FabDigitFabDigit

Copper Alloy C69430-H50

Supply condition

UNS C69430

H50 = extruded and drawn

Lightly drawn rod with better size tolerance and straightness than as-extruded, still readily machined and formed.

High cost $$$$

Values for the H50 condition

Other C69430 tempers and conditions

C69430 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at C69430.

Compare all 5 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
Soft annealed
Choose for maximum ductility before heavy cold forming, bending or upsetting.19545038110 HB7 % IACS
M30Default
As hot extruded
Standard stocked condition for silicon-brass rod and forging stock; balanced strength and ductility.24051530140 HB—
H50This page
Extruded and drawn
Lightly drawn rod with better size tolerance and straightness than as-extruded, still readily machined and formed.31058525155 HB6.5 % IACS
Half hard
Pick where higher yield strength and cleaner machined finish are needed, e.g. valve stems and threaded fittings.34562022170 HB6.6 % IACS
Full hard
Maximum strength and wear resistance for stems, shafts and fasteners where little further forming is required.41569018190 HB6.5 % IACS

What is C69430-H50?

C69430-H50 is C69430 supplied in the H50 condition — lightly drawn rod with better size tolerance and straightness than as-extruded, still readily machined and formed. C69430-H50 has a yield strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) and a tensile strength of 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) — stronger than 64% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi). C69430-H50 has a density of 8.3 g/cm³ (0.3 lb/in³), lighter than 80% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 820°C (1,508 °F). M30 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; H50 is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Readily welded — 75/100, better than 89% of copper alloy grades

Limitations

  • Poor heat conductor — 28 W/m·K (16.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 96% of copper alloy grades
  • Low electrical conductivity — 6.5 % IACS, worse than 91% of copper alloy grades

C69430-H50 properties

Typical room-temperature values for C69430-H50; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C69430 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.

Physical3

C69430-H50 has a density of 8.3 g/cm³ (0.3 lb/in³), lighter than 80% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 820°C (1,508 °F).

Density8.3 g/cm³0.3 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)820°C1,508 °F
Liquidus Temperature916°C1,681 °F

Mechanical13

C69430-H50 has a yield strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) and a tensile strength of 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) — stronger than 64% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus103 GPa14.9 Msi
Shear Modulus39 GPa5.7 Msi
Bulk Modulus107 GPa15.5 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.34
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)585 MPa84.8 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)310 MPa45 ksi
Elongation at Break25%
Reduction in Area40%
Shear Strength370 MPa53.7 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)215 MPa31.2 ksi
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)35 J25.8 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell155 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B85 HRB

Thermal6

C69430-H50 is rated for continuous service to 180°C (356 °F). It conducts heat at 28 W/m·K (16.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 96% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 20.2 µm/m·K (11.2 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity28 W/m·K16.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity377 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)20.2 µm/m·K11.2 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion170 J/g73.1 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)180°C356 °F
Min Service Temperature-196°C-321 °F

Electrical3

C69430-H50 conducts electricity at 6.5 % IACS, worse than 91% of copper alloy grades.

Electrical Conductivity6.5 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity2.65×10⁻⁷ Ω·m10.4 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is very good (70/100), better than 76% of copper alloy grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.26 V
Corrosion ResistanceVery good70/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryExcellent in potable water, brines and mild seawater; arsenic addition gives dezincification resistance and good SCC resistance versus common brasses. Attacked by ammonia/amines, oxidizing acids, sulfides and rapidly flowing chloride water above ~2 m/s.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of C69430-H50 takes about 58 MJ of energy and emits 3.8 kg of CO₂ — more than 61% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 40%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)58 MJ/kg24,936 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)3.8 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water250 L/kg30 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content40%

Manufacturability7

C69430-H50's machinability is fair (42/100, better than 59% of copper alloy grades); weldability very good (75/100); formability fair (38/100).

MachinabilityFair42/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)90%
WeldabilityVery good75/100
Formability (cold)Fair38/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityVery good80/100
PolishabilityVery good80/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — copper alloy; use chromate/benzotriazole passivation, tin or nickel plating instead

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with C69430-H50

Is C69430 easy to machine?

Machines like a tough alpha brass, not a leaded one — use sharp positive-rake carbide, high speed, generous coolant and chip breakers; expect ~30–40 % of C36000 productivity.

Can C69430 be welded?

One of the few brasses that welds well: GTAW/GMAW with silicon-bronze (ERCuSi-A) filler, resistance and braze welding all practical with low zinc fuming.

Can C69430 be formed, bent or molded?

Excellent hot workability at 650–800 °C for extrusion and forging; cold bending and heading are only fair, so anneal between heavy operations.

What surface finishes work on C69430?

Polishes to a bright golden finish; accepts nickel, chrome and tin plating and benzotriazole/lacquer protection — no anodizing.

C69430 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Cu80 – 8381.5
Si3.5 – 4.54
Asdezincification inhibitor — distinguishes C69430 from C694000.03 – 0.060.05
Pblow-lead / potable-water compliant≤ 0.09—
Fe≤ 0.2—
Znremainder, nominally ~15–16 %balance—

C69430-H50 — frequently asked

What is C69430-H50 used for?

C69430-H50 is typically used for plumbing fittings, weldable brass hardware and decorative fittings. In short: weldable silicon brass; lead-free plumbing alloy; high strength, fair machining.

What is the yield strength of C69430-H50?

C69430-H50 has a typical yield strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) and a tensile strength of 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) — stronger than 64% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.

Is C69430-H50 easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated fair (42/100, better than 59% of copper alloy grades). Machines like a tough alpha brass, not a leaded one — use sharp positive-rake carbide, high speed, generous coolant and chip breakers; expect ~30–40 % of C36000 productivity.

Can C69430-H50 be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated very good (75/100). One of the few brasses that welds well: GTAW/GMAW with silicon-bronze (ERCuSi-A) filler, resistance and braze welding all practical with low zinc fuming.

What surface finishes work on C69430-H50?

Polishes to a bright golden finish; accepts nickel, chrome and tin plating and benzotriazole/lacquer protection — no anodizing.

Can C69430-H50 be formed, bent or molded?

Excellent hot workability at 650–800 °C for extrusion and forging; cold bending and heading are only fair, so anneal between heavy operations.

What is the maximum service temperature of C69430-H50?

C69430-H50 is rated for continuous use to about 180°C (356 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between C69430-M30 and C69430-H04?

M30 is the default condition — standard stocked condition for silicon-brass rod and forging stock; balanced strength and ductility. H04: maximum strength and wear resistance for stems, shafts and fasteners where little further forming is required. Yield strength is 240 MPa in M30 versus 415 MPa in H04.

Sources

  1. ASTM B371/B371M — Copper-Zinc-Silicon Alloy Rod — ASTM International (2019)
  2. CDA/UNS Alloy Datasheet C69400 / C69430 — Copper Development Association (copper.org) (2023)
  3. ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol. 13B — Corrosion: Materials (copper alloys) — ASM International (2005)

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.