Copper Alloy C36800
UNS C36800 · ASTM B121
C36800 is the highest-lead Muntz metal in the series, an alpha–beta 60/40 copper–zinc brass supplied to ASTM B121 in M20, M30, O61 and H01 tempers.
Reference datasheet — C36800 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
C36800 tempers and conditions
C36800 is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. M20 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Softest condition, used when maximum ductility for bending or expanding is needed. | 115 | 340 | 52 | 80 HB | 28 % IACS |
M20Default As hot rolled | Standard condition for condenser tube sheets and heavy plate per ASTM B171. | 140 | 370 | 45 | 100 HB | 28 % IACS |
As hot extruded | Choose for screw-machine rod and extruded shapes where free-cutting behaviour matters. | 160 | 380 | 40 | 105 HB | 28 % IACS |
Quarter hard | Light cold work for straighter, stiffer bar or plate where some strength gain is wanted; cold ductility of the α+β structure is limited. | 250 | 420 | 25 | 125 HB | 27 % IACS |
What is C36800?
C36800 is the highest-lead Muntz metal in the series, an alpha–beta 60/40 copper–zinc brass supplied to ASTM B121 in M20, M30, O61 and H01 tempers. Screw-machine shops use it for a machinability rating of 68 — about 60% of AISI 1212 — while retaining 370 MPa tensile, 140 MPa yield, 45% elongation, 100 HB and 28% IACS. Fusion welding is not possible and formability is modest (score 35); C36600 is the alternative where lead content must be kept lower. C36800 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). C36800 has a yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 370 MPa (53.7 ksi) — weaker than 74% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 45% and the elastic modulus is 105 GPa (15.2 Msi).
What is C36800 used for?
- Screw machine parts
- Valve stems
- Hardware fittings
Advantages
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 45%, better than 91% of copper alloy grades
- Easy to machine — 68/100, better than 77% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Difficult to weld — 25/100, worse than 78% of copper alloy grades
C36800 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C36800-M20; bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C36800 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
C36800 has a yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 370 MPa (53.7 ksi) — weaker than 74% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 45% and the elastic modulus is 105 GPa (15.2 Msi).
Thermal6
C36800 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
C36800 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 C36800 takes about 60 MJ of energy and emits 3.8 kg of CO₂ — more than 69% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 65%.
Manufacturability7
C36800's machinability is good (68/100, better than 77% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (25/100); formability fair (35/100).
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. C36800 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with C36800
Is C36800 easy to machine?
Free-cutting at ~60% of AISI 1212 — use positive-rake carbide or HSS brass geometry, high speed, light feed, sulfur-free coolant; chips break well thanks to the lead.
Can C36800 be welded?
Fusion welding is not recommended (lead causes hot cracking and porosity); join by soldering, silver brazing or mechanical means, and avoid ammonia-bearing fluxes.
Can C36800 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent hot workability at 650–800 °C (extrusion, forging, hot rolling); cold bending/forming is limited by the β phase and lead — anneal at 425–600 °C before severe cold work.
C36800 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 |
| Pbfree-machining addition | 0.25 – 0.7 | 0.45 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Pdezincification inhibitor | 0.02 – 0.1 | 0.05 |
| Zn | balance |
What surface finishes work on C36800?
Takes bright dip, mechanical polishing, tin/nickel/chrome plating and lacquering well; do not anodize — de-lead (fluoboric etch) before plating to avoid blistering.
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 C36800 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- ASTM
- B121
How much does C36800 cost?
C36800 is a premium-cost copper alloy ($$$), cheaper than about 51% 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.
C36800 — frequently asked
What is C36800 used for?
C36800 is typically used for screw machine parts, valve stems and hardware fittings. In short: best-machining Muntz metal; screw-machine 60/40 brass; high-lead free-cutting grade.
What is the yield strength of C36800?
C36800 has a typical yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 370 MPa (53.7 ksi) — weaker than 74% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is C36800 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (68/100, better than 77% of copper alloy grades). Free-cutting at ~60% of AISI 1212 — use positive-rake carbide or HSS brass geometry, high speed, light feed, sulfur-free coolant; chips break well thanks to the lead.
Can C36800 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (25/100). Fusion welding is not recommended (lead causes hot cracking and porosity); join by soldering, silver brazing or mechanical means, and avoid ammonia-bearing fluxes.
What surface finishes work on C36800?
Takes bright dip, mechanical polishing, tin/nickel/chrome plating and lacquering well; do not anodize — de-lead (fluoboric etch) before plating to avoid blistering.
Can C36800 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent hot workability at 650–800 °C (extrusion, forging, hot rolling); cold bending/forming is limited by the β phase and lead — anneal at 425–600 °C before severe cold work.
What is the maximum service temperature of C36800?
C36800 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 C36800-M20 and C36800-H01?
M20 is the default condition — standard condition for condenser tube sheets and heavy plate per ASTM B171. H01: light cold work for straighter, stiffer bar or plate where some strength gain is wanted; cold ductility of the α+β structure is limited. Yield strength is 140 MPa in M20 versus 250 MPa in H01.
How much does C36800 cost?
C36800 is a premium-cost copper alloy ($$$), cheaper than about 51% 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)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13B — Corrosion: Materials (copper alloys) — ASM International (2005)
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.