Copper Alloy C87500-M05
Finish state
UNS C87500 · ASTM B584
M05 = as plaster cast
Best strength/soundness combination for medium-volume valve and fitting bodies; finer grain than sand cast.
Values for the M05 condition
Other C87500 tempers and conditions
C87500 is listed in 6 conditions; see the grade overview at C87500.
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-cast condition for valve bodies, fittings and general low-lead plumbing hardware. | 225 | 440 | 18 | 100 HB | 6.7 % IACS |
As pressure die cast | Use for small, thin-walled or intricate net-shape parts needing good surface finish and tight tolerances. | 230 | 450 | 18 | 105 HB | 6.7 % IACS |
As investment cast | High-volume pressure die castings (ASTM B176) — highest as-cast strength and ductility, thinnest walls. | 234 | 462 | 21 | 115 HB | 6.7 % IACS |
As centrifugally cast | Choose for rings, bushings and sleeves where centrifugal casting gives a denser, cleaner wall than sand casting. | 240 | 470 | 18 | 110 HB | 6.7 % IACS |
As continuous cast | Continuous-cast bar/tube stock (ASTM B505) for machined valve components — dense, porosity-free, best for pressure-tight parts. | 245 | 470 | 18 | 115 HB | 6.7 % IACS |
M05This page As plaster cast | Best strength/soundness combination for medium-volume valve and fitting bodies; finer grain than sand cast. | 250 | 480 | 20 | 115 HB | 6.7 % IACS |
What is C87500-M05?
C87500-M05 is C87500 supplied in the M05 condition — best strength/soundness combination for medium-volume valve and fitting bodies; finer grain than sand cast. C87500-M05 has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — stronger than 54% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 108 GPa (15.7 Msi). C87500-M05 has a density of 8.28 g/cm³ (0.299 lb/in³), lighter than 83% 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 — 65/100, better than 80% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 27.7 W/m·K (16 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 97% of copper alloy grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 6.7 % IACS, worse than 89% of copper alloy grades
- Limited formability — 12/100, worse than 85% of copper alloy grades
C87500-M05 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C87500-M05; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C87500 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C87500-M05 has a density of 8.28 g/cm³ (0.299 lb/in³), lighter than 83% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 821°C (1,510 °F).
Mechanical14
C87500-M05 has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — stronger than 54% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 108 GPa (15.7 Msi).
Thermal6
C87500-M05 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 27.7 W/m·K (16 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 97% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 18 µm/m·K (10 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C87500-M05 conducts electricity at 6.7 % IACS, worse than 89% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (70/100), better than 76% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C87500-M05 takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 72% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 60%.
Manufacturability8
C87500-M05's machinability is fair (45/100, better than 64% of copper alloy grades); weldability good (65/100); formability not recommended (12/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with C87500-M05
Is C87500 easy to machine?
Machines at roughly 40–50 % of free-cutting brass — use sharp positive-rake carbide, generous coolant and expect gummier, stringier chips than leaded brass.
Can C87500 be welded?
Good with GMAW/GTAW using silicon-bronze (ERCuSi-A) filler and low heat input; oxyacetylene is only fair due to silicon oxide film — clean thoroughly and avoid overheating.
Can C87500 be formed, bent or molded?
A casting alloy only: excellent fluidity for thin walls in sand, permanent-mold and die casting; degas and minimize turbulence to avoid silicon-oxide inclusions, and use directional solidification/chills for pressure-tight parts.
What surface finishes work on C87500?
Buffs to a bright gold finish and accepts nickel/chrome plating, chemical polishing or clear lacquer; no anodizing (copper alloy).
C87500 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cu79.0 % minimum | ≥ 79 | 82 |
| Si | 3 – 5 | 4 |
| Pbmust meet ≤0.25 % weighted-average lead for potable-water parts (NSF/ANSI 372) | ≤ 0.5 | 0.1 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.2 | — |
| Znremainder, typically 12–16 % | balance | — |
C87500-M05 — frequently asked
What is C87500-M05 used for?
C87500-M05 is typically used for potable water fittings, valve bodies and marine hardware. In short: low-lead cast brass; strongest in this family; weldable with silicon bronze.
What is the yield strength of C87500-M05?
C87500-M05 has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — stronger than 54% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is C87500-M05 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (45/100, better than 64% of copper alloy grades). Machines at roughly 40–50 % of free-cutting brass — use sharp positive-rake carbide, generous coolant and expect gummier, stringier chips than leaded brass.
Can C87500-M05 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (65/100). Good with GMAW/GTAW using silicon-bronze (ERCuSi-A) filler and low heat input; oxyacetylene is only fair due to silicon oxide film — clean thoroughly and avoid overheating.
What surface finishes work on C87500-M05?
Buffs to a bright gold finish and accepts nickel/chrome plating, chemical polishing or clear lacquer; no anodizing (copper alloy).
Can C87500-M05 be formed, bent or molded?
A casting alloy only: excellent fluidity for thin walls in sand, permanent-mold and die casting; degas and minimize turbulence to avoid silicon-oxide inclusions, and use directional solidification/chills for pressure-tight parts.
What is the maximum service temperature of C87500-M05?
C87500-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 C87500-M01 and C87500-M05?
M01 is the default condition — standard ASTM B584 sand-cast condition for valve bodies, fittings and general low-lead plumbing hardware. M05: best strength/soundness combination for medium-volume valve and fitting bodies; finer grain than sand cast. Yield strength is 225 MPa in M01 versus 250 MPa in M05.
Sources
- ASTM B584 — Copper Alloy Sand Castings for General Applications — ASTM International (2022)
- ASTM B176 — Copper-Alloy Die Castings — ASTM International (2018)
- ASTM B505/B505M — Copper Alloy Continuous Castings — ASTM International (2018)
- CDA Alloy Datasheet C87500 (silicon brass) — Copper Development Association / copper.org (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- EN 1982 — Copper and copper alloys, ingots and castings (CC761S CuZn16Si4-C) — CEN (2017)
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.