CRM Solutions

Our team has been hard at work and we are excited to add five new copper CRMs to our product portfolio. Copper can be alloyed with a wide range of elements enabling highly specific functions and applications. The large compositional range of copper alloys means that high-quality, matrix-matched reference materials are needed for proper analysis of each alloy.

In addition to their structural properties, CDA 510, CDA 655, and CDA 955 are EPA-registered as antimicrobial alloys. More information on the antimicrobial properties of copper, including a complete list of EPA-registered alloys, can be found at the EPA Antimicrobial Stewardship Website for Copper Alloys.

CDA 510 (IARM-Cu510-18) is a phosphor bronze, which is commonly used for fasteners and spring components. It is also excellent for soldering and brazing applications and has high conductivity, which lends itself well to electrical connectors and other electronic usages. CDA 510 has certified values for the grade-specified elements Cu, Pb, Sn, Zn, and P and a reference value for Fe. Additionally, certified values are provided for Ag, C, Ni, and O, and reference values are given for 32 more elements.

A high silicon bronze, CDA 655 (IARM-Cu655-18) is widely appreciated for its aesthetic and its antimicrobial properties in architectural and decorative applications. Its high resistance to corrosion means that it is often used for fasteners, piston rings, and other hardware in marine applications. In addition to the specified elements, Cu, Pb, Fe, Zn, Mn, Si, and Ni, this CRM is also certified for Al and Sn, and has reference data for 21 more elements.

CDA 955 (IARM-Cu955-18) is a nickel aluminum bronze alloy. In addition to being another EPA-registered alloy for microbe resistance, it is one of the strongest non-ferrous alloys, thanks to its high Ni content. The high hardness rating and good corrosion resistance makes this a common choice for marine and aircraft parts, in addition to high wear and high impact applications. This CRM has certified values of the grade-specified components Cu, Fe, Al, Ni, and Mn, as well as Ag, Co, Cr, P, Pb, Si, Sn, and Zn. Reference values are provided for an additional 18 elements.

A tin bronze alloy also known as Navy G is CDA 903 (IARM-Cu903-18). CDA 903 is a type of gear bronze, a family of bronze alloys used for wear resistance in high velocity situations. Gear bronzes compose most of the non-ferrous alloys for these applications. As the name implies, Navy G is widely used in marine environments because of its strong corrosion resistance. The new CRM has certified values for alloy-specified elements, Cu, Sn, Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, Fe, and Pb. Good reference values are given for the elements Sb, S, Al, and Si, which have maximum values specified. A certified value is also given for O, and reference values for 18 other elements.

Lastly, we are adding CDA 360 (IARM-Cu360-18) to our portfolio, which is a free cutting brass. Thanks to its high Pb content, CDA 360 is an excellent machining alloy with a 100% machinability rating and it is used as a comparison for the machinability of all other alloys. It is an excellent choice for use in applications that require drilling, turning, milling and other high-speed machining processes. The grade specifications for CDA 360 Grade include values for Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn. Our CRM has certified values for the four specified elements, as well as Ag, Al, As, Bi, C, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, P, Sb, Si, and Sn. Reference values are given for 14 more elements.