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Copper Alloy C87600-SR (Stress relieved)

Heat-treated state

UNS C87600 · ASTM B584

Specify when casting-to-machining distortion or residual-stress SCC in ammonia-bearing service must be minimised.

High cost $$$$

Values for the SR condition

Other C87600 tempers and conditions

C87600 is listed in 6 conditions; see the grade overview at C87600.

Compare all 6 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
SRThis page
Stress relieved
Specify when casting-to-machining distortion or residual-stress SCC in ammonia-bearing service must be minimised.20542522100 HB6.8 % IACS
F-SANDDefault
As-Cast
Default commercial condition for valve bodies, plumbing fittings and marine hardware poured in green/resin sand.22043520105 HB6.5 % IACS
As-Cast
For thin-walled, near-net-shape decorative or marine parts where machining allowance must be minimal.22544020105 HB6.5 % IACS
As-Cast
Choose for higher-volume small fittings needing tighter dimensions and a finer grain than sand casting.24047020115 HB6.5 % IACS
As-Cast
Use for large-diameter rings, bushings and pump/valve sleeves where a segregation-free, void-free wall is required.24547019115 HB6.5 % IACS
As-Cast
Pick for machined stock: dense, sound, directionally solidified bar and hollows with the best consistency.25048018120 HB6.5 % IACS

What is C87600-SR?

C87600-SR is C87600 heat treated to SR — specify when casting-to-machining distortion or residual-stress SCC in ammonia-bearing service must be minimised. C87600-SR has a yield strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 425 MPa (61.6 ksi) — weaker than 53% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi). C87600-SR 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). F-SAND is the default condition FabDigit quotes; SR is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Readily welded — 78/100, better than 91% of copper alloy grades
  • Good corrosion resistance — 72/100, better than 84% 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 — 6.8 % IACS, worse than 88% of copper alloy grades

C87600-SR properties

Typical room-temperature values for C87600-SR; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C87600 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.

Physical3

C87600-SR 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).

Density8.3 g/cm³0.3 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)900°C1,652 °F
Liquidus Temperature1,010°C1,850 °F

Mechanical14

C87600-SR has a yield strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 425 MPa (61.6 ksi) — weaker than 53% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus103 GPa14.9 Msi
Shear Modulus39 GPa5.7 Msi
Bulk Modulus115 GPa16.7 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.33
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)425 MPa61.6 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)205 MPa29.7 ksi
Elongation at Break22%
Reduction in Area22%
Shear Strength255 MPa37 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)125 MPa18.1 ksi
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)28 J20.7 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell100 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B58 HRB
Hardness, Vickers105 HV

Thermal6

C87600-SR 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).

Thermal Conductivity29 W/m·K16.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity380 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)18 µm/m·K10 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion205 J/g88.1 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)200°C392 °F
Min Service Temperature-196°C-321 °F

Electrical3

C87600-SR conducts electricity at 6.8 % IACS, worse than 88% of copper alloy grades.

Electrical Conductivity6.8 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity2.54×10⁻⁷ Ω·m10 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is very good (72/100), better than 84% of copper alloy grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.26 V
Corrosion ResistanceVery good72/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood in potable water, seawater, neutral salts, steam and many organic acids; attacked by oxidising acids (nitric), ammonia and amines (SCC risk), strong sulphides and wet chlorine.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of C87600-SR 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%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)50 MJ/kg21,496 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)3.6 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water260 L/kg31.2 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content75%

Manufacturability8

C87600-SR's machinability is fair (42/100, better than 59% of copper alloy grades); weldability very good (78/100); formability poor (22/100).

MachinabilityFair42/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)42%
WeldabilityVery good78/100
Formability (cold)Poor22/100
CastabilityExcellent85/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityVery good70/100
PolishabilityVery good75/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — copper alloy; use chemical patination, clear lacquer or Ni/Cr plating instead

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with C87600-SR

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.

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.

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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Si3.5 – 5.54.5
Zn4 – 75.5
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)—

C87600-SR — frequently asked

What is C87600-SR used for?

C87600-SR 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-SR?

C87600-SR has a typical yield strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 425 MPa (61.6 ksi) — weaker than 53% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.

Is C87600-SR easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated fair (42/100, better than 59% 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-SR be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated very good (78/100). 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-SR?

Not anodizable; buffs to a bright gold finish, accepts chemical patina, clear lacquer, or nickel/chrome plating over a struck copper layer.

Can C87600-SR 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-SR?

C87600-SR 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.

Sources

  1. ASTM B584 — Copper Alloy Sand Castings for General Applications — ASTM International (2022)
  2. ASTM B505/B505M — Copper Alloy Continuous Castings — ASTM International (2018)
  3. CDA Alloy Database — C87600 silicon bronze — Copper Development Association (copper.org) (2024)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties of Copper and Copper Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  5. 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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.