Copper Alloy CC499K-GM (Permanent (chill) mould cast)
Finish state
EN CC499K
Chill-mould casting for higher volume small fittings; finer grain gives ~15 % higher strength and better surface than sand.
Values for the GM condition
Other CC499K tempers and conditions
CC499K is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at CC499K.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GSDefault Sand cast | Default condition for valve bodies, pump housings and general fittings; lowest tooling cost, moderate strength. | 110 | 230 | 18 | 65 HB | 15 % IACS |
Investment / precision cast | For thin-walled, near-net-shape valve internals and decorative parts where machining allowance must be minimal. | 120 | 250 | 16 | 67 HB | 15 % IACS |
GMThis page Permanent (chill) mould cast | Chill-mould casting for higher volume small fittings; finer grain gives ~15 % higher strength and better surface than sand. | 130 | 270 | 16 | 70 HB | 15 % IACS |
Centrifugally cast | Choose for pressure-tight rings, bushings and large-bore sleeves where a dense, inclusion-free wall is needed. | 140 | 280 | 16 | 70 HB | 15 % IACS |
Continuously cast | Standard stock form for bar, tube and bushing blanks — densest structure, best machining consistency. | 150 | 300 | 15 | 75 HB | 15 % IACS |
What is CC499K-GM?
CC499K-GM is CC499K supplied in the GM condition — chill-mould casting for higher volume small fittings; finer grain gives ~15 % higher strength and better surface than sand. CC499K-GM has a yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) — weaker than 77% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 16% and the elastic modulus is 95 GPa (13.8 Msi). CC499K-GM has a density of 8.8 g/cm³ (0.318 lb/in³), heavier than 58% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 854°C (1,569 °F). GS is the default condition FabDigit quotes; GM is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 76/100, better than 81% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Low stiffness — 95 GPa (13.8 Msi), worse than 93% of copper alloy grades
- Hard to polish — 60/100, worse than 92% of copper alloy grades
- Limited formability — 10/100, worse than 89% of copper alloy grades
- Low strength — 130 MPa (18.9 ksi), worse than 77% of copper alloy grades
CC499K-GM properties
Typical room-temperature values for CC499K-GM; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are CC499K reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
CC499K-GM has a density of 8.8 g/cm³ (0.318 lb/in³), heavier than 58% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 854°C (1,569 °F).
Mechanical15
CC499K-GM has a yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) — weaker than 77% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 16% and the elastic modulus is 95 GPa (13.8 Msi).
Thermal6
CC499K-GM is rated for continuous service to 230°C (446 °F). It conducts heat at 72 W/m·K (41.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 52% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 18 µm/m·K (10 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
CC499K-GM conducts electricity at 15 % IACS, worse than 54% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (66/100), better than 64% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of CC499K-GM takes about 58 MJ of energy and emits 3.9 kg of CO₂ — more than 61% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 70%.
Manufacturability8
CC499K-GM's machinability is very good (76/100, better than 81% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (30/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with CC499K-GM
Is CC499K easy to machine?
Very free-machining thanks to the lead phase — use sharp positive-rake carbide or HSS with light feeds, 0-degree to slightly negative rake on brass-style tooling, ample coolant, chips break short.
Can CC499K be welded?
Fusion welding is poor because lead causes hot cracking and porosity; repair by brazing/silver soldering or low-heat oxy-fuel bronze braze, preheat 150–250 °C and stress-relieve.
Can CC499K be formed, bent or molded?
A casting alloy only — good fluidity and pressure tightness with 1.5–2 % shrinkage; feed heavy sections generously and avoid gas pickup by degassing/deoxidising with P-Cu.
What surface finishes work on CC499K?
Not anodizable; takes tin, nickel or chrome plating well after de-leading/etch, buffs to a bright bronze finish, and accepts chemical patinas or clear lacquer for architectural work.
CC499K 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 | 4 – 6 | 5 |
| Zn | 4 – 6 | 5 |
| Pbthe closely related C83600 / ZCuSn5Pb5Zn5 uses Pb 4.0–6.0 | 1 – 3 | 2 |
| Niincl. Co | ≤ 2 | — |
| Fe | ≤ 0.3 | — |
| Sb | ≤ 0.25 | — |
| S | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Phigher P permitted for continuous casting in some standards | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Al | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Si | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Cu | ≥ 84 (balance) | — |
CC499K-GM — frequently asked
What is CC499K-GM used for?
CC499K-GM is typically used for water and steam valve bodies, plumbing fittings, pump casings, marine hardware and pressure-tight castings. In short: standard pressure-tight gunmetal; good fluidity and machinability; service limit 230 °C.
What is the yield strength of CC499K-GM?
CC499K-GM has a typical yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) — weaker than 77% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is CC499K-GM easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (76/100, better than 81% of copper alloy grades). Very free-machining thanks to the lead phase — use sharp positive-rake carbide or HSS with light feeds, 0-degree to slightly negative rake on brass-style tooling, ample coolant, chips break short.
Can CC499K-GM be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (30/100). Fusion welding is poor because lead causes hot cracking and porosity; repair by brazing/silver soldering or low-heat oxy-fuel bronze braze, preheat 150–250 °C and stress-relieve.
What surface finishes work on CC499K-GM?
Not anodizable; takes tin, nickel or chrome plating well after de-leading/etch, buffs to a bright bronze finish, and accepts chemical patinas or clear lacquer for architectural work.
Can CC499K-GM be formed, bent or molded?
A casting alloy only — good fluidity and pressure tightness with 1.5–2 % shrinkage; feed heavy sections generously and avoid gas pickup by degassing/deoxidising with P-Cu.
What is the maximum service temperature of CC499K-GM?
CC499K-GM is rated for continuous use to about 230°C (446 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between CC499K-GS and CC499K-GC?
GS is the default condition — default condition for valve bodies, pump housings and general fittings; lowest tooling cost, moderate strength. GC: standard stock form for bar, tube and bushing blanks — densest structure, best machining consistency. Yield strength is 110 MPa in GS versus 150 MPa in GC.
Sources
- EN 1982 — Copper and copper alloys: Ingots and castings — CEN (2017)
- ASTM B584 — Copper Alloy Sand Castings for General Applications (C83600) — ASTM (2022)
- GB/T 1176 — (ZCuSn5Pb5Zn5) — SAC (2013)
- CDA alloy datasheet C83600 — Copper Development Association (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties of 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.