Copper Alloy C36000
UNS C36000 · ASTM B16 · EN CuZn36Pb3, CW603N · JIS C3604 · GB HPb59, HPb59-1
C36000 is the leaded free-cutting brass of the wrought Cu-Zn family (about 61.5 % Cu, 3 % Pb, balance Zn), sold as CW614N, CuZn39Pb3, C3604 and HPb59-1, and it defines the 100 % machinability rating used for all other alloys.
Values for the H02 condition
C36000 tempers and conditions
C36000 is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard. H02 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As hot extruded | Large-diameter rod/hex as extruded; softest commercial condition, best for subsequent hot forging. | 125 | 340 | 45 | 85 HB | 27 % IACS |
Soft annealed | Choose when maximum ductility for bending/staking is needed and chip control is less critical. | 130 | 330 | 50 | 80 HB | 27 % IACS |
Quarter hard | Intermediate draw for parts that still need some bending or riveting after machining. | 250 | 360 | 30 | 100 HB | 26 % IACS |
H02Default Half hard | Default screw-machine stock: best combination of straightness, tolerance, chip breaking and strength. | 310 | 385 | 22 | 115 HB | 26 % IACS |
Full hard | Small-diameter rod/wire needing maximum strength and stiffness; very limited ductility. | 400 | 470 | 12 | 140 HB | 25 % IACS |
What is C36000?
C36000 is the leaded free-cutting brass of the wrought Cu-Zn family (about 61.5 % Cu, 3 % Pb, balance Zn), sold as CW614N, CuZn39Pb3, C3604 and HPb59-1, and it defines the 100 % machinability rating used for all other alloys. Engineers specify it for high-volume turning on CNC lathes and multi-spindle screw machines in rod, hex, square and hollow bar, with H02 properties of 310 MPa yield, 385 MPa tensile, 22 % elongation, 115 HB and 26 % IACS. Limits are the lead content (restricted by RoHS and drinking-water rules), poor cold forming and fusion welding, and susceptibility to dezincification and stress-corrosion cracking in ammonia or high-chloride media. Where lead is not permitted, move to a low-lead or silicon brass. C36000 has a density of 8.5 g/cm³ (0.307 lb/in³), lighter than 65% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 885°C (1,625 °F). C36000 has a yield strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) and a tensile strength of 385 MPa (55.8 ksi) — stronger than 64% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 97 GPa (14.1 Msi).
What is C36000 used for?
- CNC turned threaded parts and fasteners
- Hydraulic and pneumatic fittings
- Valve stems and valve cores
- Plumbing adapters and manifolds
- Hex nuts and threaded inserts
- Gas and water meter bodies
- Electrical terminals and connector shells
- Instrument and lamp hardware
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 100/100, better than 100% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Low stiffness — 97 GPa (14.1 Msi), worse than 88% of copper alloy grades
- Difficult to weld — 20/100, worse than 88% of copper alloy grades
C36000 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C36000-H02; bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C36000 has a density of 8.5 g/cm³ (0.307 lb/in³), lighter than 65% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 885°C (1,625 °F).
Mechanical14
C36000 has a yield strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) and a tensile strength of 385 MPa (55.8 ksi) — stronger than 64% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 97 GPa (14.1 Msi).
Thermal6
C36000 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °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 20.5 µm/m·K (11.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C36000 conducts electricity at 26 % IACS, better than 63% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (53/100), worse than 92% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C36000 takes about 58 MJ of energy and emits 3.8 kg of CO₂ — more than 61% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 80%.
Manufacturability8
C36000's machinability is excellent (100/100, better than 100% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (20/100); formability poor (25/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the copper alloy family
Yield strength against density for every copper alloy grade FabDigit runs. C36000 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with C36000
Is C36000 easy to machine?
The industry machinability benchmark — run high speeds with 0° or negative rake, sharp carbide/HSS, light oil or straight coolant; chips break into short crumbs and tool life is exceptional.
Can C36000 be welded?
Fusion welding is not recommended (lead cracking, zinc fume); join by soft soldering or silver brazing with adequate ventilation.
Can C36000 be formed, bent or molded?
Hot forge/extrude at 650–750 °C with excellent flow; cold bending, staking and roll-forming are poor because of the leaded α+β structure.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to C36000. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Excellent100 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | N.4 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 250 / 300 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.5 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 8× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 0.8 / 0.4 µm |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
C36000 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CuASTM B16 | 60 – 63 | 61.5 |
| Pbfree-machining additive | 2.5 – 3.7 | 3 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.35 | 0.15 |
| SnFe+Sn combined max 0.35 in some specs | ≤ 0.35 | |
| Znremainder ≈ 35.5% | balance |
What surface finishes work on C36000?
Takes bright buffing, nickel/chrome plating and clear lacquer well; pickle or deburr to remove smeared lead before plating, and stress-relieve (~275 °C) to avoid season cracking.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on copper alloy parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Passivation
Plating
Organic Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Copper Alloy C36000 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- ASTM
- B16
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- CuZn36Pb3CW603N2.0375CW614NCuZn39Pb3
- GB (China)
- HPb59HPb59-1HPb63-3
- JIS
- C3604
- Also called
- Free-Cutting BrassFree Machining Brass
How much does C36000 cost?
C36000 is a premium-cost copper alloy ($$$), cheaper than about 58% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
C36000 — frequently asked
What is C36000 used for?
C36000 is typically used for CNC turned threaded parts and fasteners, hydraulic and pneumatic fittings, valve stems and valve cores, plumbing adapters and manifolds, hex nuts and threaded inserts and gas and water meter bodies. In short: fastest machining brass.
What is the yield strength of C36000?
C36000 has a typical yield strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) and a tensile strength of 385 MPa (55.8 ksi) — stronger than 64% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is C36000 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (100/100, better than 100% of copper alloy grades). The industry machinability benchmark — run high speeds with 0° or negative rake, sharp carbide/HSS, light oil or straight coolant; chips break into short crumbs and tool life is exceptional.
Can C36000 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (20/100). Fusion welding is not recommended (lead cracking, zinc fume); join by soft soldering or silver brazing with adequate ventilation.
What surface finishes work on C36000?
Takes bright buffing, nickel/chrome plating and clear lacquer well; pickle or deburr to remove smeared lead before plating, and stress-relieve (~275 °C) to avoid season cracking.
Can C36000 be formed, bent or molded?
Hot forge/extrude at 650–750 °C with excellent flow; cold bending, staking and roll-forming are poor because of the leaded α+β structure.
What is the maximum service temperature of C36000?
C36000 is rated for continuous use to about 200°C (392 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between C36000-H02 and C36000-M30?
H02 is the default condition — default screw-machine stock: best combination of straightness, tolerance, chip breaking and strength. M30: large-diameter rod/hex as extruded; softest commercial condition, best for subsequent hot forging. Yield strength is 310 MPa in H02 versus 125 MPa in M30.
How much does C36000 cost?
C36000 is a premium-cost copper alloy ($$$), cheaper than about 58% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in C36000?
Yes — C36000 is available for CNC machining with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM B16/B16M — Free-Cutting Brass Rod, Bar and Shapes — ASTM International (2019)
- CDA Alloy C36000 property datasheet — Copper Development Association (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties of Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- EN 12164 CuZn36Pb3 (CW603N) — CEN (2016)
- GB/T 4423 (HPb59-1) — SAC (2020)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.