Waukesha Metal 54C
When high friction and mechanical wear threaten equipment performance, Waukesha Metal 54C (WM54C), also known as Waukesha Alloy 54C, delivers a lasting solution. WM54C is a corrosion-resistant nickel-based casting alloy with exceptionally strong anti-galling and mechanical properties, giving you a highly machinable solution for the challenges you face most:
- Retains strength and structural integrity during continuous operation in rigorous service environments.
- Reduces wear while delivering tensile strength up to 75 ksi and yield strength up to 50 ksi.
- Resists galling to maintain performance even in applications with metal-to-metal contact.
What is Waukesha Metal 54C?
At Waukesha Foundry, we’ve developed a variety of specialty alloys that have a long history of proven performance. WM54C is part of our trusted lineup of anti-galling alloys engineered for applications where friction, corrosion and wear happen most:
- Food processing: Essential for the food processing industry, WM54C provides strength and wear resistance while withstanding frequent washdowns, high temperatures and corrosive cleaning agents.
- Chemical processing: WM54C resists corrosion and mechanical degradation, reducing wear and extending equipment life
- Industrial applications: WM54C handles high loads, friction and heat without deforming, ensuring reliability and safety.
Primary Characteristics
Anti-Galling Properties
Maintains performance in metal-to-metal contact without lubrication.
Strength & Hardness
Delivers tensile strength up to 75 ksi and yield strength up to 50 ksi, with hardness ranging from 149–248 BHN.
Corrosion Resistance
Effective against many acidic chemicals, cleaners and foods.
Temperature Capability
Retains mechanical strength during prolonged exposure to elevated operating conditions.
Machinability
Performs similar to 304 stainless steel.
Waukesha Metal 54C Uses
Food Processing Equipment
Chemical Processing Equipment
Industrial Machinery
Rotating & Moving Parts
Custom Precision Castings
Technical Specifications
Our proprietary formula is blended to deliver exacting physical and chemical properties:
Typical Chemical Composition
- Sn: 8.00%
- Ni: Balance
- Zn 8.00%
- Mn 2.00%
- Ag 6.00%
Typical Mechanical Properties
- Tensile Strength: 75 ksi
- Yield Strength: 56 ksi
- Elongation: 7%
- Reduction of Area: 9%
Brinell Hardness (Typical)
- 220 BHN
Machinability
- Moderate, comparable to 304 stainless steel
Testing and Quality Assurance of 54C
Waukesha Metal 54C carries our name, and we’re committed to ensuring it reflects the quality standards we’ve delivered for over a century. We perform industry-leading gall testing on all parts on-site and these results are available to WM54C customers upon request. Waukesha Foundry can also conduct corrosion testing on any cleaning chemicals or agents that may be unique to your application. Our inspection standards include repeatability across all production lines, and all of our welders are ASME IX certified.
When you work with Waukesha Foundry, you partner with a manufacturer that maintains strict certifications and compliance:
- ISO 9001:2015
- DDTC/ITAR Registered
- ASNT Level III & II Personnel
- Compliance: RoHS, Conflict Minerals, REACH
FAQs
What makes WM54C different from other anti-galling alloys?
WM54C is a nickel-based alloy for specific high-friction and wear challenges. Its primary differentiator is its higher maximum temperature capability. While it shares the anti-galling characteristics of our other alloys, WM54C maintains its desirable properties at higher temperatures. This makes it the superior choice for applications requiring thermal stability where other alloys might degrade.
Can WM54C be used in food processing equipment?
Yes. WM54C is engineered specifically to withstand the rigorous demands of the food processing industry. It offers excellent corrosion resistance against food products, acidic chemicals, and corrosive cleaning agents used in frequent washdowns. It is commonly used for pump parts and rotors that come into contact with stainless steel components, providing durability without the need for external lubrication.
How does WM54C compare to WM23Bi and WM88?
While all three are high-performance anti-galling alloys, they excel in different environments:
- WM54C vs. WM88: WM54C has physical properties similar to WM88 but offers greater temperature resistance, making it the preferred option for applications requiring higher thermal stability
- WM54C vs. WM23Bi: While WM54C is optimized for high heat, WM23Bi is best suited for lower temperatures (such as ice cream processing) and offers superior yield strength and hardness for holding sharp edges.
What machining guidelines should be followed for WM54C?
WM54C demonstrates moderate machinability, comparable to 304 stainless steel. Machinists should generally follow setups and protocols similar to those used for standard 300-series stainless steels to achieve the best results. Unlike some other high-strength alloys that may require specialized tooling due to low thermal conductivity, WM54C is designed to be a highly machinable solution.
How can I order WM54C castings from Waukesha Foundry?
You can partner with us for your custom precision castings by contacting our team directly. We are equipped to produce castings in complex geometries weighing from 1 to 6,000 pounds.
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