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Copper Alloy C33500-H04

Supply condition

UNS C33500 · EN CW604N

H04 = full hard

Pick for flat stamped parts needing stiffness and clean blanking with only gentle forming.

High cost $$$$

Values for the H04 condition

Other C33500 tempers and conditions

C33500 is listed in 7 conditions; see the grade overview at C33500.

Compare all 7 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
Soft annealed
Pick for deep drawing, severe bending and spinning where maximum ductility is needed.1053156558 HB27 % IACS
Quarter hard
Pick when moderate stiffness is wanted but the part still needs 90° bends across the grain.27536543100 HB—
H02Default
Half hard
The standard stock temper: best all-round compromise of strength, bendability and light machining.34542023120 HB—
H04This page
Full hard
Pick for flat stamped parts needing stiffness and clean blanking with only gentle forming.39548510145 HB—
Extra hard
Pick for flat springs, clips and contacts where high yield strength beats formability.4255256155 HB—
Spring hard
Pick for light spring elements and washers requiring high elastic limit; bending only with large radii along grain.4505504165 HB—
Extra spring hard
Highest strength temper for thin strip springs and contacts; essentially no cold forming capability.4605653172 HB—

What is C33500-H04?

C33500-H04 is C33500 supplied in the H04 condition — pick for flat stamped parts needing stiffness and clean blanking with only gentle forming. C33500-H04 has a yield strength of 395 MPa (57.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 485 MPa (70.3 ksi) — stronger than 79% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 97 GPa (14.1 Msi). C33500-H04 has a density of 8.47 g/cm³ (0.306 lb/in³), lighter than 68% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 900°C (1,652 °F). H02 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; H04 is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Polishes to a fine finish — 85/100, better than 92% of copper alloy grades
  • High strength — 395 MPa (57.3 ksi), better than 79% of copper alloy grades
  • Easy to machine — 62/100, better than 75% of copper alloy grades

Limitations

  • Needs corrosion protection — 45/100, worse than 98% of copper alloy grades
  • Limited service temperature — 170°C (338 °F), worse than 92% of copper alloy grades
  • Low stiffness — 97 GPa (14.1 Msi), worse than 88% of copper alloy grades
  • Difficult to weld — 22/100, worse than 83% of copper alloy grades
  • Limited ductility — 10%, worse than 76% of copper alloy grades

C33500-H04 properties

Typical room-temperature values for C33500-H04; 12 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C33500 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.

Physical3

C33500-H04 has a density of 8.47 g/cm³ (0.306 lb/in³), lighter than 68% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 900°C (1,652 °F).

Density8.47 g/cm³0.31 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)900°C1,652 °F
Liquidus Temperature930°C1,706 °F

Mechanical12

C33500-H04 has a yield strength of 395 MPa (57.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 485 MPa (70.3 ksi) — stronger than 79% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 97 GPa (14.1 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus97 GPa14.1 Msi
Shear Modulus37 GPa5.4 Msi
Bulk Modulus110 GPa16 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.34
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)485 MPa70.3 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)395 MPa57.3 ksi
Elongation at Break10%
Shear Strength300 MPa43.5 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)160 MPa23.2 ksi
Hardness, Brinell145 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B78 HRB
Hardness, Vickers155 HV

Thermal6

C33500-H04 is rated for continuous service to 170°C (338 °F). It conducts heat at 115 W/m·K (66.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 61% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 20.3 µm/m·K (11.3 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity115 W/m·K66.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity380 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)20.3 µm/m·K11.3 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion160 J/g68.8 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)170°C338 °F
Min Service Temperature-200°C-328 °F

Electrical3

C33500-H04 conducts electricity at 26 % IACS, better than 63% of copper alloy grades.

Electrical Conductivity26 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity6.6×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.6 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is fair (45/100), worse than 98% of copper alloy grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.26 V
Corrosion ResistanceFair45/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood in fresh water, atmosphere and most neutral organics; poor with ammonia/amines (SCC), oxidizing acids, sulfides and high-chloride or stagnant waters (dezincification).

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of C33500-H04 takes about 58 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — more than 61% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 65%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)58 MJ/kg24,936 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)3.6 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water250 L/kg30 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content65%

Manufacturability7

C33500-H04's machinability is good (62/100, better than 75% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (22/100); formability fair (50/100).

MachinabilityGood62/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)105%
WeldabilityPoor22/100
Formability (cold)Fair50/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityVery good80/100
PolishabilityExcellent85/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — copper alloy; finished by lacquer, electroplating (Ni/Cr) or chemical antique/patina, not anodizing

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with C33500-H04

Is C33500 easy to machine?

Machines well with sharp positive-rake carbide or HSS tools and light emulsion; chips are semi-continuous — expect ~50–60 % of the feed rates used on C36000.

Can C33500 be welded?

Not suited to fusion welding (lead-induced hot cracking and zinc fume); join by soft soldering, silver brazing, riveting or crimping with good ventilation.

Can C33500 be formed, bent or molded?

Excellent in O60/H01 for deep drawing and 90° bends; interstage anneal at 425–600 °C, and stress-relieve cold-formed parts at 250–300 °C to avoid season cracking.

What surface finishes work on C33500?

Polishes and buffs to a bright yellow finish; readily nickel/chrome/gold plated or lacquered — no anodizing; avoid ammonia-based cleaners.

C33500 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Cuincludes Ag62 – 6563.5
Pb0.25 – 0.70.5
Fe≤ 0.15—
Znremainder, nominally ~36 %balance—

C33500-H04 — frequently asked

What is C33500-H04 used for?

C33500-H04 is typically used for hardware, stamped and machined fittings and electrical components. In short: formable low-lead brass; stamping plus light machining; between C27400 and C36000.

What is the yield strength of C33500-H04?

C33500-H04 has a typical yield strength of 395 MPa (57.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 485 MPa (70.3 ksi) — stronger than 79% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.

Is C33500-H04 easy to machine?

Reasonably — machinability is rated good (62/100, better than 75% of copper alloy grades). Machines well with sharp positive-rake carbide or HSS tools and light emulsion; chips are semi-continuous — expect ~50–60 % of the feed rates used on C36000.

Can C33500-H04 be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated poor (22/100). Not suited to fusion welding (lead-induced hot cracking and zinc fume); join by soft soldering, silver brazing, riveting or crimping with good ventilation.

What surface finishes work on C33500-H04?

Polishes and buffs to a bright yellow finish; readily nickel/chrome/gold plated or lacquered — no anodizing; avoid ammonia-based cleaners.

Can C33500-H04 be formed, bent or molded?

Excellent in O60/H01 for deep drawing and 90° bends; interstage anneal at 425–600 °C, and stress-relieve cold-formed parts at 250–300 °C to avoid season cracking.

What is the maximum service temperature of C33500-H04?

C33500-H04 is rated for continuous use to about 170°C (338 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between C33500-H02 and C33500-O60?

H02 is the default condition — the standard stock temper: best all-round compromise of strength, bendability and light machining. O60: pick for deep drawing, severe bending and spinning where maximum ductility is needed. Yield strength is 345 MPa in H02 versus 105 MPa in O60.

Sources

  1. ASTM B121/B121M — Leaded Brass Plate, Sheet, Strip and Rolled Bar — ASTM International (2020)
  2. ASTM B36/B36M — Brass Plate, Sheet, Strip and Rolled Bar — ASTM International (2018)
  3. CDA Alloy Database — C33500 Low-Leaded Brass — Copper Development Association (2023)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  5. EN 1652 / EN 12164 wrought leaded brass designations (CW6xxN) — CEN (2016)

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.