Copper Alloy C87400-M05
Finish state
UNS C87400 · ASTM B584
M05 = as plaster cast
Medium-volume runs where a chilled mould gives finer grain, better surface and tighter dimensions than sand.
Values for the M05 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 |
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 |
M05This page 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-M05?
C87400-M05 is C87400 supplied in the M05 condition — medium-volume runs where a chilled mould gives finer grain, better surface and tighter dimensions than sand. C87400-M05 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 25% and the elastic modulus is 100 GPa (14.5 Msi). C87400-M05 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; M05 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-M05 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C87400-M05; 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-M05 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-M05 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 25% and the elastic modulus is 100 GPa (14.5 Msi).
Thermal6
C87400-M05 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-M05 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-M05 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-M05'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-M05
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-M05 — frequently asked
What is C87400-M05 used for?
C87400-M05 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-M05?
C87400-M05 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-M05 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-M05 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-M05?
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-M05 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-M05?
C87400-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 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.