Copper Alloy C36000-O60
Temper
UNS C36000 · ASTM B16 · EN CuZn36Pb3, CW603N · JIS C3604 · GB HPb59, HPb59-1
O60 = soft annealed
Choose when maximum ductility for bending/staking is needed and chip control is less critical.
Values for the O60 condition
Other C36000 tempers and conditions
C36000 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at C36000.
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 |
O60This page 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-O60?
C36000-O60 is C36000 in the O60 temper — choose when maximum ductility for bending/staking is needed and chip control is less critical. C36000-O60 has a yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) — weaker than 77% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 50% and the elastic modulus is 97 GPa (14.1 Msi). C36000-O60 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). H02 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; O60 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 90/100, better than 98% of copper alloy grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 50%, better than 97% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- 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
- Low strength — 130 MPa (18.9 ksi), worse than 77% of copper alloy grades
C36000-O60 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C36000-O60; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C36000 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C36000-O60 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-O60 has a yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) — weaker than 77% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 50% and the elastic modulus is 97 GPa (14.1 Msi).
Thermal6
C36000-O60 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 116 W/m·K (67 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 64% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 20.5 µm/m·K (11.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C36000-O60 conducts electricity at 27 % IACS, better than 67% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (57/100), worse than 80% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C36000-O60 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-O60's machinability is excellent (90/100, better than 98% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (22/100); formability fair (45/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with C36000-O60
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.
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.
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 | — |
C36000-O60 — frequently asked
What is C36000-O60 used for?
C36000-O60 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-O60?
C36000-O60 has a typical yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) — weaker than 77% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is C36000-O60 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (90/100, better than 98% 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-O60 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (22/100). 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-O60?
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-O60 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-O60?
C36000-O60 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.
Can FabDigit make parts in C36000-O60?
Yes — C36000-O60 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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.