Copper Alloy YBsC3 F-SAND
Finish state · default condition
Default supply condition for valve bodies, fittings and hardware in low volumes or large parts.
Values for the F-SAND condition
Other YBsC3 tempers and conditions
YBsC3 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at YBsC3.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stress relieved | Optional low-temperature treatment to relieve casting/machining stresses and reduce ammonia-related SCC risk before plating. | 95 | 285 | 28 | 65 HB | 27 % IACS |
F-SANDDefaultThis page F | Default supply condition for valve bodies, fittings and hardware in low volumes or large parts. | 105 | 295 | 25 | 70 HB | 26 % IACS |
F | Choose for rings, sleeves and large-bore pump/valve bodies where pressure tightness and clean wall structure matter. | 120 | 310 | 25 | 75 HB | 26 % IACS |
F | Choose for medium/high volume small fittings needing tighter dimensions and finer grain, slightly higher strength. | 125 | 320 | 20 | 80 HB | 26 % IACS |
F | Choose when machining bushings, valve stems or fittings from bar stock — dense, pore-free, best machined finish. | 130 | 315 | 22 | 80 HB | 26 % IACS |
What is YBsC3 F-SAND?
YBsC3 F-SAND is YBsC3 supplied in the F-SAND condition — default supply condition for valve bodies, fittings and hardware in low volumes or large parts. YBsC3 F-SAND has a yield strength of 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 295 MPa (42.8 ksi) — weaker than 85% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 96 GPa (13.9 Msi). YBsC3 F-SAND has a density of 8.4 g/cm³ (0.303 lb/in³), lighter than 75% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 885°C (1,625 °F).
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 85/100, better than 93% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Low stiffness — 96 GPa (13.9 Msi), worse than 91% of copper alloy grades
- Low strength — 105 MPa (15.2 ksi), worse than 85% of copper alloy grades
- Difficult to weld — 25/100, worse than 78% of copper alloy grades
YBsC3 F-SAND properties
Typical room-temperature values for YBsC3 F-SAND; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are YBsC3 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
YBsC3 F-SAND has a density of 8.4 g/cm³ (0.303 lb/in³), lighter than 75% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 885°C (1,625 °F).
Mechanical15
YBsC3 F-SAND has a yield strength of 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 295 MPa (42.8 ksi) — weaker than 85% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 96 GPa (13.9 Msi).
Thermal6
YBsC3 F-SAND is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 120 W/m·K (69.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 66% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 21 µm/m·K (11.7 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
YBsC3 F-SAND conducts electricity at 26 % IACS, better than 63% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), worse than 86% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of YBsC3 F-SAND takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 72% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 85%.
Manufacturability8
YBsC3 F-SAND's machinability is excellent (85/100, better than 93% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (25/100); formability poor (20/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with YBsC3 F-SAND
Is YBsC3 easy to machine?
Excellent free-cutting behaviour with the lead phase — use zero-to-negative rake carbide, high speeds, light coolant; chips break short.
Can YBsC3 be welded?
Poor for fusion welding (lead cracking, zinc fume); repair by braze/solder or low-heat brazing with flux and adequate ventilation.
Can YBsC3 be formed, bent or molded?
Casting alloy only — very fluid in sand, metal and centrifugal moulds; provide generous feeding to avoid zinc-drossy shrink porosity, keep pour ≈1000–1050 °C.
What surface finishes work on YBsC3?
Buffs to a bright yellow finish; readily Ni/Cr or brass-plated and lacquered; no anodizing — chemical passivation or clear coat prevents tarnish.
YBsC3 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CuJIS H5120 CAC203 | 58 – 64 | 61 |
| Pbfree-machining addition | 0.5 – 3 | 1.8 |
| Sn | ≤ 1 | 0.3 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.8 | 0.3 |
| Al | ≤ 0.5 | 0.1 |
| Nicounted with Cu in some editions | ≤ 1 | 0.2 |
| Znremainder, approx. 33–40 % | balance | — |
YBsC3 F-SAND — frequently asked
What is YBsC3 F-SAND used for?
YBsC3 F-SAND is typically used for plumbing fittings, valve bodies and decorative hardware. In short: best-machining cast brass; low-cost plumbing castings; not fusion weldable.
What is the yield strength of YBsC3 F-SAND?
YBsC3 F-SAND has a typical yield strength of 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 295 MPa (42.8 ksi) — weaker than 85% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is YBsC3 F-SAND easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (85/100, better than 93% of copper alloy grades). Excellent free-cutting behaviour with the lead phase — use zero-to-negative rake carbide, high speeds, light coolant; chips break short.
Can YBsC3 F-SAND be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (25/100). Poor for fusion welding (lead cracking, zinc fume); repair by braze/solder or low-heat brazing with flux and adequate ventilation.
What surface finishes work on YBsC3 F-SAND?
Buffs to a bright yellow finish; readily Ni/Cr or brass-plated and lacquered; no anodizing — chemical passivation or clear coat prevents tarnish.
Can YBsC3 F-SAND be formed, bent or molded?
Casting alloy only — very fluid in sand, metal and centrifugal moulds; provide generous feeding to avoid zinc-drossy shrink porosity, keep pour ≈1000–1050 °C.
What is the maximum service temperature of YBsC3 F-SAND?
YBsC3 F-SAND 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 YBsC3 F-SAND and YBsC3 F-CC?
F-SAND is the default condition — default supply condition for valve bodies, fittings and hardware in low volumes or large parts. F-CC: choose when machining bushings, valve stems or fittings from bar stock — dense, pore-free, best machined finish. Yield strength is 105 MPa in F-SAND versus 130 MPa in F-CC.
Sources
- JIS H 5120 Copper and copper alloy castings (CAC203 / YBsC3) — JISC (2016)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- CDA copper alloy datasheets (cast leaded yellow brasses, C85xxx) — Copper Development Association (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 13B — Corrosion: Materials (copper alloys) — 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.