Copper Alloy C84800
UNS C84800 · ASTM B584
C84800 is a leaded semi-red brass casting alloy (about 6% Pb, 2–3% Sn, 13–17% Zn) covered by ASTM B584 and supplied sand, centrifugal or continuous cast.
Values for the As Cast condition
C84800 tempers and conditions
C84800 is supplied in 3 conditions, soft to hard. As Cast is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As CastDefault sand cast, no heat treatment (ASTM B584) | Standard stocked condition: sand-cast valve bodies, fittings and general-purpose castings. | 124 | 262 | 35 | 55 HB | 16 % IACS |
as cast, spun mould (ASTM B271) | Choose for rings, bushings and large-bore sleeves needing denser, more sound metal than sand casting. | 131 | 276 | 32 | 58 HB | 16 % IACS |
as cast bar/tube (ASTM B505) | Choose for machined-from-bar fittings and bushings: finer, denser structure and better machined surface than sand cast. | 138 | 283 | 30 | 60 HB | 16 % IACS |
What is C84800?
C84800 is a leaded semi-red brass casting alloy (about 6% Pb, 2–3% Sn, 13–17% Zn) covered by ASTM B584 and supplied sand, centrifugal or continuous cast. The free lead phase gives a machinability rating of 88, good pressure tightness and high casting fluidity at lower cost than high-tin bronzes, which suits valve bodies, fittings and water-meter housings. Limits are moderate strength (124 MPa yield, 262 MPa tensile, 55 HB), poor fusion weldability, and a tendency to dezincify in soft or chlorinated water; the lead content rules it out where lead-free potable-water rules apply, in which case a low-lead alloy such as C89833 is used instead. C84800 has a density of 8.55 g/cm³ (0.309 lb/in³), lighter than 60% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 843°C (1,549 °F). C84800 has a yield strength of 124 MPa (18 ksi) and a tensile strength of 262 MPa (38 ksi) — weaker than 78% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 35% and the elastic modulus is 86 GPa (12.5 Msi).
What is C84800 used for?
- Low-pressure valve bodies
- Pipe fittings and flanges
- Water meter housings
- Pump housings and covers
- Pressure-tight plumbing hardware
- Bushings and bearing sleeves
- Oil impregnated bearings
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 3 kg CO₂/kg, better than 97% of copper alloy grades
- Easy to machine — 88/100, better than 96% of copper alloy grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 35%, better than 80% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 55/100, worse than 97% of copper alloy grades
- Low stiffness — 86 GPa (12.5 Msi), worse than 96% of copper alloy grades
- Difficult to weld — 20/100, worse than 88% of copper alloy grades
- Low strength — 124 MPa (18 ksi), worse than 78% of copper alloy grades
C84800 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C84800-As Cast; bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C84800 has a density of 8.55 g/cm³ (0.309 lb/in³), lighter than 60% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 843°C (1,549 °F).
Mechanical10
C84800 has a yield strength of 124 MPa (18 ksi) and a tensile strength of 262 MPa (38 ksi) — weaker than 78% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 35% and the elastic modulus is 86 GPa (12.5 Msi).
Thermal6
C84800 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 72 W/m·K (41.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 52% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 18 µm/m·K (10 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C84800 conducts electricity at 16 % IACS, worse than 52% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (58/100), worse than 76% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C84800 takes about 45 MJ of energy and emits 3 kg of CO₂ — less than 97% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 85%.
Manufacturability5
C84800's machinability is excellent (88/100, better than 96% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (20/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the copper alloy family
Yield strength against density for every copper alloy grade FabDigit runs. C84800 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with C84800
Is C84800 easy to machine?
Excellent free-machining behaviour from the lead phase (≈90 % of C36000); use sharp positive-rake tools, light feeds and flood coolant, and observe lead-fume/swarf handling rules.
Can C84800 be welded?
Not suited to fusion welding — lead causes hot cracking; join by soft soldering (excellent) or careful low-temperature brazing, or by mechanical/threaded joints.
Can C84800 be formed, bent or molded?
A casting alloy only: fluid, forgiving in green sand, permanent mould, centrifugal and continuous casting; feed heavy sections well to avoid interdendritic shrinkage and lead sweat.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to C84800. Every C84800 part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Better88 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | N.5 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 180 / 220 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.8 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 6× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 1.6 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
C84800 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 | 75 – 77 | 76 |
| Sn | 2 – 3 | 2.5 |
| Pb | 5.5 – 7 | 6.2 |
| Niincluding cobalt | ≤ 1 | |
| Fe | ≤ 0.4 | |
| Sb | ≤ 0.25 | |
| S | ≤ 0.08 | |
| P | ≤ 0.02 | |
| Al | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Si | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Znbalance zinc | ≥ 13 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on C84800?
Machines to a good matt surface; buffs to moderate lustre only (lead smear, micro-porosity). Takes nickel/chrome electroplating with proper alkaline cleaning; passivation or lacquer prevents tarnish.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on copper alloy parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Passivation
Plating
Organic Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Copper Alloy C84800 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- ASTM
- B584
- Also called
- Leaded Semi-Red Brass General Purpose
How much does C84800 cost?
C84800 is a specialty-cost copper alloy ($$$$$), pricier than about 59% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
C84800 — frequently asked
What is C84800 used for?
C84800 is typically used for low-pressure valve bodies, pipe fittings and flanges, water meter housings, pump housings and covers, pressure-tight plumbing hardware and bushings and bearing sleeves. In short: high-friction wear resistance.
What is the yield strength of C84800?
C84800 has a typical yield strength of 124 MPa (18 ksi) and a tensile strength of 262 MPa (38 ksi) — weaker than 78% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is C84800 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (88/100, better than 96% of copper alloy grades). Excellent free-machining behaviour from the lead phase (≈90 % of C36000); use sharp positive-rake tools, light feeds and flood coolant, and observe lead-fume/swarf handling rules.
Can C84800 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (20/100). Not suited to fusion welding — lead causes hot cracking; join by soft soldering (excellent) or careful low-temperature brazing, or by mechanical/threaded joints.
What surface finishes work on C84800?
Machines to a good matt surface; buffs to moderate lustre only (lead smear, micro-porosity). Takes nickel/chrome electroplating with proper alkaline cleaning; passivation or lacquer prevents tarnish.
Can C84800 be formed, bent or molded?
A casting alloy only: fluid, forgiving in green sand, permanent mould, centrifugal and continuous casting; feed heavy sections well to avoid interdendritic shrinkage and lead sweat.
What is the maximum service temperature of C84800?
C84800 is rated for continuous use to about 200°C (392 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does C84800 cost?
C84800 is a specialty-cost copper alloy ($$$$$), pricier than about 59% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in C84800?
Yes — C84800 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 B584 — Copper Alloy Sand Castings for General Applications — ASTM International (2022)
- ASTM B505/B505M — Copper Alloy Continuous Castings — ASTM International (2018)
- ASTM B271/B271M — Copper-Base Alloy Centrifugal Castings — ASTM International (2019)
- CDA Alloy Datasheet C84800 (Leaded Semi-Red Brass) — Copper Development Association / copper.org (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 13B — Corrosion: Materials — ASM International (2005)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.