Hey there! As a supplier of cast brass, I've been in the business for quite a while, and I've seen firsthand how important it is to understand the common casting alloys of brass. Brass is a versatile metal alloy made primarily of copper and zinc, and different combinations of these elements, along with other additives, can result in a wide range of properties that make brass suitable for various applications. In this blog, I'm going to break down some of the most common casting alloys of brass that you might come across.
1. C23000 - Red Brass
First up is C23000, also known as red brass. This alloy typically contains around 85% copper and 15% zinc. The high copper content gives it a reddish hue, hence the name. Red brass is known for its excellent corrosion resistance, especially in freshwater environments. It's also relatively soft and easy to machine, which makes it a popular choice for plumbing applications, like valves, fittings, and water meters.
One of the great things about C23000 is its ability to withstand dezincification, a process where zinc is selectively removed from the brass alloy, leaving behind a porous and weakened copper structure. This makes it a reliable option for long - term use in plumbing systems. If you're in the market for high - quality brass products for your plumbing needs, red brass could be a top choice. You can learn more about our brass casting capabilities for pipe fittings at Brass Sand Casting Foundry for Pipe Fittings.
2. C36000 - Free - Cutting Brass
C36000, or free - cutting brass, is another widely used casting alloy. It contains about 60% copper, 39% zinc, and a small amount (around 1%) of lead. The addition of lead improves the alloy's machinability significantly. When you're machining free - cutting brass, it forms small, easily breakable chips, which reduces tool wear and allows for faster machining speeds.
This alloy is commonly used in the production of small, precision parts such as screws, nuts, and bolts. It's also popular in the electrical industry for making connectors and terminals because of its good electrical conductivity. However, it's important to note that due to the lead content, there are some environmental and health concerns associated with free - cutting brass. But when handled properly during the manufacturing process, it remains a very useful alloy.
3. C83600 - Architectural Bronze
Don't let the name fool you; C83600 is actually a type of brass. It typically consists of 84 - 86% copper, 5 - 7% lead, 4 - 6% zinc, and 3 - 5% tin. Architectural bronze has a beautiful golden - brown color that makes it a favorite for architectural applications. It's often used for door hardware, decorative trim, and sculptures.
This alloy offers good corrosion resistance and is relatively easy to cast into complex shapes. Its lead content also helps with machinability, allowing for detailed finishing work. Whether you're an architect looking for the perfect material for a building's exterior or an artist creating a unique sculpture, architectural bronze can provide both the aesthetic appeal and the durability you need.
4. C85200 - Manganese Bronze
Manganese bronze, or C85200, is a high - strength brass alloy. It contains around 57 - 60% copper, 36 - 38% zinc, 2 - 4% manganese, and small amounts of iron and aluminum. The addition of manganese gives this alloy excellent strength and wear resistance.
Manganese bronze is commonly used in applications where high stress and wear are expected, such as gears, bushings, and propellers. It can withstand heavy loads and has good corrosion resistance in marine environments. If you're in the marine or heavy machinery industry, manganese bronze could be the ideal choice for your components.
5. C93200 - Bearing Bronze
C93200, also known as bearing bronze, is a specialized brass alloy designed for bearing applications. It contains approximately 81 - 83% copper, 6 - 8% tin, 6 - 8% lead, and 1 - 3% zinc. The combination of these elements gives it excellent anti - friction properties and high load - carrying capacity.
Bearing bronze is used extensively in the automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery sectors. It's used to make bearings, bushings, and thrust washers. The lead in the alloy acts as a lubricant, reducing friction and wear between moving parts. This helps to extend the lifespan of the components and improve the overall efficiency of the machinery.
Why Choose Our Cast Brass Products?
As a cast brass supplier, we take pride in offering high - quality products made from these common casting alloys. We have state - of the - art casting facilities that allow us to produce brass components with precision and consistency. Our team of experts has years of experience in the industry, ensuring that every product meets the highest standards.
Whether you need a small batch of custom - made parts or a large - scale production run, we can accommodate your needs. We work closely with our customers to understand their specific requirements and provide tailored solutions. And if you have any questions about which alloy is best for your application, our technical support team is always here to help.
Contact Us for Your Brass Needs
If you're interested in purchasing cast brass products, we'd love to hear from you. We can provide you with detailed product information, samples, and competitive quotes. Whether you're in the plumbing, electrical, architectural, marine, or any other industry that uses brass, we have the expertise and resources to meet your demands. So, don't hesitate to reach out to us and start a conversation about your brass procurement needs.
References
- ASM Handbook Volume 2: Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special - Purpose Materials.
- Metals Handbook Desk Edition, 3rd Edition.
I hope this blog has given you a better understanding of the common casting alloys of brass. If you have any more questions or need further information, feel free to ask. Looking forward to working with you on your next project!
