What is AB2 / CC333G?
AB2 is the classic British cast nickel aluminium bronze, CuAl10Fe5Ni5, published as BS 1400 AB2 and as BS EN 1982 CC333G. It offers high strength, excellent wear and anti-galling behaviour against stainless steels, and strong corrosion, erosion and impingement resistance in flowing seawater up to 4.5 m/sec. ASTM C95500 is its usual American equivalent.
Should you specify AB2 / CC333G?
Specify AB2 or CC333G when you are replacing or repairing existing cast components that were originally released to a British cast standard, and when the duty is slow-moving and well-lubricated. This is a bearing and bushing alloy first, and a structural alloy second.
The single most important decision on this grade is cast versus wrought. AB2 is a multiphase casting and therefore lower integrity than a hot-worked product. If your component is a pressure boundary, is volumetrically inspected, or carries fatigue loading, look at the wrought equivalent CW307G, or at DEF STAN 02-833 where a UK naval release is required. Copper Alloys note that AB2 has been superseded for many applications by wrought nickel aluminium bronze.
If your drawing calls for ASTM B505, B148 or B271 C95500, AB2 and CC333G are the specifications quoted alongside it, so a UK supplier can usually work to the same nominal chemistry. Confirm which certificate wording your customer will accept before placing the order rather than after.
Plan around lubrication. This alloy tolerates high loads but will not tolerate poor or dirty lubrication, and it is normally restricted to slow-moving parts.
Best for slow-moving, well-lubricated cast bearings and bushes, and for replacement castings against legacy BS 1400 AB2, EN 1982 CC333G or ASTM C95500 drawings.
AB2 / CC333G quick reference
Typical, indicative values as published by Copper Alloys Ltd. Typical values are not specification limits, and vary with product form, section size and temper.
| Alloy type | Cast - Cast nickel aluminium bronze |
|---|---|
| Nominal composition | CuAl10Fe5Ni5 |
| Tensile strength (typical) | 660 N/mm² |
| Proof / yield strength (typical) | 280 N/mm² |
| Elongation (typical) | 14 % |
| Hardness (typical) | 150 HB |
| Izod impact (typical) | 24 J at 20 °C |
AB2 / CC333G typical physical properties
Key features of AB2 / CC333G
- High strength, wear resistant and corrosion resistant.
- Requires adequate lubrication. A general construction bearing alloy which can operate within the temperature range of -200 °C to 200 °C.
- Maintains colour in urban industrial sulphur polluted atmospheres, and can be used in seawater applications.
- Excellent corrosion, erosion and impingement resistance in flowing seawater up to 4.5 m/sec.
AB2 / CC333G applications
Bearings and bushings
- High strength, high hardness bearings and bushings used mainly for landing gear aerospace applications
- Slow moving bearings with good lubrication
Marine and fluid handling
- Seawater applications
- Boiler water handling systems
- General cast marine components
AB2 / CC333G equivalent specifications
Frequently asked questions
Need AB2 / CC333G for your project?
Our UK sales team can confirm availability, lead times, certification and the best specification for your application. Send an enquiry and we will come back to you with next steps.
Information provided is for reference only
The composition, mechanical and physical figures on this page are typical, indicative values compiled from published Copper Alloys Ltd datasheets to aid early-stage material selection. They are not specification limits and are not engineering, procurement, safety, regulatory or design advice.
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.