Copper Alloy C85200
UNS C85200 · ASTM B584
C85200 is a general-purpose leaded yellow brass casting alloy to ASTM B584, with about 3 % lead for free machining and high zinc for casting fluidity.
Reference datasheet — C85200 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the M01 condition
C85200 tempers and conditions
C85200 is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard. M01 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M01Default As sand cast | Standard low-cost route for hardware, ornamental and low-pressure fittings; the values in ASTM B584 are based on this condition. | 90 | 262 | 35 | 45 HB | 22 % IACS |
As investment cast | For small, intricate ornamental or hardware parts needing near-net shape and fine detail. | 90 | 262 | 30 | 45 HB | 22 % IACS |
As plaster cast | Choose for higher-volume parts needing better surface finish, tighter dimensions and slightly higher strength from the finer chill structure. | 97 | 276 | 30 | 50 HB | 22 % IACS |
As centrifugally cast | Used for rings, bushings and sleeves where a dense, porosity-free wall and slightly higher strength are needed. | 103 | 283 | 30 | 50 HB | 22 % IACS |
As continuous cast | Pick for machined-from-stock components: fine, sound structure gives the highest strengths and the most consistent machining of the C85200 forms. | 117 | 290 | 25 | 55 HB | 22 % IACS |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways C85200 is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
Ingot | Remelt stock per ASTM B30 | Supply form |
What is C85200?
C85200 is a general-purpose leaded yellow brass casting alloy to ASTM B584, with about 3 % lead for free machining and high zinc for casting fluidity. At 262 MPa tensile strength, 90 MPa yield, 35 % elongation and 45 HB it suits hardware, decorative and electrical castings poured in sand or permanent moulds, and it buffs to a bright yellow finish; electrical conductivity is 22 % IACS. Lead makes fusion welding impractical and the high zinc content leaves the alloy open to dezincification in aggressive water, so C84500 or a red brass is preferred for pressure-tight plumbing. C85200 has a density of 8.47 g/cm³ (0.306 lb/in³), lighter than 68% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 925°C (1,697 °F). C85200 has a yield strength of 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 262 MPa (38 ksi) — weaker than 88% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 35% and the elastic modulus is 90 GPa (13.1 Msi).
What is C85200 used for?
- hardware fittings
- decorative castings
- electrical components
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 3 kg CO₂/kg, better than 97% of copper alloy grades
- Easy to machine — 80/100, better than 86% of copper alloy grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 35%, better than 80% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Low stiffness — 90 GPa (13.1 Msi), worse than 95% of copper alloy grades
- Low strength — 90 MPa (13.1 ksi), worse than 88% of copper alloy grades
- Difficult to weld — 20/100, worse than 88% of copper alloy grades
- Limited formability — 15/100, worse than 79% of copper alloy grades
C85200 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C85200-M01; bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C85200 has a density of 8.47 g/cm³ (0.306 lb/in³), lighter than 68% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 925°C (1,697 °F).
Mechanical14
C85200 has a yield strength of 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 262 MPa (38 ksi) — weaker than 88% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 35% and the elastic modulus is 90 GPa (13.1 Msi).
Thermal6
C85200 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 84 W/m·K (48.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 51% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 20.3 µm/m·K (11.3 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C85200 conducts electricity at 22 % IACS, better than 55% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), worse than 86% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C85200 takes about 42 MJ of energy and emits 3 kg of CO₂ — less than 99% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 90%.
Manufacturability7
C85200's machinability is very good (80/100, better than 86% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (20/100); formability poor (15/100).
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. C85200 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with C85200
Is C85200 easy to machine?
Free-machining thanks to the 3 % Pb — use sharp, high-rake tools, high speeds, light feeds and flood coolant; rated ~80 % of C36000.
Can C85200 be welded?
Fusion welding is poor (lead cracking, zinc fume); join by soft soldering (excellent) or silver brazing with low-temperature filler and good ventilation.
Can C85200 be formed, bent or molded?
Casting alloy only — excellent fluidity for thin sand or permanent-mould sections; feed heavy sections and vent for zinc vapour, no cold forming.
C85200 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CuCu + named elements ≥ 99.1 % | 70 – 74 | 72 |
| Pbfree-machining addition | 1.5 – 3.8 | 3 |
| Sn | 0.7 – 2 | 1 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.6 | |
| Niincl. Co, max | ≤ 1 | |
| Sb | ≤ 0.25 | |
| Al | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Si | ≤ 0.05 | |
| S | ≤ 0.05 | |
| P | ≤ 0.02 | |
| Zn | ≥ 20 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on C85200?
Polishes and buffs to a bright yellow finish; readily nickel/chrome-plated or lacquered; not anodizable — consider inhibited alloys or coatings where dezincification is a risk.
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).
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Copper Alloy C85200 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- ASTM
- B584
How much does C85200 cost?
C85200 is a high-cost copper alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% 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.
C85200 — frequently asked
What is C85200 used for?
C85200 is typically used for hardware fittings, decorative castings and electrical components. In short: free-machining yellow brass casting; high fluidity for thin sections; bright polishable finish.
What is the yield strength of C85200?
C85200 has a typical yield strength of 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 262 MPa (38 ksi) — weaker than 88% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is C85200 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (80/100, better than 86% of copper alloy grades). Free-machining thanks to the 3 % Pb — use sharp, high-rake tools, high speeds, light feeds and flood coolant; rated ~80 % of C36000.
Can C85200 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (20/100). Fusion welding is poor (lead cracking, zinc fume); join by soft soldering (excellent) or silver brazing with low-temperature filler and good ventilation.
What surface finishes work on C85200?
Polishes and buffs to a bright yellow finish; readily nickel/chrome-plated or lacquered; not anodizable — consider inhibited alloys or coatings where dezincification is a risk.
Can C85200 be formed, bent or molded?
Casting alloy only — excellent fluidity for thin sand or permanent-mould sections; feed heavy sections and vent for zinc vapour, no cold forming.
What is the maximum service temperature of C85200?
C85200 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 C85200-M01 and C85200-M07?
M01 is the default condition — standard low-cost route for hardware, ornamental and low-pressure fittings; the values in ASTM B584 are based on this condition. M07: pick for machined-from-stock components: fine, sound structure gives the highest strengths and the most consistent machining of the C85200 forms. Yield strength is 90 MPa in M01 versus 117 MPa in M07.
How much does C85200 cost?
C85200 is a high-cost copper alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% 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.
Sources
- ASTM B584 — Standard Specification for Copper Alloy Sand Castings for General Applications — ASTM International (2022)
- ASTM B30 — Copper-Base Alloys in Ingot Form — ASTM International (2020)
- ASTM B505 — Copper Alloy Continuous Castings — ASTM International (2018)
- CDA Alloy Datasheet C85200 (leaded yellow brass) — Copper Development Association (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; 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.