Copper Alloy C38500-O60
Temper
UNS C38500 · ASTM B455 · EN CuZn39Pb3, CW608N
O60 = soft annealed
Choose when maximum ductility for light bending or crimping of extruded sections is needed.
Values for the O60 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
O60This page 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 |
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-O60?
C38500-O60 is C38500 in the O60 temper — choose when maximum ductility for light bending or crimping of extruded sections is needed. C38500-O60 has a yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) — weaker than 77% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 40% and the elastic modulus is 97 GPa (14.1 Msi). C38500-O60 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; O60 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 85/100, better than 93% of copper alloy grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 85/100, better than 92% of copper alloy grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 40%, better than 84% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- 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
- Low strength — 130 MPa (18.9 ksi), worse than 77% of copper alloy grades
C38500-O60 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C38500-O60; 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-O60 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-O60 has a yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) — weaker than 77% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 40% and the elastic modulus is 97 GPa (14.1 Msi).
Thermal6
C38500-O60 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
C38500-O60 conducts electricity at 27 % IACS, better than 67% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (57/100), worse than 80% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C38500-O60 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-O60's machinability is excellent (85/100, better than 93% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (20/100); formability fair (45/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with C38500-O60
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-O60 — frequently asked
What is C38500-O60 used for?
C38500-O60 is typically used for architectural extrusions, decorative trims and hinges. In short: decorative brass; golden finish.
What is the yield strength of C38500-O60?
C38500-O60 has a typical yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) — weaker than 77% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is C38500-O60 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (85/100, better than 93% 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-O60 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-O60?
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-O60 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-O60?
C38500-O60 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-O60?
Yes — C38500-O60 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.