Project Background
The Turkish client, a well-established marine propulsion system supplier serving commercial and offshore vessels operating in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, approached us with a critical requirement: high-performance, corrosion-resistant bushings for propeller shaft assemblies. The client had previously experienced premature bushing failures-including accelerated wear, pitting, and dezincification-within 18 to 24 months of service when using standard bronze alloys.
Our engineering team recommended UNS C95400 aluminum bronze for its outstanding combination of high tensile strength (up to 655 MPa) , excellent seawater corrosion resistance, and superior wear resistance under heavy-load, With a typical composition of approximately 85% copper, 10–11% aluminum, and 3–4% iron, C95400 forms a protective aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) film that provides exceptional resistance to saltwater corrosion and cavitation erosion.
Strict Quality Control & NDT Inspection
To ensure the highest level of product integrity and reliability for marine service, each bushing underwent a comprehensive two-stage NDT inspection prior to shipment:
Magnetic Particle Inspection (MT) – ASTM E1444
Magnetic particle inspection was conducted to detect surface and near-surface discontinuities such as cracks, laps, seams, and inclusions. The inspection followed ASTM E1444/E1444M standard practice for magnetic particle testing.
Note: C95400 aluminum bronze is a non-ferromagnetic copper alloy with a magnetic permeability of approximately 1.27. While magnetic particle testing is traditionally applied to ferromagnetic materials, it can be effectively utilized on C95400 components for detecting certain surface defects when properly magnetized, and is widely referenced in copper alloy inspection protocols.
All inspected bushings showed no indications of cracks, porosity, or inclusions, confirming the integrity of both the casting and subsequent CNC machining processes.
Dye Penetrant Testing (PT) – ASTM E1417
Following magnetic particle inspection, each bushing underwent liquid dye penetrant testing in accordance with ASTM E1417/E1417M standard practice. This method is specifically effective for non-ferrous metals and copper-based alloys.The process involved:
- Penetrant application – A highly penetrating fluorescent/visible dye was applied to the bushing surfaces
- Dwell time – Sufficient time was allowed for the penetrant to seep into any surface-breaking defects
- Excess penetrant removal – Thorough cleaning to remove surface residue
- Developer application – A white developer was applied to draw out trapped penetrant from any defects
All bushings passed the dye penetrant inspection with zero surface-breaking defects detected, confirming the superior quality of our continuous cast and CNC-finished C95400 components.
Additional Dimensional Verification
Beyond NDT, all bushings underwent precision dimensional inspection using calibrated CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) equipment, achieving tolerances as tight as ±0.05 mm on all critical bearing surfaces. Mill Test Reports (MTR) with full chemical composition and mechanical properties were provided with each batch.
Shipment & Project Outcome
Shipment & Logistics
The order consists of two types: customized size bushings with integrated lubrication grooves and customized copper sleeves, was packed with VCI anti-corrosion protection and secured in sturdy wooden crates for ocean freight. The shipment departed from our manufacturing facility and arrived at the client's Istanbul warehouse within the agreed six-week delivery timeline.
Project Outcome & Long‑Term Cooperation
After receiving the shipment, our Turkish marine‑equipment client completed on‑site quality verification. The C95400 bronze bushings passed all acceptance checks and have been installed into their equipment.
The customer has confirmed stable operation in salt‑water environments and placed repeat‑order intentions with HSMetal.
This successful delivery further proves our capability to supply high‑quality, NDT‑inspected marine‑grade aluminum‑bronze components for global marine‑industry partners.
About UNS C95400 Aluminum Bronze
UNS C95400 (also known as CDA 954) is the most widely specified cast aluminum bronze, recognized for:
- High strength – Tensile strength up to 655 MPa
- Superior seawater corrosion resistance – Ideal for marine propeller shafts, rudder bearings, and offshore equipment
- Excellent wear resistance – Performs exceptionally under high-load, boundary lubrication conditions
- Good machinability – Suitable for precision CNC finishing to tight tolerances
Typical applications include propeller shaft bushings, stern tube bearings, rudder bearings, offshore winch components, pump impellers, valve guides, and heavy-duty industrial bushings.
