Copper Alloy C85200-M01
Finish state · default condition
UNS C85200 · ASTM B584
M01 = as sand cast
Standard low-cost route for hardware, ornamental and low-pressure fittings; the values in ASTM B584 are based on this condition.
Values for the M01 condition
Other C85200 tempers and conditions
C85200 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at C85200.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M01DefaultThis page 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 |
What is C85200-M01?
C85200-M01 is C85200 supplied in the M01 condition — standard low-cost route for hardware, ornamental and low-pressure fittings; the values in ASTM B584 are based on this condition. C85200-M01 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). C85200-M01 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).
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-M01 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C85200-M01; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C85200 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C85200-M01 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-M01 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-M01 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-M01 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-M01 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-M01'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. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with C85200-M01
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.
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.
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) | — |
C85200-M01 — frequently asked
What is C85200-M01 used for?
C85200-M01 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-M01?
C85200-M01 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-M01 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-M01 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-M01?
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-M01 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-M01?
C85200-M01 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.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.