Copper Alloy C87800
UNS C87800 · ASTM B176
C87800 is a die-casting silicon brass to ASTM B176, used as a lead-free substitute for leaded brass in high-volume pressure-tight fittings.
Reference datasheet — C87800 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 M04 condition
C87800 tempers and conditions
C87800 is supplied in 2 conditions, soft to hard. M04 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 2 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As plaster cast | Chosen for thicker sections or lower-volume runs where a die-casting tool is not justified; coarser grain gives somewhat lower strength than die cast. | 260 | 480 | 20 | 135 HB | 6.7 % IACS |
M04Default As pressure die cast | Standard supply condition: high-pressure die cast thin-wall fittings and valve bodies, no heat treatment. | 345 | 585 | 25 | 160 HB | 6.7 % IACS |
What is C87800?
C87800 is a die-casting silicon brass to ASTM B176, used as a lead-free substitute for leaded brass in high-volume pressure-tight fittings. In the as-die-cast condition it reaches 345 MPa yield, 585 MPa tensile, 25 % elongation and 160 HB (85 HRB), with 28 W/m·K thermal conductivity, 6.7 % IACS and service to 200 °C. Its low melting range and fluidity fill 1–2 mm walls, but it is a die-casting alloy rather than a general sand-casting grade, and machining runs at roughly 40 % of free-cutting brass. For sand or permanent-mould work, C87400 is the nearer choice. C87800 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). C87800 has a yield strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi) and a tensile strength of 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) — stronger than 73% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi).
What is C87800 used for?
- die-cast fittings
- plumbing components
- valve bodies
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
C87800 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C87800-M04; bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C87800 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
C87800 has a yield strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi) and a tensile strength of 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) — stronger than 73% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi).
Thermal5
C87800 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 18.4 µm/m·K (10.2 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C87800 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 C87800 takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 72% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 55%.
Manufacturability8
C87800's machinability is fair (42/100, better than 59% of copper alloy grades); weldability good (55/100); formability poor (25/100).
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. C87800 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with C87800
Is C87800 easy to machine?
Machines like an unleaded silicon brass — gummy, long chips; use sharp positive-rake carbide, high speed, generous coolant, expect ~40 % of free-cutting brass throughput.
Can C87800 be welded?
Weldable by GTAW/GMAW with silicon-bronze (ERCuSi-A) filler on sound sections; avoid on porous die castings where entrapped gas causes blowholes.
Can C87800 be formed, bent or molded?
Outstanding hot-chamber-free die-casting alloy: low melting range, excellent fluidity for 1–2 mm walls, and pressure-tight sections with proper gating and vacuum assist.
C87800 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cu80.0 % min per ASTM B176 | 80 – 83 | 82 |
| Si | 3.75 – 4.25 | 4 |
| Pblow-lead; lead-free plumbing versions ≤0.09 % | ≤ 0.09 | 0.05 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Al | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Sn | ≤ 0.25 | |
| Mn | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Ni | ≤ 0.2 | |
| Sb | ≤ 0.05 | |
| S | ≤ 0.05 | |
| P | ≤ 0.01 | |
| Znremainder, typically 12–16 % | balance |
What surface finishes work on C87800?
Takes bright buffing, chemical passivation, and Ni/Cr or PVD plating well; no anodizing — clear lacquer or plating for tarnish control.
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 C87800 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- ASTM
- B176
How much does C87800 cost?
C87800 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.
C87800 — frequently asked
What is C87800 used for?
C87800 is typically used for die-cast fittings, plumbing components and valve bodies. In short: highest-strength cast silicon brass; lead-free die-cast plumbing alloy; fills 1–2 mm walls.
What is the yield strength of C87800?
C87800 has a typical yield strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi) and a tensile strength of 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) — stronger than 73% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is C87800 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (42/100, better than 59% of copper alloy grades). Machines like an unleaded silicon brass — gummy, long chips; use sharp positive-rake carbide, high speed, generous coolant, expect ~40 % of free-cutting brass throughput.
Can C87800 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (55/100). Weldable by GTAW/GMAW with silicon-bronze (ERCuSi-A) filler on sound sections; avoid on porous die castings where entrapped gas causes blowholes.
What surface finishes work on C87800?
Takes bright buffing, chemical passivation, and Ni/Cr or PVD plating well; no anodizing — clear lacquer or plating for tarnish control.
Can C87800 be formed, bent or molded?
Outstanding hot-chamber-free die-casting alloy: low melting range, excellent fluidity for 1–2 mm walls, and pressure-tight sections with proper gating and vacuum assist.
What is the maximum service temperature of C87800?
C87800 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 C87800-M04 and C87800-M05?
M04 is the default condition — standard supply condition: high-pressure die cast thin-wall fittings and valve bodies, no heat treatment. M05: chosen for thicker sections or lower-volume runs where a die-casting tool is not justified; coarser grain gives somewhat lower strength than die cast. Yield strength is 345 MPa in M04 versus 260 MPa in M05.
How much does C87800 cost?
C87800 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 B176 — Copper-Alloy Die Castings — ASTM International (2018)
- CDA Alloy Database — C87800 silicon brass die casting alloy — Copper Development Association (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASTM B601 — Temper Designations for Copper and Copper Alloys — ASTM International (2019)
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.