Copper Alloy C97300-M03
Finish state
UNS C97300
M03 = as chill cast
Choose for bushings, sleeves and rings where dense, porosity-free wall sections are required.
Values for the M03 condition
Other C97300 tempers and conditions
C97300 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at C97300.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M01Default As sand cast | Standard ASTM B584 sand casting condition — the stocked/most common form for valve trim and decorative hardware. | 117 | 240 | 18 | 55 HB | 6 % IACS |
As plaster cast | Use for intricate decorative hardware and small trim where near-net shape and fine detail matter. | 117 | 235 | 15 | 55 HB | 6 % IACS |
As centrifugally cast | Pick for higher-volume small parts needing better surface finish and slightly finer grain than sand casting. | 125 | 250 | 16 | 58 HB | 6 % IACS |
M03This page As chill cast | Choose for bushings, sleeves and rings where dense, porosity-free wall sections are required. | 128 | 255 | 16 | 60 HB | 6 % IACS |
As continuous cast | Best choice for machined bar, tube and bushing stock — densest structure and the highest as-cast strength. | 138 | 262 | 14 | 62 HB | 6 % IACS |
What is C97300-M03?
C97300-M03 is C97300 supplied in the M03 condition — choose for bushings, sleeves and rings where dense, porosity-free wall sections are required. C97300-M03 has a yield strength of 128 MPa (18.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) — weaker than 77% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 16% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi). C97300-M03 has a density of 8.95 g/cm³ (0.323 lb/in³), heavier than 98% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 880°C (1,616 °F). M01 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; M03 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 78/100, better than 82% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Difficult to weld — 15/100, worse than 94% of copper alloy grades
- Limited formability — 8/100, worse than 94% of copper alloy grades
- Poor heat conductor — 29 W/m·K (16.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of copper alloy grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 6 % IACS, worse than 93% of copper alloy grades
- High embodied carbon — 4.5 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 79% of copper alloy grades
C97300-M03 properties
Typical room-temperature values for C97300-M03; 19 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are C97300 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
C97300-M03 has a density of 8.95 g/cm³ (0.323 lb/in³), heavier than 98% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 880°C (1,616 °F).
Mechanical13
C97300-M03 has a yield strength of 128 MPa (18.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) — weaker than 77% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 16% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi).
Thermal6
C97300-M03 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 29 W/m·K (16.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 93% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 16.2 µm/m·K (9 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C97300-M03 conducts electricity at 6 % IACS, worse than 93% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (63/100), better than 52% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C97300-M03 takes about 60 MJ of energy and emits 4.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 69% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 70%.
Manufacturability8
C97300-M03's machinability is very good (78/100, better than 82% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (15/100); formability not recommended (8/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with C97300-M03
Is C97300 easy to machine?
Excellent free-cutting behaviour from the lead phase — use positive-rake carbide or HSS, high speed, light feed; chips break short and surface finish is very good.
Can C97300 be welded?
Not weldable by fusion processes (lead causes hot cracking/porosity); join by soft soldering, mechanical fastening, or silver brazing only on low-lead sections.
Can C97300 be formed, bent or molded?
Casting-only alloy: fluid melt, good pressure tightness with generous risering; degas and avoid excessive superheat to limit zinc/lead loss.
What surface finishes work on C97300?
Buffs to a bright silvery finish and takes nickel/chrome or silver plating well; do not anodize — protect with lacquer if tarnish resistance is needed.
C97300 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CuCu + named elements ≥ 99.4% | 53 – 58 | 56 |
| Niincl. Co | 11 – 14 | 12 |
| Pbfree-machining phase | 8 – 11 | 10 |
| Sn | 1.5 – 3 | 2 |
| Fe | ≤ 1.5 | — |
| Sb | ≤ 0.35 | — |
| Mn | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Si | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| S | ≤ 0.08 | — |
| P | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Al | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Zn | ≥ 17 (balance) | — |
C97300-M03 — frequently asked
What is C97300-M03 used for?
C97300-M03 is typically used for decorative hardware, plumbing fixtures, musical instrument fittings and small bearings. In short: free-cutting nickel silver casting; bright silvery as-cast colour; lowest-strength C97 grade.
What is the yield strength of C97300-M03?
C97300-M03 has a typical yield strength of 128 MPa (18.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) — weaker than 77% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is C97300-M03 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (78/100, better than 82% of copper alloy grades). Excellent free-cutting behaviour from the lead phase — use positive-rake carbide or HSS, high speed, light feed; chips break short and surface finish is very good.
Can C97300-M03 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (15/100). Not weldable by fusion processes (lead causes hot cracking/porosity); join by soft soldering, mechanical fastening, or silver brazing only on low-lead sections.
What surface finishes work on C97300-M03?
Buffs to a bright silvery finish and takes nickel/chrome or silver plating well; do not anodize — protect with lacquer if tarnish resistance is needed.
Can C97300-M03 be formed, bent or molded?
Casting-only alloy: fluid melt, good pressure tightness with generous risering; degas and avoid excessive superheat to limit zinc/lead loss.
What is the maximum service temperature of C97300-M03?
C97300-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 C97300-M01 and C97300-M07?
M01 is the default condition — standard ASTM B584 sand casting condition — the stocked/most common form for valve trim and decorative hardware. M07: best choice for machined bar, tube and bushing stock — densest structure and the highest as-cast strength. Yield strength is 117 MPa in M01 versus 138 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)
- ASTM B271 — Copper-Base Alloy Centrifugal Castings — ASTM International (2020)
- CDA Alloy Datasheet C97300 (12% Leaded Nickel Silver) — 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.