Comprehensive Overview of Bronze Pipe Fittings
We are one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of Bronze Elbows, Bronze Tees, Bronze Reducers, and Bronze Pipe Fittings from India. We supply high-quality bronze 90-degree elbows, bronze 45-degree elbows, bronze street elbows, bronze straight tees, bronze reducing tees, bronze concentric reducers, bronze eccentric reducers, and custom bronze fittings to the world market. Our manufacturing facility specializes in producing premium bronze pipe fittings using advanced sand casting, centrifugal casting, investment casting, hot forging, CNC machining, and comprehensive quality control systems. We serve diverse industries including marine and shipbuilding, commercial plumbing, HVAC, water supply, fire protection, oil and gas, power generation, and industrial process piping. Our expertise encompasses various bronze alloys including C83600 Leaded Red Brass, C95400 Aluminum Bronze, C86300 Manganese Bronze, C90700 Tin Bronze, and C87600 Silicon Bronze. We manufacture bronze fittings from 1/4 inch to 12 inch with NPT/BSP threads, pressure ratings Class 125 to 300 (150-600 PSI), compliance with ASME B16.15, ASTM B62, ASTM B584, and 20-40+ year service life in marine and industrial applications.
Types of Bronze Elbows
90-Degree Bronze Elbows
Standard Elbows (Female × Female): Right-angle directional change, threaded NPT or BSP connections both ends, sizes 1/4″ to 6″, Class 125 (150 PSI) or Class 250 (300 PSI). Applications: Marine systems, water supply, HVAC, industrial piping.
Street Elbows (Male × Female): Space-saving design with male thread one end, female opposite end, eliminates separate nipple, sizes 1/4″ to 3″. Applications: Tight installations, equipment connections, manifold assemblies.
Reducing Elbows: Direction change with size reduction (1″ × 3/4″, 1-1/2″ × 1″, 2″ × 1-1/2″), eliminates separate reducer. Applications: Branch connections, equipment transitions, manifolds.
Long Radius Elbows: Larger bend radius reducing pressure drop 30-40%, smoother flow. Applications: High-flow systems, pump suction, slurry piping, sizes 2″ to 12″.
Flanged Elbows: Integral flanges per ASME B16.1 Class 125/250, sizes 2″ to 12″. Applications: Large piping, high-pressure systems, fire protection.
45-Degree Bronze Elbows
Standard 45-Degree: Gradual direction change, 50% less pressure drop versus 90-degree, sizes 1/4″ to 6″. Applications: Pipeline routing, high-flow systems, pump discharge.
45-Degree Street Elbows: Male × female configuration, space-saving. Applications: Tight-space installations, equipment connections.
Bronze Y-Fittings
45-Degree Y-Fittings: Branch at 45 degrees, smoother flow than tees, reduced turbulence. Applications: Drainage, slurry systems, pump manifolds, sizes 1″ to 6″.
Types of Bronze Tees
Straight Bronze Tees
Standard Tees: Three-way connection, all outlets same size, threaded NPT/BSP, sizes 1/4″ to 6″. Applications: Branch takeoffs, manifolds, distribution headers. Pressure Rating: Class 125 (150 PSI) or Class 250 (300 PSI).
Reducing Bronze Tees
Reducing on Branch: Main run same size, branch smaller (1″ × 1″ × 3/4″), most common configuration. Applications: Branch connections, manifolds, meter taps. Common Sizes: 3/4″ × 3/4″ × 1/2″, 1″ × 1″ × 3/4″, 2″ × 2″ × 1″.
Reducing on Run: Branch same size, outlet reduced, less common. Applications: Main line size reduction with perpendicular branch.
Types of Bronze Reducers
Concentric Reducers
Design: Cone-shaped, aligned centerlines, symmetrical taper. Sizes: All standard combinations (1″ × 3/4″, 2″ × 1-1/2″, 4″ × 3″, 6″ × 4″). Applications: Vertical runs, pressure piping, pump discharge, centerline alignment critical. Advantages: Uniform stress, symmetrical flow, standard configuration.
Eccentric Reducers
Design: Offset centerlines, one side flat preventing air pockets. Installation: Flat side up for liquids (prevents air), flat side down for gases (prevents liquid accumulation). Applications: Horizontal pump suction, gravity drains, heat exchangers, preventing cavitation. Critical: Must install correct orientation.
Reducer Bushings
Design: Compact fitting with male external threads, female internal threads, hex flats for installation. Sizes: 1/2″ × 1/4″ to 4″ × 3″, one or two size reductions. Applications: Space-limited installations, manifolds, compact versus standard reducer.
