Copper Alloy C85500-M01
Finish state · default condition
UNS C85500 · ASTM B584
M01 = as sand cast
Standard ASTM B584 sand casting condition — the usual stocked/produced form for valve bodies, fittings and hardware.
Values for the M01 condition
Other C85500 tempers and conditions
C85500 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at C85500.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M01DefaultThis page As sand cast | Standard ASTM B584 sand casting condition — the usual stocked/produced form for valve bodies, fittings and hardware. | 172 | 414 | 35 | 75 HB | 27 % IACS |
As centrifugally cast | Pick for rings, bushings and sleeves where a denser, more sound wall than sand casting is needed (ASTM B271). | 185 | 425 | 30 | 80 HB | 27 % IACS |
As continuous cast | Continuous-cast bar/tube stock (ASTM B505) for machined parts — sound, dense and dimensionally consistent. | 190 | 430 | 28 | 82 HB | 27 % IACS |
As plaster cast | Chill-cast finer grain gives higher strength and hardness with somewhat lower ductility; for medium-volume hardware (ASTM B806). | 195 | 435 | 25 | 85 HB | 27 % IACS |
What is C85500-M01?
C85500-M01 is C85500 supplied in the M01 condition — standard ASTM B584 sand casting condition — the usual stocked/produced form for valve bodies, fittings and hardware. C85500-M01 has a yield strength of 172 MPa (24.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 414 MPa (60 ksi) — weaker than 60% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 35% and the elastic modulus is 100 GPa (14.5 Msi). C85500-M01 has a density of 8.4 g/cm³ (0.303 lb/in³), lighter than 75% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 899°C (1,650 °F).
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 3.2 kg CO₂/kg, better than 92% of copper alloy grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 35%, better than 80% of copper alloy grades
- Easy to machine — 70/100, better than 78% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Needs corrosion protection — 52/100, worse than 93% of copper alloy grades
- Low stiffness — 100 GPa (14.5 Msi), worse than 82% of copper alloy grades
C85500-M01 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C85500-M01; 10 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C85500 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C85500-M01 has a density of 8.4 g/cm³ (0.303 lb/in³), lighter than 75% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 899°C (1,650 °F).
Mechanical13
C85500-M01 has a yield strength of 172 MPa (24.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 414 MPa (60 ksi) — weaker than 60% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 35% and the elastic modulus is 100 GPa (14.5 Msi).
Thermal6
C85500-M01 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 123 W/m·K (71.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 70% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 20.8 µm/m·K (11.6 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C85500-M01 conducts electricity at 27 % IACS, better than 67% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (52/100), worse than 93% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C85500-M01 takes about 45 MJ of energy and emits 3.2 kg of CO₂ — less than 97% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 85%.
Manufacturability5
C85500-M01's machinability is very good (70/100, better than 78% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (30/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with C85500-M01
Is C85500 easy to machine?
Machines well but not as freely as leaded brass — use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed, light feeds; expect stringier chips than C36000.
Can C85500 be welded?
Fusion welding is difficult (zinc volatilisation, porosity); braze or silver-solder instead, or use GTAW with silicon-bronze filler and good fume extraction.
Can C85500 be formed, bent or molded?
Foundry alloy only — good fluidity for sand, centrifugal, permanent-mold and continuous casting; feed heavy sections and control zinc loss in the melt.
What surface finishes work on C85500?
Polishes and buffs to a bright yellow finish; readily nickel/chrome plated or lacquered; will dezincify and tarnish in aggressive water if unprotected.
C85500 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cuper ASTM B584 | 59 – 63 | 61 |
| Pblow-lead grade | ≤ 0.2 | 0.1 |
| Sn | ≤ 0.2 | 0.1 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.2 | 0.1 |
| Al | ≤ 0.2 | — |
| Niincl. Co | ≤ 0.2 | — |
| Znremainder, nominally ~38–40% | balance | — |
C85500-M01 — frequently asked
What is C85500-M01 used for?
C85500-M01 is typically used for hardware castings, marine fittings and ornamental parts. In short: higher-strength cast yellow brass; low lead content; harder to machine than C85400.
What is the yield strength of C85500-M01?
C85500-M01 has a typical yield strength of 172 MPa (24.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 414 MPa (60 ksi) — weaker than 60% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is C85500-M01 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (70/100, better than 78% of copper alloy grades). Machines well but not as freely as leaded brass — use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed, light feeds; expect stringier chips than C36000.
Can C85500-M01 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (30/100). Fusion welding is difficult (zinc volatilisation, porosity); braze or silver-solder instead, or use GTAW with silicon-bronze filler and good fume extraction.
What surface finishes work on C85500-M01?
Polishes and buffs to a bright yellow finish; readily nickel/chrome plated or lacquered; will dezincify and tarnish in aggressive water if unprotected.
Can C85500-M01 be formed, bent or molded?
Foundry alloy only — good fluidity for sand, centrifugal, permanent-mold and continuous casting; feed heavy sections and control zinc loss in the melt.
What is the maximum service temperature of C85500-M01?
C85500-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 C85500-M01 and C85500-M05?
M01 is the default condition — standard ASTM B584 sand casting condition — the usual stocked/produced form for valve bodies, fittings and hardware. M05: chill-cast finer grain gives higher strength and hardness with somewhat lower ductility; for medium-volume hardware (ASTM B806). Yield strength is 172 MPa in M01 versus 195 MPa in M05.
Sources
- ASTM B584 — Copper Alloy Sand Castings for General Applications — ASTM International (2022)
- ASTM B505 / B271 / B806 — continuous, centrifugal and permanent-mold copper alloy castings — ASTM International (2021)
- CDA Alloy Datasheet C85500 — Copper Development Association (copper.org) (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.