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Copper Alloy HBsC3-SR (Stress relieved)

Heat-treated state

Use for thick or intricate seawater castings where residual stress plus chlorides/ammonia would risk stress-corrosion cracking; strength drops only slightly.

High cost $$$$

Values for the SR condition

Other HBsC3 tempers and conditions

HBsC3 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at HBsC3.

Compare all 4 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
SRThis page
Stress relieved
Use for thick or intricate seawater castings where residual stress plus chlorides/ammonia would risk stress-corrosion cracking; strength drops only slightly.30564520172 HB8.5 % IACS
F-SANDDefault
F
Default stocked/ordered condition: as-cast sand or shell mould castings meeting JIS H5120 CAC303 minimums.32066018180 HB8 % IACS
F
Pick for machined bar, nuts and worm-wheel blanks; sound, low-porosity stock with uniform properties along the bar.34569018185 HB8 % IACS
F
Pick for rings, bushings and sleeves: finer, denser structure gives slightly higher strength and hardness than sand cast.35070017190 HB8 % IACS

What is HBsC3-SR?

HBsC3-SR is HBsC3 heat treated to SR — use for thick or intricate seawater castings where residual stress plus chlorides/ammonia would risk stress-corrosion cracking; strength drops only slightly. HBsC3-SR has a yield strength of 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 645 MPa (93.5 ksi) — stronger than 62% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi). HBsC3-SR has a density of 7.8 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), lighter than 89% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 890°C (1,634 °F). F-SAND is the default condition FabDigit quotes; SR is available on request or by drawing note.

Limitations

  • Hard to polish — 65/100, worse than 87% of copper alloy grades
  • Poor heat conductor — 37 W/m·K (21.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 85% of copper alloy grades
  • Low electrical conductivity — 8.5 % IACS, worse than 79% of copper alloy grades
  • Limited formability — 17/100, worse than 75% of copper alloy grades

HBsC3-SR properties

Typical room-temperature values for HBsC3-SR; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are HBsC3 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.

Physical3

HBsC3-SR has a density of 7.8 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), lighter than 89% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 890°C (1,634 °F).

Density7.8 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)890°C1,634 °F
Liquidus Temperature925°C1,697 °F

Mechanical15

HBsC3-SR has a yield strength of 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 645 MPa (93.5 ksi) — stronger than 62% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 103 GPa (14.9 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus103 GPa14.9 Msi
Shear Modulus39 GPa5.7 Msi
Bulk Modulus108 GPa15.7 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.34
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)645 MPa93.5 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)305 MPa44.2 ksi
Elongation at Break20%
Reduction in Area21%
Compressive Strength700 MPa102 ksi
Shear Strength390 MPa56.6 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)185 MPa26.8 ksi
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)24 J17.7 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell172 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B84 HRB
Hardness, Vickers180 HV

Thermal6

HBsC3-SR is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 37 W/m·K (21.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 85% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 19.5 µm/m·K (10.8 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity37 W/m·K21.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity377 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)19.5 µm/m·K10.8 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion200 J/g86 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)200°C392 °F
Min Service Temperature-100°C-148 °F

Electrical3

HBsC3-SR conducts electricity at 8.5 % IACS, worse than 79% of copper alloy grades.

Electrical Conductivity8.5 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity2.03×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.99 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic (slightly permeable if Fe-rich phases segregate)

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is good (66/100), better than 64% of copper alloy grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.29 V
Corrosion ResistanceGood66/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood in flowing seawater and mild atmospheres; resists mineral-oil and neutral waters. Attacked by ammonia, amines, mercury salts, oxidising and strong acids; stagnant chloride water and residual casting stress can cause dezincification and stress-corrosion cracking.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of HBsC3-SR 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%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)3.6 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content55%

Manufacturability7

HBsC3-SR's machinability is fair (36/100, better than 55% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (32/100); formability poor (17/100).

MachinabilityFair36/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)31%
WeldabilityPoor32/100
Formability (cold)Poor17/100
CastabilityVery good75/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityFair40/100
PolishabilityGood65/100

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with HBsC3-SR

Is HBsC3 easy to machine?

Machines like a tough bronze rather than free-cutting brass: use sharp positive-rake carbide, moderate speed with generous feed and coolant; hard Fe/Al-rich particles accelerate tool wear.

Can HBsC3 be welded?

Fusion welding and weld repair are difficult (aluminium oxide film, zinc fume, hot cracking) — braze or mechanically join where possible, and stress-relieve any weldment.

Can HBsC3 be formed, bent or molded?

Casting alloy only: pour ~1000–1050 °C with good degassing, chills and generous risers to avoid shrinkage porosity; not suitable for cold forming.

What surface finishes work on HBsC3?

Takes a bright polish and can be chrome- or nickel-plated after careful cleaning of the Al-oxide film; no anodizing — use lacquer or paint for atmospheric protection.

HBsC3 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
CuJIS H5120 CAC30360 – 6562.5
Almain strengthener (β-phase former)3 – 54.2
Mn2.5 – 53.5
Fegrain refinement / wear resistance0.5 – 21.2
Pbimpurity limit≤ 0.2—
Snimpurity limit≤ 0.2—
Niimpurity limit≤ 0.5—
Siimpurity limit≤ 0.1—
Znremainder, nominally ~28 %balance—

HBsC3-SR — frequently asked

What is HBsC3-SR used for?

HBsC3-SR is typically used for propeller components, heavy-duty bushings and pump housings. In short: highest-strength cast brass; marine-duty casting alloy; tough, non-free-cutting brass.

What is the yield strength of HBsC3-SR?

HBsC3-SR has a typical yield strength of 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 645 MPa (93.5 ksi) — stronger than 62% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.

Is HBsC3-SR easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated fair (36/100, better than 55% of copper alloy grades). Machines like a tough bronze rather than free-cutting brass: use sharp positive-rake carbide, moderate speed with generous feed and coolant; hard Fe/Al-rich particles accelerate tool wear.

Can HBsC3-SR be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated poor (32/100). Fusion welding and weld repair are difficult (aluminium oxide film, zinc fume, hot cracking) — braze or mechanically join where possible, and stress-relieve any weldment.

What surface finishes work on HBsC3-SR?

Takes a bright polish and can be chrome- or nickel-plated after careful cleaning of the Al-oxide film; no anodizing — use lacquer or paint for atmospheric protection.

Can HBsC3-SR be formed, bent or molded?

Casting alloy only: pour ~1000–1050 °C with good degassing, chills and generous risers to avoid shrinkage porosity; not suitable for cold forming.

What is the maximum service temperature of HBsC3-SR?

HBsC3-SR 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 HBsC3 F-SAND and HBsC3 F-CENT?

F-SAND is the default condition — default stocked/ordered condition: as-cast sand or shell mould castings meeting JIS H5120 CAC303 minimums. F-CENT: pick for rings, bushings and sleeves: finer, denser structure gives slightly higher strength and hardness than sand cast. Yield strength is 320 MPa in F-SAND versus 350 MPa in F-CENT.

Sources

  1. JIS H5120 Copper and copper alloy castings (CAC303 / HBsC3) — JSA (2016)
  2. GB/T 1176 Cast copper and copper alloys (ZCuZn25Al6Fe3Mn3) — SAC (2013)
  3. ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties of Copper and Copper Alloys (cast high-strength brasses) — ASM International (1990)
  4. CDA alloy datasheets C86200 / C86300 (manganese bronze) — Copper Development Association (2023)

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.