Overview
Bearium B-4 is a high-performance leaded bronze alloy developed by MetalTek International, known for its exceptional friction properties and unique microstructure. This alloy consists of 70% copper, 4% tin, and 26% lead, with the lead particles uniformly dispersed throughout the material35. This composition results in superior wear resistance and excellent performance in challenging operating conditions. Bearium B-4 is specifically designed for applications where the mating shaft or component has a hardness below Rockwell C20 and is not heat-treated or carburized. It excels in environments with high speeds, poor lubrication, heat-generating loads, and elevated temperatures. This alloy is particularly well-suited for bearings, bushings, cryogenic components, pump and valve parts, shaft sleeves, turbine thrust bearings, and wear rings. Bearium B-4's unique properties make it a versatile choice for industrial applications where reliability and performance are crucial, especially in conditions where conventional bearing materials might fail.
Typical Uses
Bearings, bushings, cryogenic components, pump and valve components, shaft sleeves, turbine thrust bearings, wear rings.
MetalTek Designation
BEARIUM® B-4
Poured At:
Wisconsin Centrifugal Division
Similar Specifications
Typical Chemical Composition (% by wt.)
Aluminum: n/a
Carbon: n/a
Chromium: n/a
Manganese: n/a
Iron: n/a
Copper: 70
Nickel: n/a
Lead: 26
Tin: 4
Silicon: n/a
Zinc: n/a 26
Minimum Mechanical Properties
NOTES: Typical properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bearing bronze is an alloy designed for low-friction, high-wear-resistance applications in machinery bearings and bushings.
Used in sleeve bearings, pump bushings, and machinery where lubrication and wear resistance are essential.
It offers low friction, good load capacity, machinability, and resistance to seizure and galling in lubricated conditions.
Bearing bronze exhibits excellent conformability, embeddability, and resistance to wear and fatigue, making it ideal for sliding contact applications.
Bearium B-4 is used in heavy-duty bearing applications like steel mills, mining equipment, and mechanical presses where extreme pressure is present.
Bearium B-4 outperforms traditional bearing bronze with higher load capacity, better wear resistance, and superior performance in boundary lubrication conditions.
