Copper Alloy C38000
UNS C38000 · EN CW624N
C38000 is a high-strength leaded brass extrusion alloy in the wrought brass series (C20000–C49999), also designated CW624N, with a higher zinc content that supports long architectural sections.
Reference datasheet — C38000 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 M30 condition
C38000 tempers and conditions
C38000 is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard. M30 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Soft annealed | Choose when maximum ductility is needed for bending, coining or upset heading of extruded stock. | 125 | 340 | 45 | 78 HB | 27 % IACS |
M30Default As hot extruded | Standard stocking condition for architectural shapes, rod and bar — best combination of formability for hot bending and machinability. | 140 | 415 | 30 | 100 HB | 27 % IACS |
As hot rolled | Hot-worked plate, flat bar and forgings; slightly softer and more ductile than as-extruded product. | 140 | 380 | 35 | 90 HB | 27 % IACS |
Quarter hard | Light draw pass on rod/bar for tighter tolerance, straightness and a modest strength increase. | 275 | 450 | 20 | 130 HB | 26 % IACS |
Half hard | Cold-drawn rod/bar for screw-machine parts and threaded fittings needing higher yield and better chip control. | 350 | 495 | 12 | 150 HB | 26 % IACS |
What is C38000?
C38000 is a high-strength leaded brass extrusion alloy in the wrought brass series (C20000–C49999), also designated CW624N, with a higher zinc content that supports long architectural sections. It is specified for extruded profiles and machined fittings: the default temper gives 140 MPa yield, 415 MPa tensile, 30% elongation, 100 HB, 27% IACS conductivity, a 200 °C maximum service temperature and a machinability score of 88 — about 90% of C36000. Cold bending and heading are limited by the beta phase, and the lead content rules out fusion welding. C38000 has a density of 8.47 g/cm³ (0.306 lb/in³), lighter than 68% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 875°C (1,607 °F). C38000 has a yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) — weaker than 74% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 30% and the elastic modulus is 97 GPa (14.1 Msi).
What is C38000 used for?
- architectural extrusions
- hardware
- machined fittings
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 88/100, better than 96% of copper alloy grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 30%, better than 75% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Needs corrosion protection — 45/100, worse than 98% of copper alloy grades
- Difficult to weld — 15/100, worse than 94% of copper alloy grades
- Low stiffness — 97 GPa (14.1 Msi), worse than 88% of copper alloy grades
C38000 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C38000-M30; bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C38000 has a density of 8.47 g/cm³ (0.306 lb/in³), lighter than 68% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 875°C (1,607 °F).
Mechanical13
C38000 has a yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) — weaker than 74% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 30% and the elastic modulus is 97 GPa (14.1 Msi).
Thermal6
C38000 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 20.9 µm/m·K (11.6 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C38000 conducts electricity at 27 % IACS, better than 67% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (45/100), worse than 98% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C38000 takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 3.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 72% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 75%.
Manufacturability7
C38000's machinability is excellent (88/100, better than 96% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (15/100); 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. C38000 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with C38000
Is C38000 easy to machine?
Excellent free-cutting behaviour (≈90 % of C36000): use zero-to-negative rake carbide or HSS, high speeds, light feeds, and expect short broken chips; keep lead swarf segregated for recycling.
Can C38000 be welded?
Fusion welding is not recommended (lead-induced hot cracking and zinc fume); join by soldering, brazing with low-temperature silver filler, or mechanical fastening.
Can C38000 be formed, bent or molded?
Outstanding hot extrusion and hot bending at 650–750 °C; cold bending/heading is limited by the β phase — anneal or use O60 stock for tight radii.
C38000 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 | 55 – 60 | 57 |
| Pbfree-machining phase | 1.5 – 2.5 | 2 |
| Alextrusion/strength addition | ≤ 0.5 | 0.3 |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.35 | |
| Snimpurity limit | ≤ 0.3 | |
| Znremainder, ≈40 % | balance |
What surface finishes work on C38000?
Takes a bright mechanical polish and statuary/oxidized patinas readily; protect with clear lacquer or wax outdoors, and Cr/Ni electroplating adheres well over a copper strike.
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 C38000 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- CW624N
How much does C38000 cost?
C38000 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.
C38000 — frequently asked
What is C38000 used for?
C38000 is typically used for architectural extrusions, hardware and machined fittings. In short: top-machining extrusion brass; architectural section alloy; limited cold bending.
What is the yield strength of C38000?
C38000 has a typical yield strength of 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) — weaker than 74% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is C38000 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (88/100, better than 96% of copper alloy grades). Excellent free-cutting behaviour (≈90 % of C36000): use zero-to-negative rake carbide or HSS, high speeds, light feeds, and expect short broken chips; keep lead swarf segregated for recycling.
Can C38000 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (15/100). Fusion welding is not recommended (lead-induced hot cracking and zinc fume); join by soldering, brazing with low-temperature silver filler, or mechanical fastening.
What surface finishes work on C38000?
Takes a bright mechanical polish and statuary/oxidized patinas readily; protect with clear lacquer or wax outdoors, and Cr/Ni electroplating adheres well over a copper strike.
Can C38000 be formed, bent or molded?
Outstanding hot extrusion and hot bending at 650–750 °C; cold bending/heading is limited by the β phase — anneal or use O60 stock for tight radii.
What is the maximum service temperature of C38000?
C38000 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 C38000-M30 and C38000-H02?
M30 is the default condition — standard stocking condition for architectural shapes, rod and bar — best combination of formability for hot bending and machinability. H02: cold-drawn rod/bar for screw-machine parts and threaded fittings needing higher yield and better chip control. Yield strength is 140 MPa in M30 versus 350 MPa in H02.
How much does C38000 cost?
C38000 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 B455 — Copper-Zinc-Lead Alloy (Leaded Brass) Extruded Shapes — ASTM International (2020)
- ASTM B249 — General Requirements for Wrought Copper and Copper-Alloy Rod, Bar, Shapes and Forgings — ASTM International (2021)
- CDA Alloy Database — C38000 Architectural Bronze — Copper Development Association (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- EN 12167 / EN 12164 — Copper and copper alloys, profiles and rods for general purposes — CEN (2016)
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.