ToughMet® 3

ToughMet® 3 is a wrought copper-nickel-tin alloy, which is similar to beryllium copper alloys.

The fundamental difference is that ToughMet® 3 has reduced conductivity compared to its beryllium copper counterparts. However, it performs similarly to beryllium copper alloys but does not contain beryllium.

Capabilities:

The alloy is non-magnetic and thermally strengthened using a heat treatment process called spinodal decomposition. Improvements in this heat treatment process have resulted in an end product aged to a much higher strength level. The alloy offers numerous performance benefits with a combination of high toughness and high strength, which is resistant to dynamic impact loading. The product also provides galling and high bearing resistance and is suitable for saltwater and sour service environments. Its high strength and low coefficient of friction make it well-suited for use as a bushing and bearing material. The alloy also outperforms many nickel and copper alloys in corrosive environments.

Weldability:

The product benefits from excellent machinability and can be used to produce intricate parts. The material can be machined at extremely high speeds with carbide tooling, although generous amounts of coolant should be applied. Generally, ToughMet® 3 machines very well, especially with a chip breaker, to control cutting resistance.

Applications:

Traditionally used in bushings and bearings, particularly in aircraft, ToughMet® 3 has also become popular in oil and gas applications due to its performance in sour service. In motorsport, the alloy finds use in powertrains, bearings, steering bushes and brake calliper bushes.

Processing:

We stock ToughMet® 3 in solid round bars, which we cut to size courtesy of our dedicated billeting services. We offer the alloy in various diameters to suit your engineering requirements and also provide total traceability thanks to our unique barcoding system.