Copper Alloy C38000-M30
Temper · default condition
UNS C38000 · EN CW624N
M30 = as hot extruded
Standard stocking condition for architectural shapes, rod and bar — best combination of formability for hot bending and machinability.
Values for the M30 condition
Other C38000 tempers and conditions
C38000 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at C38000.
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 |
M30DefaultThis page 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-M30?
C38000-M30 is C38000 in the M30 temper — standard stocking condition for architectural shapes, rod and bar — best combination of formability for hot bending and machinability. C38000-M30 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). C38000-M30 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).
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-M30 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C38000-M30; 11 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C38000 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C38000-M30 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-M30 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-M30 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-M30 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-M30 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-M30'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. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with C38000-M30
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.
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.
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 | — |
C38000-M30 — frequently asked
What is C38000-M30 used for?
C38000-M30 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-M30?
C38000-M30 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-M30 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-M30 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-M30?
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-M30 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-M30?
C38000-M30 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.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.