Copper Alloy C87400-M02
Heat-treated state
UNS C87400 · ASTM B584
M02 = as centrifugally cast
Pick for hollow cylindrical parts (bushings, sleeves, valve seats) needing denser, slightly stronger metal than sand casting.
Values for the M02 condition
Other C87400 tempers and conditions
C87400 is listed in 6 conditions; see the grade overview at C87400.
Compare all 6 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M01Default As sand cast | Standard ASTM B584 sand casting condition — general pump, valve and fitting bodies. | 165 | 379 | 30 | 70 HB | 6.7 % IACS |
As pressure die cast | Choose for intricate near-net-shape marine hardware and valve internals where machining allowance must be minimal. | 170 | 385 | 26 | 72 HB | 6.7 % IACS |
M02This page As centrifugally cast | Pick for hollow cylindrical parts (bushings, sleeves, valve seats) needing denser, slightly stronger metal than sand casting. | 180 | 400 | 26 | 75 HB | 6.7 % IACS |
As plaster cast | Medium-volume runs where a chilled mould gives finer grain, better surface and tighter dimensions than sand. | 180 | 400 | 25 | 78 HB | 6.7 % IACS |
As investment cast | Continuous-cast bar/tube stock for machined bushings and fittings; sound, low-porosity structure with good machining consistency. | 190 | 400 | 24 | 78 HB | 6.7 % IACS |
As continuous cast | High-volume thin-wall plumbing/decorative parts; highest as-cast strength and hardness but lower ductility and possible gas porosity. | 205 | 415 | 20 | 85 HB | 6.7 % IACS |
What is C87400-M02?
C87400-M02 is C87400 heat treated to M02 — pick for hollow cylindrical parts (bushings, sleeves, valve seats) needing denser, slightly stronger metal than sand casting. C87400-M02 has a yield strength of 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) — weaker than 59% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 26% and the elastic modulus is 100 GPa (14.5 Msi). C87400-M02 has a density of 8.3 g/cm³ (0.3 lb/in³), lighter than 80% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 821°C (1,510 °F). M01 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; M02 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Readily welded — 75/100, better than 89% of copper alloy grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 72/100, better than 84% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 28.5 W/m·K (16.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 95% of copper alloy grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 6.7 % IACS, worse than 89% of copper alloy grades
- Low stiffness — 100 GPa (14.5 Msi), worse than 82% of copper alloy grades
C87400-M02 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C87400-M02; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C87400 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C87400-M02 has a density of 8.3 g/cm³ (0.3 lb/in³), lighter than 80% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 821°C (1,510 °F).
Mechanical14
C87400-M02 has a yield strength of 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) — weaker than 59% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 26% and the elastic modulus is 100 GPa (14.5 Msi).
Thermal6
C87400-M02 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 28.5 W/m·K (16.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 95% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 19.6 µm/m·K (10.9 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C87400-M02 conducts electricity at 6.7 % IACS, worse than 89% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (72/100), better than 84% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C87400-M02 takes about 50 MJ of energy and emits 3.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 89% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 75%.
Manufacturability8
C87400-M02's machinability is fair (50/100, better than 69% of copper alloy grades); weldability very good (75/100); formability poor (25/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with C87400-M02
Is C87400 easy to machine?
Machines about half as fast as free-cutting brass — use sharp carbide, positive rake, generous coolant; the silicon-rich phase is abrasive and chips are gummy.
Can C87400 be welded?
One of the more weldable cast copper alloys: GTAW/GMAW with silicon-bronze (ERCuSi-A) filler, preheat 90–150 °C on heavy sections, avoid overheating to limit zinc fume.
Can C87400 be formed, bent or molded?
Casting alloy only — excellent fluidity and pressure tightness in sand, permanent-mould, centrifugal and die casting; feed thick sections and vent well to avoid zinc-vapour porosity.
What surface finishes work on C87400?
Not anodizable; buff and clear-lacquer for a bronze finish, or chemically patina. Nickel/chrome plating requires thorough removal of the tenacious silicon oxide film (fluoride-bearing activation).
C87400 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Zn | 12 – 16 | 14 |
| Si | 2.5 – 4 | 3.2 |
| Pbmax; low-lead variants supplied for potable water | ≤ 1 | — |
| Sn | ≤ 0.25 | — |
| Fe | ≤ 0.7 | — |
| Al | ≤ 0.8 | — |
| Mn | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Cu79.0 % min per ASTM B584 | ≥ 79 (balance) | — |
C87400-M02 — frequently asked
What is C87400-M02 used for?
C87400-M02 is typically used for valve bodies, pump housings and marine fittings. In short: weldable cast silicon brass; pressure-tight, good fluidity; lead-free valve body alloy.
What is the yield strength of C87400-M02?
C87400-M02 has a typical yield strength of 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) — weaker than 59% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is C87400-M02 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (50/100, better than 69% of copper alloy grades). Machines about half as fast as free-cutting brass — use sharp carbide, positive rake, generous coolant; the silicon-rich phase is abrasive and chips are gummy.
Can C87400-M02 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (75/100). One of the more weldable cast copper alloys: GTAW/GMAW with silicon-bronze (ERCuSi-A) filler, preheat 90–150 °C on heavy sections, avoid overheating to limit zinc fume.
What surface finishes work on C87400-M02?
Not anodizable; buff and clear-lacquer for a bronze finish, or chemically patina. Nickel/chrome plating requires thorough removal of the tenacious silicon oxide film (fluoride-bearing activation).
Can C87400-M02 be formed, bent or molded?
Casting alloy only — excellent fluidity and pressure tightness in sand, permanent-mould, centrifugal and die casting; feed thick sections and vent well to avoid zinc-vapour porosity.
What is the maximum service temperature of C87400-M02?
C87400-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 C87400-M01 and C87400-M07?
M01 is the default condition — standard ASTM B584 sand casting condition — general pump, valve and fitting bodies. M07: high-volume thin-wall plumbing/decorative parts; highest as-cast strength and hardness but lower ductility and possible gas porosity. Yield strength is 165 MPa in M01 versus 205 MPa in M07.
Sources
- ASTM B584 — Standard Specification for Copper Alloy Sand Castings for General Applications — ASTM International (2022)
- ASTM B505/B505M — Copper Alloy Continuous Castings — ASTM International (2018)
- Alloy C87400 datasheet (Copper Alloy Data) — Copper Development Association (copper.org) (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 13B — Corrosion: Materials — ASM International (2005)
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.