Copper Alloy C38500 · supply condition
Copper Alloy C38500-H04
Properties of the H04 condition, compared with the other C38500 tempers.
Maximum strength and stiffness for small-diameter rod, wire and screw stock; very limited bending.
What is C38500-H04?
C38500-H04 is C38500 supplied in the H04 condition — maximum strength and stiffness for small-diameter rod, wire and screw stock; very limited bending. C38500-H04 has a yield strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) — stronger than 82% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 97 GPa (14.1 Msi). C38500-H04 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; H04 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 95/100, better than 100% of copper alloy grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 85/100, better than 92% of copper alloy grades
- High strength — 415 MPa (60.2 ksi), better than 82% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Low stiffness — 97 GPa (14.1 Msi), worse than 89% of copper alloy grades
- Difficult to weld — 20/100, worse than 88% of copper alloy grades
- Limited formability — 12/100, worse than 87% of copper alloy grades
- Limited ductility — 8%, worse than 83% of copper alloy grades
C38500-H04 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C38500-H04 — 8 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every C38500 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the copper alloy grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
C38500-H04 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-H04 has a yield strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) — stronger than 82% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 97 GPa (14.1 Msi).
Thermal6
C38500-H04 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 69% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 20.9 µm/m·K (11.6 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C38500-H04 conducts electricity at 27 % IACS, better than 66% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), worse than 86% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C38500-H04 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-H04's machinability is excellent (95/100, better than 100% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (20/100); formability not recommended (12/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other C38500 tempers and conditions
C38500 is also supplied in 4 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the C38500 overview.
- As ExtrudedDefaultStandard supply condition for architectural shapes, door/window sections and general machined parts.170 MPa yield · 100 HB
- H04Maximum strength and stiffness for small-diameter rod, wire and screw stock; very limited bending.415 MPa yield · 150 HB
- H02Cold-drawn condition for CNC turning stock and load-bearing hardware needing higher yield strength.340 MPa yield · 130 HB
Working with C38500-H04
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-H04 — frequently asked
What is C38500-H04 used for?
C38500-H04 is typically used for architectural extrusions, decorative trims and hinges. In short: decorative brass; golden finish.
What is the yield strength of C38500-H04?
C38500-H04 has a typical yield strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 540 MPa (78.3 ksi) — stronger than 82% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is C38500-H04 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (95/100, better than 100% 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-H04 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-H04?
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-H04 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-H04?
C38500-H04 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 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-H04?
Yes — C38500-H04 is available for CNC machining with instant online pricing. 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.