Copper Alloy C31400-O60
Temper
UNS C31400 · ASTM B140
O60 = soft annealed
Choose for maximum ductility when parts are cold headed, deep drawn, bent or heavily staked after forming.
Values for the O60 condition
Other C31400 tempers and conditions
C31400 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at C31400.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
O60This page Soft annealed | Choose for maximum ductility when parts are cold headed, deep drawn, bent or heavily staked after forming. | 90 | 255 | 45 | 55 HB | 43 % IACS |
Quarter hard | Intermediate temper when moderate strength must be combined with some remaining bend ductility. | 195 | 305 | 28 | 85 HB | 43 % IACS |
H02Default Half hard | The standard stock temper for automatic screw-machine rod — best balance of chip control, straightness and strength. | 240 | 345 | 20 | 100 HB | 42 % IACS |
Full hard | Pick for maximum strength, stiffness in bending and wear resistance in threaded or spring-loaded hardware; little bend ductility left. | 340 | 415 | 10 | 125 HB | 41 % IACS |
Extra hard | Heavily cold-worked strip and wire where peak hardness and spring-back are wanted and no forming follows. | 400 | 455 | 6 | 140 HB | 41 % IACS |
What is C31400-O60?
C31400-O60 is C31400 in the O60 temper — choose for maximum ductility when parts are cold headed, deep drawn, bent or heavily staked after forming. C31400-O60 has a yield strength of 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) — weaker than 88% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 45% and the elastic modulus is 117 GPa (17 Msi). C31400-O60 has a density of 8.83 g/cm³ (0.319 lb/in³), heavier than 65% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 1,010°C (1,850 °F). H02 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; O60 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 45%, better than 91% of copper alloy grades
- Forms and bends easily — 90/100, better than 89% of copper alloy grades
- Easy to machine — 72/100, better than 79% of copper alloy grades
- Conducts heat well — 183 W/m·K (105.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 76% of copper alloy grades
- High electrical conductivity — 43 % IACS, better than 75% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 90 MPa (13.1 ksi), worse than 88% of copper alloy grades
- Difficult to weld — 25/100, worse than 78% of copper alloy grades
C31400-O60 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C31400-O60; 14 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C31400 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C31400-O60 has a density of 8.83 g/cm³ (0.319 lb/in³), heavier than 65% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 1,010°C (1,850 °F).
Mechanical12
C31400-O60 has a yield strength of 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) — weaker than 88% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 45% and the elastic modulus is 117 GPa (17 Msi).
Thermal6
C31400-O60 is rated for continuous service to 250°C (482 °F). It conducts heat at 183 W/m·K (105.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 76% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 18.4 µm/m·K (10.2 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C31400-O60 conducts electricity at 43 % IACS, better than 75% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (62/100), worse than 57% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C31400-O60 takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 72% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 45%.
Manufacturability8
C31400-O60's machinability is very good (72/100, better than 79% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (25/100); formability excellent (90/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with C31400-O60
Is C31400 easy to machine?
Excellent free-cutting behaviour (≈80% of C36000): use high positive rake carbide or HSS, 200–400 m/min, light oil or emulsion; lead gives short broken chips and long tool life.
Can C31400 be welded?
Not recommended for fusion welding (lead causes hot cracking); join by soft soldering or silver brazing, which it takes very well.
Can C31400 be formed, bent or molded?
Anneal to O60 for cold heading, drawing and severe bends; H02/H04 tempers are limited to gentle bends of 1–2 t radius.
What surface finishes work on C31400?
Takes bright polishing, nickel/chrome, tin and gold plating readily; lacquer or benzotriazole treatment prevents tarnish — no anodizing.
C31400 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| CuCu + named elements ≥ 99.5% | 87.5 – 90.5 | 89 |
| Pbfree-machining additive | 1.3 – 2.5 | 1.8 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Zn | balance | — |
C31400-O60 — frequently asked
What is C31400-O60 used for?
C31400-O60 is typically used for hinges, screws, hardware fittings and builders' hardware. In short: free-cutting commercial bronze; 80 % of C36000 machinability; not fusion weldable.
What is the yield strength of C31400-O60?
C31400-O60 has a typical yield strength of 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) — weaker than 88% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is C31400-O60 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (72/100, better than 79% of copper alloy grades). Excellent free-cutting behaviour (≈80% of C36000): use high positive rake carbide or HSS, 200–400 m/min, light oil or emulsion; lead gives short broken chips and long tool life.
Can C31400-O60 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (25/100). Not recommended for fusion welding (lead causes hot cracking); join by soft soldering or silver brazing, which it takes very well.
What surface finishes work on C31400-O60?
Takes bright polishing, nickel/chrome, tin and gold plating readily; lacquer or benzotriazole treatment prevents tarnish — no anodizing.
Can C31400-O60 be formed, bent or molded?
Anneal to O60 for cold heading, drawing and severe bends; H02/H04 tempers are limited to gentle bends of 1–2 t radius.
What is the maximum service temperature of C31400-O60?
C31400-O60 is rated for continuous use to about 250°C (482 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between C31400-H02 and C31400-H06?
H02 is the default condition — the standard stock temper for automatic screw-machine rod — best balance of chip control, straightness and strength. H06: heavily cold-worked strip and wire where peak hardness and spring-back are wanted and no forming follows. Yield strength is 240 MPa in H02 versus 400 MPa in H06.
Sources
- ASTM B140/B140M — Copper-Zinc-Lead (Leaded Red Brass or Hardware Bronze) Rod, Bar and Shapes — ASTM International (2019)
- CDA/UNS C31400 alloy datasheet (copper.org Alloy Database) — Copper Development Association (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASTM B36/B36M — Brass Plate, Sheet, Strip and Rolled Bar — ASTM International (2018)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.