Copper Alloy C87900-M01
Finish state
UNS C87900 · ASTM B584
M01 = as sand cast
Low-volume or large structural castings; coarser grain gives the lowest strength and hardness of the three routes.
Values for the M01 condition
Other C87900 tempers and conditions
C87900 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at C87900.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M01This page As sand cast | Low-volume or large structural castings; coarser grain gives the lowest strength and hardness of the three routes. | 185 | 380 | 20 | 100 HB | 6.5 % IACS |
As plaster cast | Choose for thicker-section valve bodies and fittings where die-casting tooling is not justified; slightly lower strength than die cast. | 205 | 415 | 18 | 115 HB | 6.7 % IACS |
M04Default As pressure die cast | Standard commercial condition: high-pressure die cast thin-wall fittings and hardware, highest strength of the cast forms. | 240 | 448 | 15 | 125 HB | 6.7 % IACS |
What is C87900-M01?
C87900-M01 is C87900 supplied in the M01 condition — low-volume or large structural castings; coarser grain gives the lowest strength and hardness of the three routes. C87900-M01 has a yield strength of 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) — weaker than 58% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 95 GPa (13.8 Msi). C87900-M01 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; M01 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 3.2 kg CO₂/kg, better than 92% of copper alloy grades
- Easy to machine — 78/100, better than 82% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 27 W/m·K (15.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 97% of copper alloy grades
- Low stiffness — 95 GPa (13.8 Msi), worse than 93% of copper alloy grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 6.5 % IACS, worse than 91% of copper alloy grades
C87900-M01 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C87900-M01; 19 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C87900 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C87900-M01 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).
Mechanical13
C87900-M01 has a yield strength of 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) — weaker than 58% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 95 GPa (13.8 Msi).
Thermal6
C87900-M01 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 27 W/m·K (15.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 97% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 20.2 µm/m·K (11.2 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C87900-M01 conducts electricity at 6.5 % IACS, worse than 91% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (60/100), worse than 68% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C87900-M01 takes about 48 MJ of energy and emits 3.2 kg of CO₂ — less than 92% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 60%.
Manufacturability7
C87900-M01's machinability is very good (78/100, better than 82% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (30/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with C87900-M01
Is C87900 easy to machine?
Chip-breaking is fair without lead — use sharp positive-rake carbide, high speed and generous coolant; rating ≈80% of free-cutting brass.
Can C87900 be welded?
Fusion welding not recommended (silicon oxide film, hot cracking); join by brazing or soft soldering with active flux, or mechanically.
Can C87900 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent die-casting alloy: pour ~980–1040 °C, narrow freezing range gives thin walls and sharp detail, but degas and skim silicon oxide dross.
What surface finishes work on C87900?
Buffs to a bright yellow finish; readily nickel/chrome or tin electroplated after careful de-smutting — anodizing does not apply.
C87900 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cu | 63 – 67 | 65 |
| Siraises fluidity and strength | 0.75 – 1.25 | 1 |
| Pblow-lead / lead-free service | ≤ 0.25 | — |
| Fe | ≤ 0.4 | — |
| Sn | ≤ 0.25 | — |
| Al | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Ni | ≤ 0.2 | — |
| Mn | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Sb | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Znremainder, nominally ~33–34% | balance | — |
C87900-M01 — frequently asked
What is C87900-M01 used for?
C87900-M01 is typically used for structural hardware, marine fittings and plumbing components. In short: lead-free cast brass; highest strength cast brass here; good die-casting detail.
What is the yield strength of C87900-M01?
C87900-M01 has a typical yield strength of 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) — weaker than 58% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is C87900-M01 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (78/100, better than 82% of copper alloy grades). Chip-breaking is fair without lead — use sharp positive-rake carbide, high speed and generous coolant; rating ≈80% of free-cutting brass.
Can C87900-M01 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (30/100). Fusion welding not recommended (silicon oxide film, hot cracking); join by brazing or soft soldering with active flux, or mechanically.
What surface finishes work on C87900-M01?
Buffs to a bright yellow finish; readily nickel/chrome or tin electroplated after careful de-smutting — anodizing does not apply.
Can C87900-M01 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent die-casting alloy: pour ~980–1040 °C, narrow freezing range gives thin walls and sharp detail, but degas and skim silicon oxide dross.
What is the maximum service temperature of C87900-M01?
C87900-M01 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 C87900-M04 and C87900-M01?
M04 is the default condition — standard commercial condition: high-pressure die cast thin-wall fittings and hardware, highest strength of the cast forms. M01: low-volume or large structural castings; coarser grain gives the lowest strength and hardness of the three routes. Yield strength is 240 MPa in M04 versus 185 MPa in M01.
Sources
- ASTM B176 — Copper-Alloy Die Castings — ASTM International (2018)
- ASTM B584 — Copper Alloy Sand Castings for General Applications — ASTM International (2022)
- CDA Alloy Database — C87900 silicon brass — Copper Development Association (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 13B — Corrosion: Materials — 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.