High strength, homogeneous copper-nickel-tin alloy and production process
A process for producing a high strength, homogeneous copper-nickel-tin alloy with high strength includes preparing a molten mixture of copper, nickel, and tin; pressure assist casting the molten mixture to form a casting; and thermally treating the casting. Novel combinations of properties can be attained for the alloy.
1. An article comprising a copper-nickel-tin alloy, wherein the article is produced by a process comprising:
preparing a molten mixture of copper, nickel, and tin;
pressure assist casting the molten mixture to form a casting;
homogenizing the casting; and
shaping the casting to produce the article.
2. The article of claim 1 , wherein the process further comprises: spinodally hardening the casting.
3. The article of claim 2 , wherein the spinodal hardening is performed by solution annealing, quenching, and spinodal decomposition.
4. The article of claim 1 , wherein the article is net-shaped or is an input billet.
5. The article of claim 1 , wherein the alloy comprises from about 9 wt % to about 15 wt % nickel.
6. The article of claim 1 , wherein the alloy comprises from about 6 wt % to about 8 wt % tin.
7. The article of claim 1 , wherein the alloy comprises from about 9 wt % to about 15 wt % nickel and from about 6 to about 8 wt % tin.
8. The article of claim 1 , wherein the molten mixture is prepared by gathering solid copper, nickel, and tin; and melting the gathered solid copper, nickel, and tin.
9. The article of claim 1 , wherein the casting is homogenized by heating the casting at a temperature in the range of from about 1500° F. to about 1625° F. for a time period of from about 4 hours to about 24 hours.