Copper Alloy C87700-M06
Finish state
UNS C87700
M06 = as investment cast
Pick for complex thin-wall precision parts: near-net shape and low surface roughness cut machining, at a lower 425 MPa tensile but 24% elongation.
Values for the M06 condition
Other C87700 tempers and conditions
C87700 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at C87700.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M01Default As sand cast | Pick the as-sand-cast delivery state for general-purpose valve bodies, pump housings and plumbing fittings in small to medium volumes, at 415 MPa tensile and 100 HB. | 190 | 415 | 25 | 100 HB | 6.7 % IACS |
M06This page As investment cast | Pick for complex thin-wall precision parts: near-net shape and low surface roughness cut machining, at a lower 425 MPa tensile but 24% elongation. | 195 | 425 | 24 | 102 HB | 6.7 % IACS |
As centrifugally cast | Choose as-centrifugally-cast sleeves, flanges and bearing bushes when a denser structure is needed; strength and hardness edge above sand cast at 430 MPa and 105 HB. | 200 | 430 | 24 | 105 HB | 6.7 % IACS |
As plaster cast | Choose for medium-volume thin-wall fittings where faster mold cooling gives finer grain, 450 MPa tensile and better surface quality than sand casting. | 205 | 450 | 22 | 110 HB | 6.8 % IACS |
As continuous cast | Use continuously cast bar and tube stock for machined parts — densest structure with no shrinkage porosity and the highest properties, 460 MPa tensile and 115 HB. | 215 | 460 | 20 | 115 HB | 7 % IACS |
What is C87700-M06?
C87700-M06 is C87700 supplied in the M06 condition — pick for complex thin-wall precision parts: near-net shape and low surface roughness cut machining, at a lower 425 MPa tensile but 24% elongation. C87700-M06 has a yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 425 MPa (61.6 ksi) — weaker than 56% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 24% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi). C87700-M06 has a density of 8.3 g/cm³ (0.3 lb/in³), lighter than 80% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 820°C (1,508 °F). M01 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; M06 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Readily welded — 80/100, better than 93% of copper alloy grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 72/100, better than 84% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 28 W/m·K (16.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 96% of copper alloy grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 6.7 % IACS, worse than 89% of copper alloy grades
C87700-M06 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C87700-M06; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C87700 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C87700-M06 has a density of 8.3 g/cm³ (0.3 lb/in³), lighter than 80% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 820°C (1,508 °F).
Mechanical15
C87700-M06 has a yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 425 MPa (61.6 ksi) — weaker than 56% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 24% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi).
Thermal6
C87700-M06 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 28 W/m·K (16.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 96% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 18 µm/m·K (10 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C87700-M06 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 C87700-M06 takes about 50 MJ of energy and emits 3.4 kg of CO₂ — less than 89% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 75%.
Manufacturability8
C87700-M06's machinability is fair (45/100, better than 64% of copper alloy grades); weldability very good (80/100); formability poor (28/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with C87700-M06
Is C87700 easy to machine?
Lead-free and silicon-bearing, so chips are tough. Use sharp positive-rake carbide at medium-to-high speed with light feed and ample coolant; expect roughly 40–45 % of free-cutting brass rates.
Can C87700 be welded?
Good weldability by GTAW/GMAW with silicon bronze filler (ERCuSi-A). Remove the surface silicon oxide film first and keep interpass temperature low to prevent hot cracking.
Can C87700 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent fluidity with a narrow freezing range suits thin-wall, complex sand, permanent-mould and investment castings. Heavy sections need enlarged risers to feed shrinkage and avoid porosity.
What surface finishes work on C87700?
Polishes to a high lustre and accepts chemical colouring or nickel/chrome plating. Not anodizable — bare outdoor exposure forms a brown oxide film, which can be sealed with clear lacquer.
C87700 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cumain element of zinc-bearing silicon bronze (silicon brass) | 79 – 85 | 82 |
| Sistrengthens, resists dezincification | 2.5 – 3.5 | 3 |
| Pblead-free grade limit (drinking water use) | ≤ 0.09 | 0.05 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.3 | 0.15 |
| Alexcess promotes dross inclusions | ≤ 0.15 | 0.05 |
| Sn | ≤ 0.3 | 0.1 |
| Ni | ≤ 0.2 | 0.05 |
| Mn | ≤ 0.1 | 0.03 |
| Zn | balance | — |
C87700-M06 — frequently asked
What is C87700-M06 used for?
C87700-M06 is typically used for valve components, marine hardware, pump parts and structural fittings. In short: high-strength silicon bronze; narrow freezing range; lead-free complex castings.
What is the yield strength of C87700-M06?
C87700-M06 has a typical yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 425 MPa (61.6 ksi) — weaker than 56% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is C87700-M06 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (45/100, better than 64% of copper alloy grades). Lead-free and silicon-bearing, so chips are tough. Use sharp positive-rake carbide at medium-to-high speed with light feed and ample coolant; expect roughly 40–45 % of free-cutting brass rates.
Can C87700-M06 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (80/100). Good weldability by GTAW/GMAW with silicon bronze filler (ERCuSi-A). Remove the surface silicon oxide film first and keep interpass temperature low to prevent hot cracking.
What surface finishes work on C87700-M06?
Polishes to a high lustre and accepts chemical colouring or nickel/chrome plating. Not anodizable — bare outdoor exposure forms a brown oxide film, which can be sealed with clear lacquer.
Can C87700-M06 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent fluidity with a narrow freezing range suits thin-wall, complex sand, permanent-mould and investment castings. Heavy sections need enlarged risers to feed shrinkage and avoid porosity.
What is the maximum service temperature of C87700-M06?
C87700-M06 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 C87700-M01 and C87700-M07?
M01 is the default condition — pick the as-sand-cast delivery state for general-purpose valve bodies, pump housings and plumbing fittings in small to medium volumes, at 415 MPa tensile and 100 HB. M07: use continuously cast bar and tube stock for machined parts — densest structure with no shrinkage porosity and the highest properties, 460 MPa tensile and 115 HB. Yield strength is 190 MPa in M01 versus 215 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)
- CDA/UNS Copper Alloy Properties Database (C87xxx silicon bronze/brass castings) — Copper Development Association (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
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.