Bronze Alloys for Pipe Fittings
C83600 Leaded Red Brass (85-5-5-5)
Composition: 85% Cu, 5% Sn, 5% Pb, 5% Zn. Properties: Tensile 240 MPa, excellent castability, good machinability. Applications: Most common bronze fitting alloy, plumbing, HVAC, marine standard. Seawater Life: 20-25 years. Cost: Baseline economical.
C95400 Aluminum Bronze
Composition: 90% Cu, 9% Al, 1% Fe. Properties: Tensile 620 MPa (highest strength), superior seawater resistance. Applications: Critical marine, offshore platforms, high-velocity water, pump bodies. Seawater Life: 40+ years. Cost: Premium +40-60%.
C90700 Tin Bronze
Composition: 89% Cu, 11% Sn (true bronze – no zinc). Properties: Tensile 280 MPa, excellent seawater resistance, no dezincification. Applications: High-quality marine, naval vessels, critical seawater service. Seawater Life: 30-40 years. Cost: Premium +25-40%.
C86300 Manganese Bronze
Composition: 63% Cu, 25% Zn, 3.5% Mn, 3% Fe, balance Al/Sn. Properties: Tensile 550 MPa, high strength, good wear. Applications: High-strength fittings, pump bodies, wear-resistant components. Cost: Premium +20-35%.
C87600 Silicon Bronze
Composition: 96% Cu, 3% Si. Properties: Tensile 430 MPa, superior corrosion resistance. Applications: Premium marine, architectural, chemical plants, coastal installations. Seawater Life: 40+ years. Cost: Premium +30-50%.
Bronze Alloy Selection Guide
Application | Alloy | Strength | Seawater Life | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
General Plumbing | C83600 | 240 MPa | 20-25 years | Baseline |
Marine Standard | C83600/C90700 | 240-280 MPa | 25-30 years | Baseline to +30% |
Critical Marine | C95400 | 620 MPa | 40+ years | +40-60% |
High Strength | C86300 | 550 MPa | 15-20 years | +20-35% |
Premium Marine | C87600 | 430 MPa | 40+ years | +30-50% |
Manufacturing Processes
Sand Casting
Process: Pattern creation, sand mold forming, molten bronze pouring at 1050-1150°C, cooling, fettling, machining. Advantages: Economical for low volumes <500 pieces, all sizes 1/4″ to 12″+, low tooling cost $500-$5,000. Applications: Large fittings, low-volume specialty, prototypes. Accuracy: ±1-3mm as-cast, ±0.5mm machined surfaces.
Centrifugal Casting
Process: Molten bronze poured into rotating mold (300-3000 RPM), centrifugal force creating dense structure. Advantages: Superior properties, porosity-free, excellent surface finish Ra 3.2-6.3 µm. Applications: Cylindrical parts, pipe blanks, pump liners, volumes >1,000 pieces.
Investment Casting (Lost Wax)
Process: Wax pattern, ceramic shell buildup, dewaxing, firing, bronze pouring, minimal machining. Advantages: Excellent surface Ra 1.6-6.3 µm, tight tolerances ±0.5-1mm, complex geometries. Applications: Complex fittings, decorative marine hardware, precision valve bodies, volumes 100-10,000 pieces. Cost: Higher per piece, tooling $3,000-$30,000.
Hot Forging
Process: Bronze heated to 650-850°C, closed-die forging, grain flow optimization. Advantages: Superior mechanical properties (30-50% stronger), no porosity, high-pressure capability. Applications: High-pressure fittings Class 300+, aluminum bronze components, critical structural fittings. Limitations: High tooling cost $20,000-$100,000, economical >5,000 pieces.
Applications by Industry
Marine and Shipbuilding
Seawater Systems: Engine cooling, fire mains, ballast systems, sanitary systems, deck wash. Alloys: Aluminum bronze C95400 or silicon bronze C87600 critical service, C83600/C90700 standard. Sizes: 1/2″ to 12″, pressure 150-300 PSI, service life 20-40+ years.
Navy and Military: Naval bronze specifications (MIL-B-23515), submarine systems, combat vessels, full traceability required.
Commercial Plumbing
Hot and Cold Water: Distribution systems, water heaters, recirculation loops, pressure-reducing stations. Alloys: C83600 standard. Sizes: 1/2″ to 12″, temperatures up to 200°F, 20-30 year life.
Steam Systems: Low-pressure steam <250°F, condensate return, steam traps. Alloys: C83600 or C90700 tin bronze.
