Copper Alloy C38500-H01
Supply condition
UNS C38500 · ASTM B455 · EN CuZn39Pb3, CW608N
H01 = quarter hard
Light draw for improved straightness, size tolerance and surface on rod without losing much ductility.
Values for the H01 condition
Other C38500 tempers and conditions
C38500 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at C38500.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Soft annealed | Choose when maximum ductility for light bending or crimping of extruded sections is needed. | 130 | 380 | 40 | 85 HB | 27 % IACS |
As ExtrudedDefault hot extruded / hot rolled, no cold work | Standard supply condition for architectural shapes, door/window sections and general machined parts. | 170 | 415 | 30 | 100 HB | 27 % IACS |
H01This page Quarter hard | Light draw for improved straightness, size tolerance and surface on rod without losing much ductility. | 250 | 440 | 22 | 115 HB | 26 % IACS |
Half hard | Cold-drawn condition for CNC turning stock and load-bearing hardware needing higher yield strength. | 340 | 470 | 15 | 130 HB | — |
Full hard | Maximum strength and stiffness for small-diameter rod, wire and screw stock; very limited bending. | 415 | 540 | 8 | 150 HB | 26 % IACS |
What is C38500-H01?
C38500-H01 is C38500 supplied in the H01 condition — light draw for improved straightness, size tolerance and surface on rod without losing much ductility. C38500-H01 has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) — stronger than 54% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 97 GPa (14.1 Msi). C38500-H01 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). As Extruded is the default condition FabDigit quotes; H01 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 92/100, better than 99% of copper alloy grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 85/100, better than 92% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 150°C (302 °F), worse than 96% of copper alloy grades
- Low stiffness — 97 GPa (14.1 Msi), worse than 88% of copper alloy grades
- Difficult to weld — 20/100, worse than 88% of copper alloy grades
C38500-H01 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C38500-H01; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C38500 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C38500-H01 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).
Mechanical14
C38500-H01 has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) — stronger than 54% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 97 GPa (14.1 Msi).
Thermal6
C38500-H01 is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 121 W/m·K (69.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 68% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 20.9 µm/m·K (11.6 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C38500-H01 conducts electricity at 26 % IACS, better than 63% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (54/100), worse than 91% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C38500-H01 takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 72% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 80%.
Manufacturability8
C38500-H01's machinability is excellent (92/100, better than 99% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (20/100); formability poor (25/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with C38500-H01
Is C38500 easy to machine?
Outstanding free-machining behaviour: high speeds, 0° to slightly negative rake, chip-breaking lead phase, minimal tool wear — a benchmark alloy for high-volume turning.
Can C38500 be welded?
Not recommended for fusion welding (lead embrittles the weld); join by soft soldering or silver brazing with low-heat input, or use mechanical fasteners.
Can C38500 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent hot extrusion and hot forging (650–750 °C); cold bending/forming is poor — design for extruded profiles rather than cold work.
What surface finishes work on C38500?
Buffs to a bright gold colour; commonly given statuary/oxidized chemical finishes, satin brushing plus clear lacquer, or Ni/Cr/PVD plating — no anodizing.
C38500 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CuCuZn39Pb3/CW614N is narrower: 57.0–59.0 | 55 – 59 | 57 |
| Pbfree-machining phase | 2.5 – 3.5 | 3 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.35 | — |
| Znremainder, nominally ~40% | balance | — |
C38500-H01 — frequently asked
What is C38500-H01 used for?
C38500-H01 is typically used for architectural extrusions, decorative trims and hinges. In short: decorative brass; golden finish.
What is the yield strength of C38500-H01?
C38500-H01 has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) — stronger than 54% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is C38500-H01 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (92/100, better than 99% of copper alloy grades). Outstanding free-machining behaviour: high speeds, 0° to slightly negative rake, chip-breaking lead phase, minimal tool wear — a benchmark alloy for high-volume turning.
Can C38500-H01 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (20/100). Not recommended for fusion welding (lead embrittles the weld); join by soft soldering or silver brazing with low-heat input, or use mechanical fasteners.
What surface finishes work on C38500-H01?
Buffs to a bright gold colour; commonly given statuary/oxidized chemical finishes, satin brushing plus clear lacquer, or Ni/Cr/PVD plating — no anodizing.
Can C38500-H01 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent hot extrusion and hot forging (650–750 °C); cold bending/forming is poor — design for extruded profiles rather than cold work.
What is the maximum service temperature of C38500-H01?
C38500-H01 is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between C38500 As Extruded and C38500-H04?
As Extruded is the default condition — standard supply condition for architectural shapes, door/window sections and general machined parts. H04: maximum strength and stiffness for small-diameter rod, wire and screw stock; very limited bending. Yield strength is 170 MPa in As Extruded versus 415 MPa in H04.
Can FabDigit make parts in C38500-H01?
Yes — C38500-H01 is available for CNC machining; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM B455 — Copper Alloy (UNS C38000/C38500) Extruded Shapes and Bars — ASTM (2020)
- EN 12164/12165 — Copper and copper alloys, rod and forging stock (CW614N, CuZn39Pb3) — CEN (2016)
- C38500 Architectural Bronze alloy datasheet — Copper Development Association (copper.org) (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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.