Copper Nickel Tin (ToughMet®) Alloys 
ToughMet® is a spinodally hardened copper-nickel-tin alloy that combines high strength, corrosion resistance, lubricity and wear resistance under severe loading conditions. In comparative sleeve bearing tests against a hardened steel shaft, ToughMet showed unprecedented performance for a metallic bearing material.
The PV limit of ToughMet is more than twice that of most conventional bearing materials. ToughMet has proven superior to steel, composites, bronzes and babbitted bearings in equipment such as petroleum mud motor rotors and stators, heavy equipment transmission thrust washers, chemical processing valves and heavily loaded journal and spherical bearings. Many OEMs have exploited ToughMet's lubricity and durability to reduce warranty claims, enhance product reliability and extend or eliminate maintenance cycles. For examples, see our ToughMet Application Reports.
ToughMet anti-galling alloys are lead and beryllium free and show excellent corrosion and stress corrosion cracking resistance in sea water, chlorides and sulfides. Combined with the patented EquaCast® process, Brush Wellman's heat treatment creates a fine homogeneous microstructure. This creates ultra-microscopic strengthening which is key to the advanced bearing technology. The low coefficient of friction also gives rise to ToughMet's excellent machinability, which is at least 3 times that of conventional tool steels.
ToughMet alloys are available in two compositions. ToughMet 3 contains 15% nickel, 8% tin, balance copper. ToughMet 3 is available primarily in rod and tube as well as a variety of cast shapes.
ToughMet 2 contains 9% nickel, 6% tin, balance copper and is available in plate and small diameter rod.
ToughMet® Tempers:
| ToughMet CX |
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Cast & Spinodally Hardened |
| ToughMet A |
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Hot Worked & Annealed |
| ToughMet AT |
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Hot Worked & Spinodally Hardened |
| ToughMet TS |
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Cold Worked & Spinodally Hardened |
The number following the temper equals minimum yield strength in 1000s of psi unless this number is followed by U, in which case the number = + minimum tensile strength in 1000s of psi; Example: ToughMet 3 CX105--this temper has a minimum yield strength of 105,000 psi.
For a comprehensive description of chemical, physical and mechanical properties, choose the alloy and product form from the chart below.