C38500 Brass

Grade Name

UNS Number: C38500
Common Name: Leaded Brass (CuZnPb Alloy)
Corresponding Standards: ASTM B455/B455M (Leaded Brass Extruded Shapes), SAE J463.

Product Features

Superior Machinability: Enhanced by lead content (2.0–3.8%), enabling high-speed CNC and automatic machining with minimal tool wear.
Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Suitable for atmospheric, freshwater, and mild marine environments.
Balanced Mechanical Properties: Tensile strength ranges from 260–655 MPa with elongation up to 60%.
Cost-Effective: Lower copper content (55–60%) reduces material costs.
Thermal and Electrical Conductivity: Moderate thermal conductivity (115–123 W/m·K) and electrical conductivity (24–27% IACS).

Common Product Forms & Dimensions

Form	Thickness (mm)	Width (mm)	Length (mm)	Diameter (mm)
Sheet/Strip	0.3 – 6.0	50 – 600	Custom	-
Rod/Bar	-	-	Custom	3 – 150
Tube	1.0 – 15.0 (wall)	-	Custom	10 – 250 (OD)
Wire	-	-	Custom	0.5 – 12
Note: Custom dimensions are available upon request.

C38500 Brass Chemical Composition

Element	Cu	Zn	Pb	Fe	Others
Weight %	55.0–60.0	Balance	2.0–3.8	≤0.35	≤0.5 (total impurities)
Complies with ASTM B455 and industrial specifications.

Physical Properties

Property	Value
Density (g/cm³)	8.44–8.53
Melting Point (°C)	900–930
Electrical Conductivity (%IACS)	24–27 (Annealed)
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K)	115–123 (at 20°C)
Values vary with processing conditions.

Mechanical Properties

Condition	Tensile Strength (MPa)	Yield Strength (MPa)	Elongation (%)	Hardness (HV)
Annealed	260–440	100–200	35–50	70–95
Cold Worked (H02)	450–550	350–450	15–25	120–160
Hard (H04)	≥550	≥450	≥5	≥160
Data applies to standard thicknesses and processing states.

Core Advantages

1. Free-Machining: Lead lubrication ensures high precision in CNC and automatic machining.

2. Durability: Resists wear in mechanical and low-corrosion environments.

3. Versatility: Compatible with hot extrusion, cold forming, and welding.

4. Cost Efficiency: Optimized for high-volume industrial production.

Product Applications

Construction: Architectural profiles, door/window frames, hinges, and locks.
Mechanical Engineering: Valves, gears, screws, and bearings.
Marine: Non-critical seawater components (with protective coatings.
Electronics: Connectors, terminals, and shielding parts.
Consumer Goods: Clock parts, zippers, and decorative hardware.

Processing Considerations

Hot Working: Extrude at 650–800°C; avoid overheating to prevent zinc loss.
Cold Working: Limited due to high work hardening; annealing required.
Welding: Use TIG with inert gas shielding; control heat input to avoid lead vaporization.
Surface Treatment: Electroplating (e.g., nickel) or passivation for enhanced corrosion resistance.

Key Application Scenarios

Architectural Projects: Coastal building components requiring corrosion resistance.
Automotive Manufacturing: High-precision stamped parts and fuel system components.
Shipbuilding: Seawater valve bodies and heat exchangers (with coatings).
Industrial Hardware: Fasteners and hydraulic system parts.

FAQs

Q1: Is C38500 compliant with RoHS or drinking water standards?

A: No. Due to lead content (2.0–3.8%), it is restricted under RoHS and NSF/ANSI 61 for potable water.

Q2: Are there eco-friendly alternatives to C38500?

A: Emerging alternatives use bismuth or antimony, but performance trade-offs exist.

Q3: Can C38500 be recycled?

A: Yes, but specialized processes are required to manage lead safely.

Standard References

Standard	Description
ASTM B455/B455M	Specifications for leaded brass extruded shapes.
SAE J463	Mechanical property standards for wrought copper alloys.
YS/T 649-2018	Chinese standard for extruded copper alloy bars.

Note: Specifications may vary slightly depending on manufacturer and processing methods. Always consult technical datasheets for critical applications.

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