Overview
DEF STAN 02-833 is a British Defence Standard nickel-aluminium bronze which has the unique combination of properties of high strength, good fatigue and excellent seawater corrosion resistance. It also has immunity to biofouling and extremely good wear resistance and anti-galling properties.
DEF STAN 02-833 is a high tensile wrought alloy, which has a proven track record of being used throughout the British submarine build program since the 1980s and is now being used for wider applications within the commercial marine and petrochemical industries.
Superseding DEF STAN 02-747 for all components, for the same chemistry DEF STAN 02-833 offers significantly higher mechanical strength and improved integrity. Furthermore, the finer grain structure of DEF STAN 02-833 allows for ultrasonic inspection, which is a fraction of the cost of x-ray radiographic examination (required for DEF STAN 02-747 castings).
This is a wrought alloy that benefits from extreme consistency in properties, fine equiaxed grain structure and low cost volumetric inspection. Furthermore, representative test pieces are taken giving accurate analysis of properties from material to component.
Content on this page is compiled from the DEF STAN 02-833 datasheet published on copperalloys.net.
Key features
Seawater corrosion resistance
Good resistance to seawater corrosion and immune to biofouling, making it well-suited to marine and naval applications.
Hydrogen embrittlement immunity
Immune to hydrogen embrittlement.
Anti-galling characteristics
Anti-galling behaviour under load against mating components.
Ultrasonic-inspectable
Finer grain structure of DEF STAN 02-833 allows for low-cost ultrasonic inspection.
Chemical composition (% by weight)
Specification limits from the published standard.
| Element | DEF STAN 02-833 (GR) | DEF STAN 02-833 (CL) |
|---|---|---|
| Mn | ≤ 0.5 | ≤ 0.5 |
| Al | 8.5–10 | 8.5–10 |
| Ni | 4.5–5.5 | 4.5–5.5 |
| Sn | ≤ 0.1 | ≤ 0.1 |
| Pb | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 |
| Si | ≤ 0.1 | ≤ 0.1 |
| Fe | 4–5 | 4–5 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.4 | ≤ 0.4 |
| Mg | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 |
Mechanical property requirements
Minimum values required by the published specification.
| Property | DEF STAN 02-833 (GR) | DEF STAN 02-833 (CL) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength Rm (MPa) | ≥ 680 | ≥ 620 |
| 0.2% Proof Stress Rp0.2 (MPa) | - | ≥ 245 |
| Elongation (%) | - | ≥ 15 |
| Izod (J) | - | ≥ 23 |
Typical mechanical properties
Typical values as published on copperalloys.net - indicative only.
| Form | Size Range (metric) | Yield 0.2% (MPa) | UTS (MPa) | Elong % | Izod (J) | Hardness (HB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rod | 25–100 mm | 295–400 | 635–700 | 20–30 | 27–40 | 165–200 |
| Rod | >100 mm | 245–360 | 620–700 | 20–30 | 23–40 | 165–200 |
| Forgings | All sizes | 245–365 | 245–360 | 20–30 | 23–38 | 165–190 |
Typical physical properties
As published on copperalloys.net for DEF STAN 02-833.
- Density
- 7590 kg/m³
- Specific gravity
- 7.59
- Specific heat
- 420 J/kg·K
- Electrical conductivity
- 0.041 MS/cm @ 20 °C
- Thermal conductivity
- 42 W/m·K
- Thermal linear expansion
- 17.1 µstrain/K (20–200 °C)
- Electrical resistivity
- 0.13 µΩ·m
- Relative magnetic permeability
- 1.5 µ
- Machining index
- 40 (vs free-machining brass = 100)
- Modulus of rigidity
- 49 GPa
- Modulus of elasticity
- 125 GPa
- Shear strength
- 415 MPa
- Poisson's ratio
- 0.32
- Fatigue limit in air (rotating)
- ±278–293 MPa @ 1×10⁷ cycles
- Melting range
- 1060–1075 °C
- Hot working
- 700–925 °C
- Cold working
- Poor
- Cryogenic
- Retains properties down to −190 °C
- Elevated temperature
- Retains properties to 350 °C
Applications
Typical marine & naval components
- Critical valve systems for advanced naval vessels
- Sea water pumping and general sea water handling components
- Cooling systems
- Heat exchangers
- Fuel systems
- Observation kits
- Vessel propulsion components
- Safety-critical high-integrity applications, manipulation equipment and sound-propagation navigation equipment
Also specially engineered into
- Non-sparking safety tooling
- Valve stems and seats
- Wear plates
- Welding clamps
- Valve spindles and components
- Fasteners and bearing bushes
- Condenser end plates for steam generation equipment and desalination plants
- Hydraulic rams, ballast tanks and associated components
- Marine chains, connectors and geographical location centres
Cast, Wrought (forged)
Bar, Rod, Plate, Sheet, Tube, Sections, Rings
Naval Defence, Marine, Aerospace
Manufacturing ranges
With very little limitation on size, DEF STAN 02-833 is available as standard in rod, bar, blocks, rings, tubes and discs up to a piece weight of 4,500 kg / 9,900 lbs.
Copper Alloys is also regularly making customised shaped forgings and can increase piece weight up to 20,000 kg / 44,000 lbs.
Copper Alloys Ltd also offers finished machined components in all alloys, complete project management and tailored mechanical properties beyond those of the specification to meet special requirements.
Equivalent specifications
Related specifications
British Defence Standards
European
American Defence Standards
Frequently asked questions
What are the typical applications of DEF STAN 02-833 alloy?+
DEF STAN 02-833 is usually used to make components for the Marine Defence and Naval sectors. This includes parts such as critical valve systems, heat exchangers, fuel systems and vessel propulsion components.
Can DEF STAN 02-833 be welded or machined?+
Yes, it is recommended to use TIG, GTAW, MIG, GMAW, MMA, friction or laser welding to join DEF STAN 02-833 parts. DEF STAN 02-833 can be machined into final components - this is something Copper Alloys specialises in.
Where can I buy DEF STAN 02-833 metal alloy?+
DEF STAN 02-833 is available as standard in rod, bar, blocks, rings, tubes and discs up to a piece weight of 4,500 kg / 9,900 lbs. Copper Alloys also regularly makes customised shaped forgings and can increase piece weight up to 20,000 kg / 44,000 lbs.
Discuss your DEF STAN 02-833 requirements
Copper Alloys Ltd manufactures Nickel-Aluminium Bronze to DEF STAN 02-833 - from stocked bar, rod and rings to fully-machined components and shaped forgings up to 20,000 kg piece weight.
Information provided is for reference only
All chemical, mechanical, production, product-form and industry figures on this page are indicative estimates compiled for general reference and to aid early-stage material selection. They are not engineering, procurement, safety, regulatory or design advice and must not be relied upon as such.
Before specifying, purchasing or using any material, confirm the requirements against the current controlled version of the relevant standard and obtain a certified material test report and written technical confirmation from Copper Alloys Ltd or another qualified foundry. Copper Alloys Ltd accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on the information presented on this page.