HVAC and Refrigeration
Hydronic Heating: Boiler connections, zone manifolds, radiant floor, baseboard heating, 140-200°F. Chilled Water: Air conditioning distribution, fan coils, cooling towers. Sizes: 3/4″ to 3″ typical, Class 125/250 pressure.
Water Supply and Treatment
Municipal Distribution: Water mains, meter installations, service connections, pump stations. Sizes: 2″ to 12″, pressure 150-250 PSI, 30-50 year life. Treatment Plants: Filter piping, chemical feed, backwash systems. Alloys: C83600 or aluminum bronze for abrasive service.
Fire Protection Systems
Sprinkler Systems: Wet and dry systems, sprinkler connections, fire pump discharge, standpipes. Pressure: 175-300 PSI, sizes 1″ to 6″, NFPA 13 compliance, FM approved. Critical: High reliability requirements.
Oil and Gas Industry
Offshore Platforms: Seawater cooling, fire protection, potable water, deck equipment. Alloys: Aluminum bronze C95400 or silicon bronze C87600. Sizes: 1″ to 12″, pressure 150-600 PSI.
Refineries: Process cooling, boiler feedwater, steam systems, corrosive service. Alloys: C95400, C87600 for severe conditions.
Technical Standards
ASME Standards
ASME B16.15: Cast bronze threaded fittings Classes 125 and 250, dimensional standards, pressure ratings. Class 125: 125 PSI steam, 150 PSI cold water. Class 250: 150 PSI steam, 300 PSI cold water.
ASME B16.24: Cast copper alloy pipe flanges Classes 150-600.
ASME B1.20.1: NPT pipe threads specifications.
ASTM Material Standards
ASTM B62: Bronze castings C83600 composition, tensile minimum 207 MPa, yield 96 MPa, elongation 20%.
ASTM B584: Multiple bronze alloys (C83600, C84400, C86300, C90700, C95400, C87600), composition and properties.
Marine Classification
ABS, Lloyd’s, DNV: Material approvals, quality standards, pressure testing requirements, material traceability, impact testing for low-temperature service.
Advantages of Bronze Fittings
Superior Corrosion Resistance
Seawater: Bronze superior to brass and steel, 20-40+ year life, no dezincification (aluminum/tin bronze), passivation layer protection. Freshwater: Excellent chlorinated water resistance, superior hot water performance >140°F, 30-50 year service life.
High Strength and Durability
Mechanical Properties: Bronze maintains strength at elevated temperature, aluminum bronze 620 MPa comparable to steel, excellent fatigue resistance. Temperature: Maintains strength to 250°F (C83600), 400°F (aluminum bronze), thermal stability.
Long Service Life
Durability: 30-50+ years water systems, 20-40+ years seawater, exceeds PVC (20-25 years), steel (15-25 years), brass (20-30 years). Maintenance-Free: No coating required, no rust, minimal maintenance, reliable long-term performance.
Quality Control and Testing
Material Verification
Chemical Analysis: OES/XRF verifying composition ±1% per ASTM specifications, copper, tin, lead, zinc content verified. Mechanical Testing: Tensile testing per ASTM B584, minimum 207 MPa for C83600, hardness testing 60-180 HB, impact testing for critical service.
Dimensional Inspection
Critical Dimensions: CMM inspection ±0.5mm, thread inspection Go/No-Go gauges per ASME B1.20.1, flange dimensions per ASME B16.24, wall thickness verification.
Pressure Testing
Hydrostatic Testing: 1.5-2× working pressure per ASME B16.15, Class 125 tested 225-300 PSI, Class 250 tested 450-600 PSI, hold 30-60 seconds, test certificates for marine/critical applications.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
Radiographic Testing: X-ray for internal porosity, required for critical marine applications, ASTM E94 procedures. Ultrasonic Testing: Internal flaws and wall thickness, ASTM E797. Liquid Penetrant: Surface crack detection, ASTM E1417, 100% inspection high-pressure service.
Why Choose Our Bronze Fitting Services
Three Decades of Excellence
Established 1990: 30+ years producing bronze fittings for marine, plumbing, industrial customers across 35+ countries. Quality Performance: 98% on-time delivery, <0.5% defect rate. Certifications: ISO 9001:2015 certified, working towards AS9100 aerospace, marine classification society approved.
Comprehensive Capabilities
All Manufacturing Processes: Sand casting, centrifugal casting, investment casting, hot forging. Complete Size Range: 1/4″ to 12″, Class 125 to 300. Multiple Alloys: C83600, C95400, C86300, C90700, C87600, custom alloys.
