C38000 Brass

Grade Name

• UNS Number: C38000

• Common Name: Leaded Brass (CuZn39Pb3)

• Corresponding Standards: ASTM B453 (Leaded Brass Rod/Bar), ASTM B121 (Leaded Brass Sheet/Strip), SAE J463.

Product Features

• Superior Machinability: Lead content (3.0–3.8%) ensures excellent chip-breaking and reduced tool wear.

• Good Corrosion Resistance: Suitable for atmospheric and freshwater environments.

• Balanced Strength-Ductility: Tensile strength up to 550 MPa with elongation up to 25%.

• Cost-Effective: Optimized for high-volume machining applications.

• Thermal Conductivity: Moderate thermal conductivity (~115 W/m·K) for heat exchange components.

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.

Chemical Composition

Element	Cu	Zn	Pb	Fe	Others
Weight %	57–61	Balance	3.0–3.8	≤0.35	≤0.5 (total impurities)
Complies with ASTM B453 and SAE J463 standards.

Physical Properties

Property	Value
Density (g/cm³)	8.44–8.53
Melting Point (°C)	885–900
Electrical Conductivity (%IACS)	24–27 (Annealed)
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K)	115 (at 20°C)
Values may vary with processing conditions.

Mechanical Properties

Condition	Tensile Strength (MPa)	Yield Strength (MPa)	Elongation (%)	Hardness (HV)
Annealed	340–420	125–200	25–50	70–100
Cold Worked (H02)	450–550	350–450	10–20	120–160
Hard (H04)	≥550	≥450	≥5	≥160
Data applies to standard thicknesses and processing states.

Core Advantages

1. Free-Machining: Ideal for high-speed CNC and automatic lathe operations.

2. Dimensional Stability: Maintains precision under high-volume production.

3. Corrosion Resistance: Performs well in dry and mildly humid environments.

4. Cost Efficiency: Reduces manufacturing costs due to fast machining and low tool wear.

Product Applications

• Automotive: Fuel injectors, fittings, and hydraulic components.

• Plumbing: Valve bodies, faucet cartridges, and pipe fittings.

• Electronics: Connectors, terminals, and shielding parts.

• Industrial: Gears, bushings, and fasteners.

• Consumer Goods: Decorative hardware, zippers, and locks.

Processing Considerations

• Machining: Use sharp carbide tools with lubricants to minimize heat generation.

• Annealing: 425–600°C for 1–2 hours to restore ductility after cold working.

• Welding: Not recommended due to lead vaporization; use mechanical fastening instead.

• Surface Treatment: Electroplating (e.g., nickel or chrome) for enhanced corrosion resistance.

Key Application Scenarios

• High-precision automotive components requiring tight tolerances.

• Plumbing systems in residential and commercial buildings.

• Electrical connectors in consumer electronics.

• Mass-produced industrial fasteners and gears.

FAQs

Q1: Is C38000 compliant with RoHS or drinking water standards?

A: No. Due to lead content (3.0–3.8%), it is restricted under RoHS and NSF/ANSI 61 for potable water.

Q2: How does C38000 compare to C36000 brass?

A: C36000 has slightly higher lead content (3.7% max) and marginally better machinability, while C38000 balances cost and performance.

Q3: Can C38000 be recycled?

A: Yes, but lead requires specialized recycling processes to meet environmental regulations.

Standard References

Standard	Description
ASTM B453	Leaded brass rod, bar, and shapes.
ASTM B121	Leaded brass sheet and strip.
SAE J463	Mechanical property standards for wrought copper alloys.
ISO 426-1	Wrought copper-zinc-lead alloys (CuZnPb).

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