Copper Alloy C87600
UNS C87600 · ASTM B584
C87600 is a cast silicon bronze covered by ASTM B584, and is the higher-strength member of the common Cu–Si casting grades.
Reference datasheet — C87600 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the F-SAND condition
C87600 tempers and conditions
C87600 is supplied in 6 conditions, soft to hard. F-SAND is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 6 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stress relieved | Specify when casting-to-machining distortion or residual-stress SCC in ammonia-bearing service must be minimised. | 205 | 425 | 22 | 100 HB | 6.8 % IACS |
F-SANDDefault As-Cast | Default commercial condition for valve bodies, plumbing fittings and marine hardware poured in green/resin sand. | 220 | 435 | 20 | 105 HB | 6.5 % IACS |
As-Cast | For thin-walled, near-net-shape decorative or marine parts where machining allowance must be minimal. | 225 | 440 | 20 | 105 HB | 6.5 % IACS |
As-Cast | Choose for higher-volume small fittings needing tighter dimensions and a finer grain than sand casting. | 240 | 470 | 20 | 115 HB | 6.5 % IACS |
As-Cast | Use for large-diameter rings, bushings and pump/valve sleeves where a segregation-free, void-free wall is required. | 245 | 470 | 19 | 115 HB | 6.5 % IACS |
As-Cast | Pick for machined stock: dense, sound, directionally solidified bar and hollows with the best consistency. | 250 | 480 | 18 | 120 HB | 6.5 % IACS |
What is C87600?
C87600 is a cast silicon bronze covered by ASTM B584, and is the higher-strength member of the common Cu–Si casting grades. Default properties are 220 MPa yield, 435 MPa tensile, 20 % elongation and 105 HB with service to 200 °C, produced by sand, permanent-mould, continuous, centrifugal and investment casting plus a stress-relieved condition. It is chosen for lead-free plumbing and marine hardware where corrosion resistance, pressure tightness and weld repair with ERCuSi-A all matter. Machining is gummy at roughly 40 % of free-cutting brass; C87300 is the alternative when ductility and thin-wall fill outweigh strength. C87600 has a density of 8.3 g/cm³ (0.3 lb/in³), lighter than 80% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 900°C (1,652 °F). C87600 has a yield strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 435 MPa (63.1 ksi) — weaker than 51% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi).
What is C87600 used for?
- Plumbing fittings
- Marine hardware
- Valve bodies
- Pump parts
Advantages
- Readily welded — 75/100, better than 89% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 29 W/m·K (16.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of copper alloy grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 6.5 % IACS, worse than 91% of copper alloy grades
C87600 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C87600-F-SAND; bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C87600 has a density of 8.3 g/cm³ (0.3 lb/in³), lighter than 80% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 900°C (1,652 °F).
Mechanical14
C87600 has a yield strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 435 MPa (63.1 ksi) — weaker than 51% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi).
Thermal6
C87600 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 29 W/m·K (16.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 18 µm/m·K (10 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C87600 conducts electricity at 6.5 % IACS, worse than 91% 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 C87600 takes about 50 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 89% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 75%.
Manufacturability8
C87600's machinability is fair (40/100, better than 57% of copper alloy grades); weldability very good (75/100); formability poor (20/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the copper alloy family
Yield strength against density for every copper alloy grade FabDigit runs. C87600 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with C87600
Is C87600 easy to machine?
Machines like an unleaded bronze — gummy chips; use sharp positive-rake carbide, high speed, generous feed and flood coolant, expect ~40 % of free-cutting brass rates.
Can C87600 be welded?
Readily GTAW/GMAW welded and repaired with ERCuSi-A filler, low preheat (<100 °C) and low interpass temperature to avoid hot short cracking.
Can C87600 be formed, bent or molded?
Foundry alloy with excellent fluidity and short freezing range: use chills and generous risering for directional solidification, and avoid heavy section changes.
C87600 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Si | 3.5 – 5.5 | 4.5 |
| Zn | 4 – 7 | 5.5 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.2 | |
| Mn | ≤ 0.25 | |
| Al | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Pbmax — low-lead potable-water alloy | ≤ 0.09 | |
| Cu88.0 % min per ASTM B584 | ≥ 88 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on C87600?
Not anodizable; buffs to a bright gold finish, accepts chemical patina, clear lacquer, or nickel/chrome plating over a struck copper layer.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on copper alloy parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Copper Alloy C87600 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- ASTM
- B584
How much does C87600 cost?
C87600 is a high-cost copper alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
C87600 — frequently asked
What is C87600 used for?
C87600 is typically used for plumbing fittings, marine hardware, valve bodies and pump parts. In short: strongest common silicon bronze; ASTM B584 plumbing grade; lead-free pressure castings.
What is the yield strength of C87600?
C87600 has a typical yield strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 435 MPa (63.1 ksi) — weaker than 51% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is C87600 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (40/100, better than 57% of copper alloy grades). Machines like an unleaded bronze — gummy chips; use sharp positive-rake carbide, high speed, generous feed and flood coolant, expect ~40 % of free-cutting brass rates.
Can C87600 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (75/100). Readily GTAW/GMAW welded and repaired with ERCuSi-A filler, low preheat (<100 °C) and low interpass temperature to avoid hot short cracking.
What surface finishes work on C87600?
Not anodizable; buffs to a bright gold finish, accepts chemical patina, clear lacquer, or nickel/chrome plating over a struck copper layer.
Can C87600 be formed, bent or molded?
Foundry alloy with excellent fluidity and short freezing range: use chills and generous risering for directional solidification, and avoid heavy section changes.
What is the maximum service temperature of C87600?
C87600 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 C87600 F-SAND and C87600 F-CONT?
F-SAND is the default condition — default commercial condition for valve bodies, plumbing fittings and marine hardware poured in green/resin sand. F-CONT: pick for machined stock: dense, sound, directionally solidified bar and hollows with the best consistency. Yield strength is 220 MPa in F-SAND versus 250 MPa in F-CONT.
How much does C87600 cost?
C87600 is a high-cost copper alloy ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
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 Database — C87600 silicon bronze — Copper Development Association (copper.org) (2024)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties of Copper and Copper Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13B — Corrosion of Copper Alloys — ASM International (2005)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.