Copper Alloy C85200-M05
Finish state
UNS C85200 · ASTM B584
M05 = as plaster cast
Choose for higher-volume parts needing better surface finish, tighter dimensions and slightly higher strength from the finer chill structure.
Values for the M05 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
M05This page 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-M05?
C85200-M05 is C85200 supplied in the M05 condition — choose for higher-volume parts needing better surface finish, tighter dimensions and slightly higher strength from the finer chill structure. C85200-M05 has a yield strength of 97 MPa (14.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 276 MPa (40 ksi) — weaker than 87% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 30% and the elastic modulus is 90 GPa (13.1 Msi). C85200-M05 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). M01 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; M05 is available on request or by drawing note.
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 — 30%, better than 75% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Low stiffness — 90 GPa (13.1 Msi), worse than 95% of copper alloy grades
- Difficult to weld — 20/100, worse than 88% of copper alloy grades
- Low strength — 97 MPa (14.1 ksi), worse than 87% of copper alloy grades
- Limited formability — 15/100, worse than 79% of copper alloy grades
C85200-M05 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C85200-M05; 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-M05 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-M05 has a yield strength of 97 MPa (14.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 276 MPa (40 ksi) — weaker than 87% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 30% and the elastic modulus is 90 GPa (13.1 Msi).
Thermal6
C85200-M05 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-M05 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-M05 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-M05's machinability is very good (80/100, better than 86% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (20/100); formability poor (15/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with C85200-M05
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-M05 — frequently asked
What is C85200-M05 used for?
C85200-M05 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-M05?
C85200-M05 has a typical yield strength of 97 MPa (14.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 276 MPa (40 ksi) — weaker than 87% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is C85200-M05 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-M05 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-M05?
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-M05 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-M05?
C85200-M05 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.