: Strict tolerance control on thickness and width, with each coil verified for hardness and mechanical properties.
Flexible Order Quantities: From prototyping (low MOQ) to production-scale volumes, with stable bulk supply capability.
Fast Lead Time: 10-15 days after PO confirmation for standard specifications.
Technical Support: Our metallurgical team assists with temper selection, forming parameters, and application-specific recommendations.
Custom Solutions: OEM/ODM support based on drawings, samples, or specific technical requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between CuSn6 and CuSn8?
A: CuSn8 (C52100) contains 8% tin, offering higher strength and hardness but lower electrical conductivity than CuSn6. CuSn6 provides a better balance of spring performance and formability for most connector applications.
Q: What temper should I choose for connector spring applications?
A: The optimal temper depends on your forming process and required contact force. Harder tempers (H04–H06) provide higher strength and resistance to deformation, while softer tempers (O–H02) offer better formability. We recommend specifying temper based on the final spring geometry and working stress.
Q: Is CuSn6 suitable for high-temperature applications?
A: CuSn6 maintains good mechanical properties at moderate temperatures. For extended high-temperature service, consider stress-relief annealing at 200–350°C to optimize performance.
Q: What is the minimum order quantity?
A: MOQ varies by product form and specification. Contact our sales team for current lead times and minimum quantities.
Q: Can you provide RoHS-compliant material?
A: Yes. We offer CuSn6 strip with lead content controlled below 100 ppm, with RoHS compliance reports available.
Request a Quote
Ready to specify CuSn6 Phosphor Bronze Strip for your application? Contact us with your requirements:
Alloy: CuSn6 / C51900 / CW452K
Form: Strip / Coil / Sheet
Thickness: ______ mm
Width: ______ mm
Temper: ______ (O / 1/4H / 1/2H / H / EH)
Quantity: ______ kg
Application: ______
Our team responds within 24 hours with pricing, lead time, and technical recommendations.
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CuSn6 Phosphor Bronze Strip Manufacturer & Supplier – Precision Copper Alloy Solutions for Connector Springs, Terminals, and Electrical Contacts. Email: [email protected]
