Copper Alloy C87800-M05
Finish state
UNS C87800 · ASTM B176
M05 = 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.
Values for the M05 condition
Other C87800 tempers and conditions
C87800 is listed in 2 conditions; see the grade overview at C87800.
- M05
- M04
Compare all 2 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M05This page 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-M05?
C87800-M05 is C87800 supplied in the M05 condition — 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. C87800-M05 has a yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — stronger than 55% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi). C87800-M05 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). M04 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; M05 is available on request or by drawing note.
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-M05 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C87800-M05; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C87800 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C87800-M05 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-M05 has a yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — stronger than 55% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi).
Thermal5
C87800-M05 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-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 C87800-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 55%.
Manufacturability8
C87800-M05's machinability is fair (42/100, better than 59% of copper alloy grades); weldability good (55/100); formability poor (25/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with C87800-M05
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.
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.
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 | — |
C87800-M05 — frequently asked
What is C87800-M05 used for?
C87800-M05 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-M05?
C87800-M05 has a typical yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — stronger than 55% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is C87800-M05 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-M05 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-M05?
Takes bright buffing, chemical passivation, and Ni/Cr or PVD plating well; no anodizing — clear lacquer or plating for tarnish control.
Can C87800-M05 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-M05?
C87800-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 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.
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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.