Integrated Services
Complete Solution: Casting, heat treatment, CNC machining (threads, flanges), pressure testing, inspection, one-stop solution. CNC Machining: 15+ CNC machines, tolerances ±0.05-0.2mm, thread cutting NPT/BSP.
Quality Assurance
100% Material Verification: OES composition analysis, mechanical testing, NDT for critical applications. Traceability: Complete lot traceability, material certificates ASTM/ASME, test reports, marine classification documentation.
Competitive Pricing
Cost Advantage: 30-45% savings versus European/North American manufacturers. Volume Pricing: 100-1,000: 15-20% discount, 1,000-10,000: 20-30%, >10,000: 30-40%.
Global Service
Worldwide Export: North America (35%), Europe (28%), Asia-Pacific (20%), Middle East (12%). Lead Times: Prototype 6-10 weeks, production 6-10 weeks after tooling approval. Documentation: Material certificates, test reports, inspection reports, marine classification approvals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between C83600 and C95400 aluminum bronze? C83600: Most common, 85% Cu/5% Sn/5% Pb/5% Zn, tensile 240 MPa, good castability, seawater life 20-25 years, baseline cost. C95400: 90% Cu/9% Al/1% Fe, tensile 620 MPa (highest strength), superior seawater resistance, 40+ year life, premium +40-60%. Selection: C83600 for general marine/plumbing (economical), C95400 for critical marine/offshore/high-stress applications.
Q2: Which bronze alloy is best for seawater applications? Best Options: C95400 Aluminum Bronze (highest strength 620 MPa, 40+ year seawater life, cavitation resistant, best overall marine performance), C87600 Silicon Bronze (excellent corrosion resistance, 40+ years, good strength 430 MPa), C90700 Tin Bronze (true bronze no zinc, 30-40 years, no dezincification). Standard: C83600 adequate for non-critical marine (20-25 years). Recommendation: C95400 for critical applications (offshore, navy), C87600 for premium coastal, C83600 for standard marine service.
Q3: What are typical lead times and minimum order quantities? Prototype: 6-10 weeks including tooling/sampling, MOQ 25-100 pieces. Production Tooling: 8-12 weeks for patterns/dies, MOQ 500-2,000 pieces economical. Production Runs: 6-10 weeks after tooling approval, MOQ 1,000-5,000 pieces for sand casting. High Volume: 10-14 weeks initial production >10,000 pieces. Repeat Orders: 4-6 weeks using existing tooling.
Q4: Can bronze fittings be used in hot water and steam systems? Yes, bronze excellent for hot water and steam. Hot Water: Bronze superior to brass >140°F, maintains strength to 200°F, C83600 standard for hot water systems, 30-50 year service life. Steam: Low-pressure steam <250°F, C83600 or C90700 tin bronze for steam service, Class 125/250 pressure ratings adequate. Aluminum Bronze: Handles higher temperatures >400°F for special applications. Not Recommended: Standard brass which softens >160°F.
Q5: What quality certifications do you provide? Material Certification: Chemical composition OES analysis per ASTM B62/B584, copper/tin/lead/zinc content within ±1%, heat number traceability, material certificates ASTM/ASME. Mechanical Testing: Tensile testing per ASTM B584 (minimum 207 MPa for C83600), hardness testing 60-180 HB, test reports documenting compliance. Dimensional Inspection: CMM reports for complex castings, thread inspection reports, first article inspection (FAI). Pressure Testing: Hydrostatic test certificates 1.5-2× working pressure per ASME B16.15. NDT: Radiographic/ultrasonic testing for critical marine applications. Quality System: ISO 9001:2015 certified, marine classification approvals (ABS, Lloyd’s, DNV), complete traceability raw material to finished product.
Contact Us – Request Quote for Bronze Fittings
Request a Quote: Send specifications including fitting type (elbows/tees/reducers), size (1/4″-12″), thread type (NPT/BSP/flanged), bronze alloy (C83600/C95400/C90700/C87600), quantity, application details to sales@jambrass.com for quotation within 48 hours.
Engineering Support: Email for material selection, design consultation, pressure rating verification, marine classification requirements.
Call Us: +91-22-43449300 / +91-22-43449323 (Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM IST)
Office: 1406, 14th Floor, Dalamal Tower, Nariman Point, Mumbai – 400021, India
Factory: Plot 10B, GIDC Industrial Estate, Shanker Tekari, Udyognagar, Jamnagar, Gujarat – 361004
Contact: Mr. Mehul Vora | Email: sales@jambrass.com