Copper Alloy C85400-M02
Heat-treated state
UNS C85400 · ASTM B584
M02 = as centrifugally cast
Pick for higher-volume parts needing better surface finish, tighter tolerance and a slightly finer, stronger structure than sand casting.
Values for the M02 condition
Other C85400 tempers and conditions
C85400 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at C85400.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M01Default As sand cast | Standard ASTM B584 sand casting condition — the normal stocked/produced form for valve bodies and fittings. | 83 | 234 | 35 | 50 HB | 21.5 % IACS |
M02This page As centrifugally cast | Pick for higher-volume parts needing better surface finish, tighter tolerance and a slightly finer, stronger structure than sand casting. | 95 | 255 | 28 | 55 HB | 21.5 % IACS |
As plaster cast | Choose for bushings, sleeves and rings where a dense, porosity-free wall is required. | 95 | 250 | 30 | 55 HB | 21.5 % IACS |
As continuous cast | Continuous-cast bar/tube stock for screw-machine parts — most uniform structure and best machined finish. | 105 | 260 | 25 | 60 HB | 21.5 % IACS |
What is C85400-M02?
C85400-M02 is C85400 heat treated to M02 — pick for higher-volume parts needing better surface finish, tighter tolerance and a slightly finer, stronger structure than sand casting. C85400-M02 has a yield strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) — weaker than 87% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 28% and the elastic modulus is 97 GPa (14.1 Msi). C85400-M02 has a density of 8.47 g/cm³ (0.306 lb/in³), lighter than 68% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 855°C (1,571 °F). M01 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; M02 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 85/100, better than 93% of copper alloy grades
- Low embodied carbon — 3.2 kg CO₂/kg, better than 92% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Low stiffness — 97 GPa (14.1 Msi), worse than 88% of copper alloy grades
- Difficult to weld — 20/100, worse than 88% of copper alloy grades
- Low strength — 95 MPa (13.8 ksi), worse than 87% of copper alloy grades
- Limited formability — 15/100, worse than 79% of copper alloy grades
C85400-M02 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C85400-M02; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C85400 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C85400-M02 has a density of 8.47 g/cm³ (0.306 lb/in³), lighter than 68% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 855°C (1,571 °F).
Mechanical15
C85400-M02 has a yield strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) — weaker than 87% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 28% and the elastic modulus is 97 GPa (14.1 Msi).
Thermal6
C85400-M02 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 87 W/m·K (50.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 53% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 20.7 µm/m·K (11.5 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C85400-M02 conducts electricity at 21.5 % IACS, better than 54% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), worse than 86% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C85400-M02 takes about 52 MJ of energy and emits 3.2 kg of CO₂ — less than 87% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 90%.
Manufacturability8
C85400-M02's machinability is excellent (85/100, better than 93% 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 C85400-M02
Is C85400 easy to machine?
Excellent free-cutting behaviour (≈80% of C36000) with short chips; use zero-to-negative rake brass tooling, high speeds and light lubricant, and observe lead-dust/coolant hygiene.
Can C85400 be welded?
Not suitable for fusion welding (lead and zinc fume/hot cracking); join by soft soldering (excellent) or silver brazing (good) with low heat input.
Can C85400 be formed, bent or molded?
Foundry alloy only — excellent fluidity and feeding for thin-wall sand and permanent-mold castings; degas and use good gating to avoid zinc-oxide dross and shrinkage porosity.
What surface finishes work on C85400?
Buffs to a bright yellow finish and takes Ni/Cr or lacquer well; no anodizing — use chemical patina or clear coat for decorative work, and pressure-tight parts may need impregnation.
C85400 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 | 65 – 70 | 67 |
| Sn | 0.5 – 1.5 | 1 |
| Pbfree-machining addition | 1.5 – 3.8 | 3 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.7 | — |
| Al | ≤ 0.35 | — |
| Nimax, incl. Co | ≤ 1 | — |
| Sb | ≤ 0.25 | — |
| S | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| P | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Si | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Zn | ≥ 24 (balance) | — |
C85400-M02 — frequently asked
What is C85400-M02 used for?
C85400-M02 is typically used for plumbing hardware, electrical fittings, ornamental castings and general machinery parts. In short: free-machining cast brass; low-cost general-purpose casting; not fusion weldable.
What is the yield strength of C85400-M02?
C85400-M02 has a typical yield strength of 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) — weaker than 87% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is C85400-M02 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (85/100, better than 93% of copper alloy grades). Excellent free-cutting behaviour (≈80% of C36000) with short chips; use zero-to-negative rake brass tooling, high speeds and light lubricant, and observe lead-dust/coolant hygiene.
Can C85400-M02 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (20/100). Not suitable for fusion welding (lead and zinc fume/hot cracking); join by soft soldering (excellent) or silver brazing (good) with low heat input.
What surface finishes work on C85400-M02?
Buffs to a bright yellow finish and takes Ni/Cr or lacquer well; no anodizing — use chemical patina or clear coat for decorative work, and pressure-tight parts may need impregnation.
Can C85400-M02 be formed, bent or molded?
Foundry alloy only — excellent fluidity and feeding for thin-wall sand and permanent-mold castings; degas and use good gating to avoid zinc-oxide dross and shrinkage porosity.
What is the maximum service temperature of C85400-M02?
C85400-M02 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 C85400-M01 and C85400-M07?
M01 is the default condition — standard ASTM B584 sand casting condition — the normal stocked/produced form for valve bodies and fittings. M07: continuous-cast bar/tube stock for screw-machine parts — most uniform structure and best machined finish. Yield strength is 83 MPa in M01 versus 105 MPa in M07.
Sources
- ASTM B584 — Copper Alloy Sand Castings for General Applications — ASTM International (2022)
- ASTM B505/B505M — Copper Alloy Continuous Castings — ASTM International (2018)
- CDA Alloy Datasheet C85400 (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.