Manganese bronze tube is a well-known copper alloy that contains manganese and is referred by its material code, C86300, and military reference, SAE 430B. The tube offers exceptional tensile strength, yield strength and wear resistance combined into one material that no other copper alloy can provide. This is the reason behind the use of manganese bronze tube in manufacturing items that are subjected to high load applications at low speed such as bushings, gears and hydraulic cylinders, since this alloy has proven to withstand the wear and tear better than its counterparts. USA Piping Solution manufactures and supplies manganese bronze tube in round and square sections, cut and finished to the sizes each project calls for.
Manganese Bronze Tube Equivalent Specifications
| Property | Specification / Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Manganese Bronze |
| UNS Designation | C86300 |
| Copper Alloy | C86300 Manganese Bronze |
| Applicable ASTM Specification | ASTM B505 / B505M |
| Product Form | Tube / Hollow Section |
| Manufacturing Process | Continuous Cast / Machined or Finished Tube |
| Tensile Strength | 110 ksi (758 MPa) min. |
| Yield Strength | 62 ksi (427 MPa) min. at 0.5% extension under load |
| Elongation | 14% min. |
| Brinell Hardness | 223 BHN typical |
| Density | 7.83 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point – Solidus | 885°C |
| Melting Point – Liquidus | 923°C |
| Electrical Conductivity | Approx. 8% IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | Approx. 35.5 W/m·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | Approx. 20.7 × 10⁻⁶/°C |
| Modulus of Elasticity | Approx. 97.9 GPa |
| Machinability Rating | 8 |
| Typical Tube OD Range | 1⅛–9 in. (manufacturer stock range) |
| Standard Length | Up to approximately 144 in. for standard stock; custom lengths subject to manufacturer |
| Typical Applications | Bushings, bridge pins, heavy-load bearings, valve stems, hydraulic components, marine components, gears and high-strength machine parts |
Manganese Bronze Tube Applications
Manganese bronze tube is commonly selected for components that require high strength, wear resistance, and reliable performance under heavy loads. Typical applications include:
- Bushings, bearings, and gears
- Cams, wear plates, and guide components
- Hydraulic cylinder parts and valve stems
- Marine hardware and propeller components
- Heavy machinery and industrial equipment
- Steel mill and mining equipment
- Pumps, valves, and other mechanical components
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between manganese bronze and regular bronze?
Manganese bronze tube is actually a high strength brass rather than a true tin bronze, strengthened with manganese and aluminum instead of tin. The name manganese bronze has stayed in use across the industry because the alloy was originally grouped with bronze products, but its chemistry, strength and wear resistance set manganese bronze tube apart from ordinary bronze.
Is C86300 the same as SAE 430B?
Yes. C86300 and SAE 430B refer to the same manganese bronze tube alloy. C86300 is the Copper Development Association designation and SAE 430B is the equivalent SAE reference, and both terms are used interchangeably when ordering manganese bronze tube.
What is manganese bronze tube used for?
Manganese bronze tube is used wherever a component sees high load at low speed with reliable lubrication, including bushings, bearings, gears, cams, hydraulic cylinder parts, valve stems and marine hardware. Its strength and wear resistance make manganese bronze tube a common choice in steel mill equipment, earth moving machinery and heavy marine applications.
Can manganese bronze tube be welded?
Manganese bronze tube can be welded using coated metal arc welding, though the alloy responds poorly to soldering, brazing, oxyacetylene welding and gas shielded arc welding. Where a mechanical joint or press fit is possible, most fabricators prefer that approach over welding manganese bronze tube.
Request a Quote for Manganese Bronze Tube
Need a manganese bronze tube? USA Piping Solution can supply round or square tubes cut to your required length and finish. Contact us today for a quote or explore our full range of copper, brass, and bronze alloys.
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