Spec.

Most Commonly Used Conditions

Description

Most Commonly Available Forms

Characteristics

Typical Uses

C101

SOFT; HALF-HARD; HARD

Electrolytic tough pitch high conductivity copper

sheet, plate, bar & tube

High electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance. Ductile. Limited machining capabilities.

Electrical conductors, cold heading applications, holloware, architectural cladding.

C106

HALF-HARD

Phosphorus deoxidised non-arsenical copper (Dona)

sheet, plate, tube

High phosphorus content reduces electrical conductivity, but greatly increases weldability in most forms. Ductile. Limited machinability. Good corrosion resistance.

Gas and heating installations, spinning, pressing, food processing equipment.

CZ101

SOFT

Gilding metal

sheet

Very good corrosion resistance. Ductile. Very good for brazing and soldering, but limited machining capabilities. Attractive golden colour.

Jewellery, display cabinets, name plates, fascias.

CZ106

SOFT

Deep drawing brass (cartridge brass)

sheet

Very ductile, especially where deep pressings need to be allied with strength. Very good for brazing and soldering, but limited machining capabilities.

Fire extinguisher bodies, lamp caps, hinges, flashlight cases.

CZ108

HALF-HARD

Common' brass

sheet, plate, bar, tube, sections

General purpose brass with good ductility for bending and simple presswork. Good for brazing and soldering, but limited machining capabilities.

Instrument covers and containers, radiator tanks.

CZ112

Naval brass

plate, bar

The addition of tin greatly improves corrosion resistance, especially in sea water. Good ductility if hot formed. Good for brazing and soldering, but with limited machining capabilities.

Marine and underwater equipment.

CZ114

High tensile brass (formerly manganese bronze)

bar

Combines high strenth with good corrosion resistance. Good ductility only if hot formed, good for soldering and brazing. Good machining capabilities.

Heavy engineering, shipbuilding

CZ120

HARD

Leaded brass engraving quality (compo)

sheet

Good machining capabilities. Produces a good clean cut in the hard condition for close tolerances. Ductile only if hot formed. Good for brazing and soldering.

Gears, clock parts, engraved plates.

CZ121-Pb3

Free machining brass (CZ121-Pb4 for increased machining speeds)

bar, hollow bar & sections

Excellent high speed machining capabilities, but with limited cold working properties. Good for soldering and brazing.

Machined components such as screws, nut & bolts. Architectural sections.

CZ126

HALF-HARD, HARD

70/30 arsenical brass

tube

General purpose brass with the addition of arsenic to reduce corrosion.

Condensers, heat exchangers, sanitary fittings.

CZ131

Rivetting quality brass (supersedes CZ119)

bar

High copper content improves ductility, whilst reduced lead content still retains limited machining properties. Excellent for soldering. Good for brazing.

Cold heading products, rivets, screws, trye gauges.

PB102

HARD

Wrought phosphor bronze

sheet, bar

High strength, good resistance to corrosion and corrosion fatigue make this grade suitable for components subject to friction. Limited machining capabilities.

Springs and instrument components.

CA104

Aluminium Bronze

bar

Addition of aluminium increases strength and greatly improves corrosion resistance. Good machining properties. Suitable for hot stamping. Readily welded via mig & tig.

Highly stresses bearings, and in the marine and chemical industries.

SAE660

Continuous cast leaded bronze

bar and cored bar

Suitable for unhardened shafts which are not subject to heavy side impact loads. Lead improves machining and plasticity. Will withstand some misalignment & short periods of inadequate lubrication.

Bearings for unhardened shafts.

PB1

Continuous cast phosphor bronze

bar and cored bar

The addition of tin improves corrosion resistance and strength. Designed for bearings running with hardened shafts where good lubrication and alignment are essential.

Bearings for hardened shafts.

LPB1

Continuous cast leaded phosphor bronze

bar and cored bar

The addition of lead increases plasticity & the reduction of tin lessens corrosion and abrasion resistance in this variant of PB1

Lower stressed bearings and fitting such as valves. Steam pressure fittings.

LB4

Continuous cast leaded bronze

bar and cored bar

Suitable for unhardened shafts which are not subject to heavy side impact loads. Lead improves machining and plasticity. Will withstand some misalignment & short periods of inadequate lubrication.

Bearings for unhardened shafts.

LG2

Continuous cast leaded gun metal

bar and cored bar

A good general alloy. Suitable where corrosion resistance and resonable bearing characteristics, but at a lower cost, are important.

Marine industry. Some water and steam fittings, intricate tight pressure castings.