Copper Alloy C89320-M03
Finish state
UNS C89320
M03 = as chill cast
For intricate lead-free fittings and decorative/functional waterway parts needing near-net shape.
Values for the M03 condition
Other C89320 tempers and conditions
C89320 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at C89320.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M01Default As sand cast | Standard condition for valve bodies, water-meter housings and pump castings to ASTM B584 / B62-replacement practice. | 117 | 241 | 15 | 60 HB | 12 % IACS |
M03This page As chill cast | For intricate lead-free fittings and decorative/functional waterway parts needing near-net shape. | 117 | 241 | 13 | 62 HB | 12 % IACS |
As pressure die cast | Choose for higher-volume small plumbing fittings needing better surface finish and slightly finer structure than sand casting. | 131 | 255 | 14 | 65 HB | 12 % IACS |
As investment cast | Use for thick-wall rings, sleeves and bushings where soundness and higher yield strength are required (ASTM B271 practice). | 138 | 262 | 14 | 66 HB | 12 % IACS |
As continuous cast | Standard form for machined bar and tube stock (ASTM B505); finest structure and highest strength/hardness of the cast conditions. | 152 | 276 | 12 | 70 HB | 12 % IACS |
What is C89320-M03?
C89320-M03 is C89320 supplied in the M03 condition — for intricate lead-free fittings and decorative/functional waterway parts needing near-net shape. C89320-M03 has a yield strength of 117 MPa (17 ksi) and a tensile strength of 241 MPa (35 ksi) — weaker than 80% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 13% and the elastic modulus is 100 GPa (14.5 Msi). C89320-M03 has a density of 8.6 g/cm³ (0.311 lb/in³), lighter than 59% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 854°C (1,569 °F). M01 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; M03 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 80/100, better than 86% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 60/100, worse than 92% of copper alloy grades
- Limited formability — 14/100, worse than 84% of copper alloy grades
- Low stiffness — 100 GPa (14.5 Msi), worse than 82% of copper alloy grades
- Low strength — 117 MPa (17 ksi), worse than 80% of copper alloy grades
C89320-M03 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C89320-M03; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C89320 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C89320-M03 has a density of 8.6 g/cm³ (0.311 lb/in³), lighter than 59% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 854°C (1,569 °F).
Mechanical14
C89320-M03 has a yield strength of 117 MPa (17 ksi) and a tensile strength of 241 MPa (35 ksi) — weaker than 80% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 13% and the elastic modulus is 100 GPa (14.5 Msi).
Thermal6
C89320-M03 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 60 W/m·K (34.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 59% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 18.4 µm/m·K (10.2 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C89320-M03 conducts electricity at 12 % IACS, worse than 62% 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 C89320-M03 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%.
Manufacturability7
C89320-M03's machinability is very good (80/100, better than 86% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (30/100); formability not recommended (14/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with C89320-M03
Is C89320 easy to machine?
Machines much like leaded red brass — free-breaking chips from the Bi phase; use sharp positive-rake carbide/HSS, high speeds, light feeds and good lubrication for best finish.
Can C89320 be welded?
Fusion welding and weld repair are not recommended (bismuth causes hot shortness/liquation cracking); rely on sound casting practice and soft soldering instead.
Can C89320 be formed, bent or molded?
Foundry-friendly drop-in for red-brass practice; keep melt clean and use directional solidification/chills, as the wide freezing range and Bi segregation can give microporosity in heavy sections.
What surface finishes work on C89320?
Takes standard bronze finishes: polishing, nickel/chrome electroplating and clear lacquer; passivation/pickling should avoid strongly oxidizing acids that attack the Bi phase.
C89320 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sn | 5 – 7 | 6 |
| Bilead substitute, forms discrete soft phase | 4 – 6 | 5 |
| Zn | ≤ 1 | — |
| Pblead-free limit per NSF/ANSI 372 | ≤ 0.09 | — |
| Ni | ≤ 1 | — |
| Fe | ≤ 0.2 | — |
| Sb | ≤ 0.35 | — |
| S | ≤ 0.08 | — |
| P | ≤ 0.3 | — |
| Al | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Si | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Cu | ≥ 87 (balance) | — |
C89320-M03 — frequently asked
What is C89320-M03 used for?
C89320-M03 is typically used for potable water fittings, valve bodies, pump housings and plumbing hardware. In short: lead-free plumbing bronze; drop-in for leaded red brass; high machinability rating 80.
What is the yield strength of C89320-M03?
C89320-M03 has a typical yield strength of 117 MPa (17 ksi) and a tensile strength of 241 MPa (35 ksi) — weaker than 80% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is C89320-M03 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (80/100, better than 86% of copper alloy grades). Machines much like leaded red brass — free-breaking chips from the Bi phase; use sharp positive-rake carbide/HSS, high speeds, light feeds and good lubrication for best finish.
Can C89320-M03 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (30/100). Fusion welding and weld repair are not recommended (bismuth causes hot shortness/liquation cracking); rely on sound casting practice and soft soldering instead.
What surface finishes work on C89320-M03?
Takes standard bronze finishes: polishing, nickel/chrome electroplating and clear lacquer; passivation/pickling should avoid strongly oxidizing acids that attack the Bi phase.
Can C89320-M03 be formed, bent or molded?
Foundry-friendly drop-in for red-brass practice; keep melt clean and use directional solidification/chills, as the wide freezing range and Bi segregation can give microporosity in heavy sections.
What is the maximum service temperature of C89320-M03?
C89320-M03 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 C89320-M01 and C89320-M07?
M01 is the default condition — standard condition for valve bodies, water-meter housings and pump castings to ASTM B584 / B62-replacement practice. M07: standard form for machined bar and tube stock (ASTM B505); finest structure and highest strength/hardness of the cast conditions. Yield strength is 117 MPa in M01 versus 152 MPa in M07.
Sources
- ASTM B584 Standard Specification for Copper Alloy Sand Castings for General Applications — ASTM International (2022)
- ASTM B505/B505M Continuous Cast Copper Alloy Castings — ASTM International (2018)
- ASTM B271 Copper-Base Alloy Centrifugal Castings — ASTM International (2019)
- NSF/ANSI 61 & NSF/ANSI 372 (drinking water system components / lead content) — NSF International (2023)
- Copper Alloy C89320 alloy datasheet — Copper Development Association (copper.org) (2024)
- 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.