CuNi1Pb0.5P — C19140

CuNi1Pb0.5P — C19140

CuNi1Pb0.5P-UNS.C19140 Low Leaded Nickel Copper C19140 and C19160 are unique precipitation hardening alloys containing copper, lead, nickel and phosphorus. The nickel and phosphorus in the alloy combine to form nickel phosphate, which dissolves in the copper on heating to a suitable temperature, and can be retained by quenching. Subsequent aging will precipitate the nickel phosphate from solid solution in a highly dispersed manner thereby creating a remarkable hardening and strengthening effect with excellent stress relaxation properties. Subsequent cold working increases the strength still further.

C19160 is nominally composed of 97.8% copper, 1.0% lead, 1.0% nickel and 0.2% phosphorus, while C19140 is nominally composed of 98.3% copper, 0.5% lead, 1.0% nickel and 0.2% phosphorus. They are noted for their high corrosion resistance, high tensile and yield strengths, high electrical conductivity, machinability and resistance to stress relaxation.

Since the lead and nickel phosphide are not in solid solution when the alloys are in the precipitation hardened condition, the electrical conductivities are comparatively high. When suitably heat treated, one can expect a conductivity of about 55% IACS. The lead content also imparts good machinability to both alloys.

Good formability, headability, ease of plating and a high bend strength are also properties for which the alloys are known, allowing them to successfully replace the well known beryllium coppers in many applications where high strength, corrosion resistant alloys are needed. There is a considerable cost advantage with the leaded nickel copper.