Copper Alloy C36600
UNS C36600 · ASTM B121
C36600 is a low-lead Muntz metal — a nominally 60/40 copper–zinc alpha–beta brass supplied under ASTM B121 in M20, M30, O61, H01 and H02 tempers.
Reference datasheet — C36600 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the M20 condition
C36600 tempers and conditions
C36600 is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard. M20 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Use when maximum ductility is needed for bending or when residual stress must be removed before machining. | 125 | 345 | 50 | 70 HB | 28 % IACS |
M20Default As hot rolled | Standard supply condition for ASTM B171 condenser and heat-exchanger tube plate; best combination of strength and drillability. | 138 | 372 | 45 | 80 HB | 28 % IACS |
As hot extruded | Pick for extruded bar, rod or sections that will be machined rather than formed. | 145 | 365 | 40 | 80 HB | 28 % IACS |
Quarter hard | Light cold reduction for higher yield strength in thin plate and strip where only mild forming follows. | 275 | 420 | 25 | 110 HB | 27 % IACS |
Half hard | Highest practical strength condition for this alloy; for flat parts machined or only slightly bent. | 350 | 470 | 15 | 130 HB | 27 % IACS |
What is C36600?
C36600 is a low-lead Muntz metal — a nominally 60/40 copper–zinc alpha–beta brass supplied under ASTM B121 in M20, M30, O61, H01 and H02 tempers. Engineers select it where moderate machinability is needed together with the strength and corrosion resistance typical of 60/40 brass: 372 MPa tensile, 138 MPa yield, 45% elongation, 80 HB and 28% IACS, with service to 200 °C. It cannot be fusion welded, and the beta phase restricts cold forming; C36700 or C36800 are the nearer choices when machinability is the deciding factor. C36600 has a density of 8.41 g/cm³ (0.304 lb/in³), lighter than 72% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 885°C (1,625 °F). C36600 has a yield strength of 138 MPa (20 ksi) and a tensile strength of 372 MPa (54 ksi) — weaker than 76% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 45% and the elastic modulus is 105 GPa (15.2 Msi).
What is C36600 used for?
- Architectural trim
- Valve stems
- Condenser hardware
Advantages
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 45%, better than 91% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 138 MPa (20 ksi), worse than 76% of copper alloy grades
C36600 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C36600-M20; bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C36600 has a density of 8.41 g/cm³ (0.304 lb/in³), lighter than 72% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 885°C (1,625 °F).
Mechanical11
C36600 has a yield strength of 138 MPa (20 ksi) and a tensile strength of 372 MPa (54 ksi) — weaker than 76% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 45% and the elastic modulus is 105 GPa (15.2 Msi).
Thermal6
C36600 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 123 W/m·K (71.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 70% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 20.8 µm/m·K (11.6 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C36600 conducts electricity at 28 % IACS, better than 69% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), worse than 86% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C36600 takes about 62 MJ of energy and emits 3.8 kg of CO₂ — more than 76% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 55%.
Manufacturability7
C36600's machinability is good (60/100, better than 74% of copper alloy grades); weldability fair (40/100); formability poor (30/100).
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. C36600 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with C36600
Is C36600 easy to machine?
Free-machining enough for gang-drilling tube-plate hole patterns; use sharp carbide or HSS tools, 0–5° rake, generous coolant — chips are short but stringier than C36000.
Can C36600 be welded?
Fusion welding is not recommended (lead causes hot cracking and zinc fumes); join by soldering or silver brazing, with fume extraction.
Can C36600 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent hot working at 650–760 °C; cold forming limited by the β phase — anneal at 425–600 °C and avoid tight bend radii.
C36600 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cu | 58 – 61 | 59.5 |
| Pbmachinability addition | 0.25 – 0.7 | 0.45 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Asdezincification inhibitor | 0.02 – 0.1 | 0.05 |
| Zn | balance |
What surface finishes work on C36600?
Takes a good mechanical polish and accepts nickel/tin/chrome plating; a light acid pickle removes hot-rolling oxide, and stress-relief annealing reduces ammonia SCC risk.
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).
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Copper Alloy C36600 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- ASTM
- B121
How much does C36600 cost?
C36600 is a high-cost copper alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% 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.
C36600 — frequently asked
What is C36600 used for?
C36600 is typically used for architectural trim, valve stems and condenser hardware. In short: low-lead Muntz metal; 60/40 strength, moderate machining; strong hot workability.
What is the yield strength of C36600?
C36600 has a typical yield strength of 138 MPa (20 ksi) and a tensile strength of 372 MPa (54 ksi) — weaker than 76% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is C36600 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (60/100, better than 74% of copper alloy grades). Free-machining enough for gang-drilling tube-plate hole patterns; use sharp carbide or HSS tools, 0–5° rake, generous coolant — chips are short but stringier than C36000.
Can C36600 be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (40/100). Fusion welding is not recommended (lead causes hot cracking and zinc fumes); join by soldering or silver brazing, with fume extraction.
What surface finishes work on C36600?
Takes a good mechanical polish and accepts nickel/tin/chrome plating; a light acid pickle removes hot-rolling oxide, and stress-relief annealing reduces ammonia SCC risk.
Can C36600 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent hot working at 650–760 °C; cold forming limited by the β phase — anneal at 425–600 °C and avoid tight bend radii.
What is the maximum service temperature of C36600?
C36600 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 C36600-M20 and C36600-H02?
M20 is the default condition — standard supply condition for ASTM B171 condenser and heat-exchanger tube plate; best combination of strength and drillability. H02: highest practical strength condition for this alloy; for flat parts machined or only slightly bent. Yield strength is 138 MPa in M20 versus 350 MPa in H02.
How much does C36600 cost?
C36600 is a high-cost copper alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% 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.
Sources
- ASTM B171/B171M — Copper-Alloy Plate and Sheet for Pressure Vessels, Condensers, and Heat Exchangers — ASTM International (2018)
- ASTM B121/B121M — Leaded Brass Plate, Sheet, Strip and Rolled Bar — ASTM International (2020)
- CDA Alloy Datasheet C36500–C36800 (Leaded Muntz Metal) — Copper Development Association (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
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.