Why Choose HSMetal for Your Marine‑Grade Bronze Bushings
- Full‑range CNC custom‑machining service according to your technical drawings
- Complete NDT inspection options: PT, MT, UT ultrasonic testing available
- Marine‑grade bronze material: C95400, C95800 nickel‑aluminum bronze, C86300 manganese‑bronze
- Verified export experience supplying bronze spare‑parts to Turkey and worldwide marine clients
- Complete mill‑test‑certificates and inspection documentation for every shipment
If you are looking for reliable, NDT‑tested aluminum‑bronze marine bushings, welcome to send us your drawings for quotation.
FAQ
Q1:What material was adopted for this batch of bronze bushings shipped to Turkey?
A: This batch of marine‑grade bearing components was manufactured from UNS C95400 (CDA 954) aluminum‑iron bronze. This alloy provides balanced mechanical strength, excellent wear‑resistance and outstanding seawater corrosion‑resistance, perfectly matching the working environment of Turkish marine winch equipment.
Q2: Why did you choose C95400 instead of C95800 nickel‑aluminum bronze for this Turkish marine project?
A: C95400 offers cost‑effective marine‑corrosion performance for coastal deck machinery. While C95800 nickel‑aluminum bronze is recommended for deep‑sea and high‑cavitation‑erosion conditions, UNS C95400 fully satisfied the customer's technical requirements and budget for their winch system, making it the optimal selection.
Q3: What non‑destructive‑testing inspections were carried out on these C95400 bronze bushings before shipment?
A: 100% of finished bronze bushings went through two strict NDT inspections:
- Dye‑Penetrant Testing (PT): To detect all open‑surface micro‑cracks, casting porosity and surface defects.
- Magnetic‑Particle Testing (MT): For near‑subsurface flaw inspection, eliminating hidden crack risks under heavy marine shock‑load conditions. All parts passed inspection with zero defects found before packing.
Q4: Is Magnetic‑Particle Testing (MT) suitable for C95400 aluminum‑bronze?
A: Aluminum‑bronze is non‑ferromagnetic, so MT inspection has limited detection sensitivity on copper‑base alloys. For this Turkish project, MT was used as an extra supplementary check, while Dye‑Penetrant Testing (PT) was taken as the primary, reliable surface‑defect inspection method for C95400 bronze castings.
Q5: How were these large‑size C95400 bronze bushings packed for long‑sea transportation to Turkey?
A: Each bronze component was wrapped with anti‑rust oil‑paper to avoid seawater‑humidity oxidation during transit. Then goods were fixed and loaded into fumigated export wooden crates, with shock‑resistant padding for protection against collision damage on the long‑sea voyage.
Q6: Has the Turkish marine‑equipment client received and approved this batch of C95400 bronze bushings?
A: Yes. After arrival, the customer completed on‑site verification, confirming all dimensions, surface quality and inspection‑documents fully meet their specifications. The bronze bushings have been installed into their marine winch machinery, and repeat‑order intention has been confirmed.
Q7: Can you provide PT and MT NDT inspection service for our custom‑made C95400 marine bronze parts?
A: Absolutely. We support full non‑destructive‑testing solutions, including Dye‑Penetrant Testing (PT), Ultrasonic Testing (UT) and Visual Inspection for all custom‑cast bronze components, for marine export projects to Turkey and other global markets. You can send us your drawings and inspection requirements for quotation.
Q8: What is the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?
A: Normally MOQ is 1-5 Pcs, We always expect more opportunities with you. But for some special material or special size let's communicate the actual status.
Q9: What is your lead time?
A: For standard sizes in stock, we ship within 10-15 working days. For custom sizes or normalized heat treatment, lead time is typically 30-40 working days (depending on specifications and quantity). We always provide a clear delivery schedule before order confirmation and strictly adhere to it.
Q10: What payment terms do you accept?
A: We accept T/T, L/C, and other common methods. For new customers, we usually require 50% deposit and 50% balance before shipment. Flexible terms can be negotiated for long-term partners
