“863 bronze” can refer to two very different bearing materials: C86300 manganese bronze, a dense cast copper alloy, or SAE 863, a porous oil-impregnated iron-copper material made by powder metallurgy.
The matching number does not make them the same alloy. Their compositions, production methods, lubrication systems, and applications differ. Before ordering bronze 863 bushings or replacing a bearing, confirm the complete material designation.
C86300 Manganese Bronze vs SAE 863 Iron-Copper
These materials can first be separated by production method and structure.
| Comparison | C863 / C86300 | SAE 863 |
|---|---|---|
| Material family | Cast manganese bronze; high-strength copper-zinc alloy | Sintered iron-copper bearing material |
| Production method | Sand, centrifugal, or continuous casting, followed by machining | Metal powders are compacted, sintered, and oil-impregnated |
| Structure | Dense cast structure | Porous structure that stores lubricant |
| Lubrication | Usually requires a designed lubrication arrangement | Lubricant is retained within the pores |
| Typical parts | Custom bushings, nuts, gears, wear parts, hydraulic components | Commonly small sleeve bearings and standardized shapes |
| Direct replacement? | No—verify the full specification | No—verify the full specification |
“863 iron-copper,” “SAE 863,” and “C86300 bronze” are distinct specifications.
What Is C86300 Manganese Bronze?
C86300, also shortened to C863, is commonly called manganese bronze. The Copper Development Association classifies C86300 as a cast high-strength yellow brass. Its composition range includes 60–66% copper, 22–28% zinc, 5–7.5% aluminum, 2–4% iron, and 2.5–5% manganese. This explains why the commercial name contains “bronze” even though the alloy belongs to a copper-zinc system rather than a conventional tin bronze family.
C86300 combines high strength with wear and corrosion resistance. Recognized uses include bushings, gears, hydraulic cylinder parts, and slow-speed, heavy-load bearings. Suitability still depends on shaft material, pressure, speed, temperature, lubrication, and environment.
A C86300 bushing is cast and machined to the required geometry. A drawing may specify a flange, oil holes, grooves, tight tolerances, or graphite-plug pockets. These are designed lubrication features; C86300 itself is not oil-impregnated.
JEDBUSHING manufactures custom cast bronze bushings and C86300 parts according to customer drawings. C86400 manganese bronze is also available when required by the approved specification.
What Is SAE 863 Iron-Copper?
In the bearing market, SAE 863 commonly refers to an oil-impregnated, sintered iron-copper bearing material. Metal powder is compacted into shape and sintered, leaving a controlled network of pores. Oil held in those pores supplies lubrication during operation.
Unlike cast C86300, SAE 863 is often used for compact sleeves where relubrication is difficult and conditions suit a porous powder-metal bearing. ASTM B439 covers oil-impregnated iron-base powder metallurgy bearings, but the drawing must still identify the required grade and properties.
SAE 863 should not be confused with every product described as an oilless or self-lubricating bushing. A graphite-plugged cast bronze bushing, a multilayer composite bearing, and a sintered oil-impregnated bearing use different structures to manage friction.
How to Identify and Choose the Correct 863 Material
If a legacy drawing or inquiry says only “863,” do not identify the material by color or part shape. Check the following evidence:
- A complete designation such as UNS C86300 or SAE 863
- The referenced ASTM, SAE, or customer material standard
- Required chemical composition and mechanical properties
- Cast versus powder-metallurgy manufacturing
- Density, porosity, or oil-content requirements
- External lubrication, oil impregnation, grooves, or graphite plugs
- Finished dimensions, tolerances, and application conditions
For a replacement, original equipment documents or material testing may be necessary. Guessing can change load capacity, lubrication behavior, geometry, and shaft requirements.
Neither material is universally better. C86300 is generally more relevant for a custom, thick-walled, flanged, or machined bushing exposed to high load or shock. SAE 863 may suit a compact oil-impregnated sleeve if its load, speed, temperature, and lubrication limits match the application.
Do not substitute one for the other because both are called 863. When the specification is unclear, ask the equipment designer or end user to approve the complete material standard before production.
Need Custom C86300 or C86400 Bushings?
JEDBUSHING produces C86300 and C86400 manganese bronze bushings and custom cast parts according to drawings. For quotation, provide the alloy, dimensions, tolerances, quantity, lubrication features, and working conditions.
If the drawing only states “863,” include the original material standard. Send us your drawing for a manufacturing review and quotation.
FAQ About 863 Bronze
Which ASTM specifications may apply to C86300 castings?
The applicable standard depends on the casting method and product form. Common examples include ASTM B584 for sand castings, ASTM B271/B271M for centrifugal castings, and ASTM B505/B505M for continuous castings. The drawing should state the required standard.
Can C86400 replace C86300?
Not automatically. Both are called manganese bronze, but their chemistry, strength, machinability, and intended service differ. Any substitution should be reviewed and approved against the application requirements.
What dimensions should be provided for a custom bushing quote?
Provide finished dimensions and tolerances whenever possible. Also identify the alloy, quantity, oil grooves or holes, graphite-plug requirements, mating shaft, load, speed, temperature, and lubrication method.