CuSn5Zn5Pb5-C (CC491K) vs CuBe2: 5% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
CuSn5Zn5Pb5-C (CC491K) vs CuBe2
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
CuSn5Zn5Pb5-C (CC491K)
2.1096
Classic leaded gunmetal (Rotguss Rg5) — the universal copper casting alloy for bearings and fittings. 5% Sn + 5% Zn + 5% Pb provides good machinability, moderate strength, excellent corrosion resistance in fresh and sea water, and self-lubricating properties from lead phase. Used for plain bearings under low/medium loads, valve bodies, pump housings, pipe fittings, and general marine hardware. The economic workhorse of the bronze foundry. ASTM: C83600 (SAE 40), BS: LG2.
CuBe2
CW101C
THE highest-strength copper alloy — UTS up to 1400 MPa (200 ksi), approaching steel strength with copper's conductivity (22% IACS aged). Age-hardenable: solution treat 780-800°C, age 315-340°C → HRC 38-45. Non-sparking, non-magnetic. Trade names: Alloy 25 (Materion), BeCu25 (NGK). CAUTION: Be dust is carcinogenic — machining requires extraction. Used for non-sparking tools, mold inserts, springs, connectors, and resistance welding electrodes.
| CuSn5Zn5Pb5-C (CC491K) | CuBe2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 2.1096 | CW101C |
| Category | Copper & Brass | Copper & Brass |
| Standard | EN 1982 | EN 12163 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | CuSn5Zn5Pb5-C (CC491K) | CuBe2 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Si | ≤ 0.01% | — | — |
| P | ≤ 0.1% | — | — |
| Ni | ≤ 2% | 0–0.3% | OK |
| Cu | 83–87% | — | — |
Mechanical properties
| Property | CuSn5Zn5Pb5-C (CC491K) | CuBe2 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 200–250 | 440–540 | MPa |
| yield_strength | 90–110 | — | MPa |
| elongation | 6–13 | 25–45 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
CuSn5Zn5Pb5-C (CC491K) and CuBe2 have significantly different compositions (5% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CuSn5Zn5Pb5-C (CC491K) the same as CuBe2?
CuSn5Zn5Pb5-C (CC491K) and CuBe2 have a 5% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace CuSn5Zn5Pb5-C (CC491K) with CuBe2?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (5% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between CuSn5Zn5Pb5-C (CC491K) and CuBe2?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. CuSn5Zn5Pb5-C (CC491K) is a Copper & Brass grade, while CuBe2 is a Copper & Brass grade.
View full data for each material:
Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.