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Copper Alloy ZCuZn33Pb2

ZCuZn33Pb2 is a leaded brass casting alloy equivalent to EN CC750S, specified where free-machining behaviour matters more than strength.

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Reference datasheet — ZCuZn33Pb2 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.

Values for the S condition

ZCuZn33Pb2 tempers and conditions

ZCuZn33Pb2 is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. S is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.

Compare all 4 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
SDefault
Sand cast
Standard, most-stocked condition for valve bodies and hardware castings of moderate size and complexity.802001855 HB26 % IACS
Permanent (metal) mould cast
Pick for higher-volume small fittings needing finer grain, better surface and ~10–20 % higher strength than sand cast.952301662 HB25 % IACS
Centrifugal cast
Choose for hollow cylindrical parts (bushings, sleeves, flanges) where a dense, porosity-free wall is required.952351562 HB26 % IACS
Continuous cast bar/tube
Best when machining semi-finished bar or tube stock: highest soundness and strength, ready for automatic lathes.1102501268 HB25 % IACS

What is ZCuZn33Pb2?

ZCuZn33Pb2 is a leaded brass casting alloy equivalent to EN CC750S, specified where free-machining behaviour matters more than strength. Default values are 200 MPa tensile, 80 MPa yield, 18% elongation, 55 HB and 26% IACS electrical conductivity, the highest conductivity in this cast brass group. It is produced by sand, permanent-mould, centrifugal and continuous casting for sanitary and hardware parts that are machined and then plated. Load capacity is the lowest of the grades here and fusion welding is impractical because of lead cracking; step up to ZCuZn40Pb2 for higher hardness or ZCuZn16Si4 for pressure-tight, lead-free service. ZCuZn33Pb2 has a density of 8.5 g/cm³ (0.307 lb/in³), lighter than 65% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 900°C (1,652 °F). ZCuZn33Pb2 has a yield strength of 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) — weaker than 90% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 18% and the elastic modulus is 90 GPa (13.1 Msi).

What is ZCuZn33Pb2 used for?

  • sanitary fittings
  • hardware castings
  • decorative parts

Advantages

  • Low embodied carbon — 2.9 kg CO₂/kg, better than 99% of copper alloy grades
  • Easy to machine — 85/100, better than 93% of copper alloy grades

Limitations

  • Low stiffness — 90 GPa (13.1 Msi), worse than 95% of copper alloy grades
  • Needs corrosion protection — 52/100, worse than 93% of copper alloy grades
  • Low strength — 80 MPa (11.6 ksi), worse than 90% of copper alloy grades
  • Difficult to weld — 25/100, worse than 78% of copper alloy grades

ZCuZn33Pb2 properties

Typical room-temperature values for ZCuZn33Pb2-S; bars are the position among copper alloy grades.

Physical3

ZCuZn33Pb2 has a density of 8.5 g/cm³ (0.307 lb/in³), lighter than 65% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 900°C (1,652 °F).

Density8.5 g/cm³0.31 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)900°C1,652 °F
Liquidus Temperature940°C1,724 °F

Mechanical15

ZCuZn33Pb2 has a yield strength of 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) — weaker than 90% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 18% and the elastic modulus is 90 GPa (13.1 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus90 GPa13.1 Msi
Shear Modulus36 GPa5.2 Msi
Bulk Modulus105 GPa15.2 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.34
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)200 MPa29 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)80 MPa11.6 ksi
Elongation at Break18%
Reduction in Area20%
Compressive Strength240 MPa34.8 ksi
Shear Strength145 MPa21 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)65 MPa9.4 ksi
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)15 J11.1 ft·lbf
Hardness, Brinell55 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B20 HRB
Hardness, Vickers58 HV

Thermal6

ZCuZn33Pb2 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 115 W/m·K (66.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 61% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 20.5 µm/m·K (11.4 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity115 W/m·K66.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity377 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)20.5 µm/m·K11.4 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion170 J/g73.1 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)200°C392 °F
Min Service Temperature-100°C-148 °F

Electrical3

ZCuZn33Pb2 conducts electricity at 26 % IACS, better than 63% of copper alloy grades.

Electrical Conductivity26 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity6.6×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.6 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is fair (52/100), worse than 93% of copper alloy grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.26 V
Corrosion ResistanceFair52/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood in fresh water, dry steam and neutral atmospheres; attacked by ammonia (stress-corrosion), oxidizing acids, chlorides and stagnant/high-velocity seawater where dezincification occurs.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of ZCuZn33Pb2 takes about 50 MJ of energy and emits 2.9 kg of CO₂ — less than 89% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 85%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)50 MJ/kg21,496 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)2.9 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water250 L/kg30 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content85%

Manufacturability8

ZCuZn33Pb2's machinability is excellent (85/100, better than 93% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (25/100); formability poor (30/100).

MachinabilityExcellent85/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)80%
WeldabilityPoor25/100
Formability (cold)Poor30/100
CastabilityExcellent85/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityVery good80/100
PolishabilityVery good75/100
Anodizing Responsen/a — copper alloy; use electroplating (Ni/Cr), chemical polishing or lacquer instead

Common Calculations5

Specific Strength (UTS / density)calculated24 kN·m/kg
Specific Stiffness (E / density)calculated10.6 MN·m/kg
Modulus of Resiliencecalculated36 kJ/m³
Thermal Diffusivitycalculated35.9 mm²/s
Thermal Shock Resistance Indexcalculated12

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.

Strength versus weight in the copper alloy family

Yield strength against density for every copper alloy grade FabDigit runs. ZCuZn33Pb2 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.

501002005001,0007.588.599.5Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleZCuZn33Pb2

Working with ZCuZn33Pb2

Is ZCuZn33Pb2 easy to machine?

Excellent free-cutting behaviour — use sharp neutral-rake carbide or HSS tools, high speed, light feed, water-soluble coolant; chips break short thanks to the lead phase.

Can ZCuZn33Pb2 be welded?

Poor for fusion welding (lead cracking, zinc fume); repair by brazing or soldering with proper fume extraction instead.

Can ZCuZn33Pb2 be formed, bent or molded?

Good gravity sand/die casting fluidity; use adequate gating and risers, pour ~1000–1050 °C and cover the melt to limit zinc loss.

ZCuZn33Pb2 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
Cu63 – 6765
Pbfree-machining phase1 – 32
Feimpurity limit≤ 0.8
Sbimpurity limit≤ 0.5
Snimpurity limit≤ 0.5
Alimpurity limit≤ 0.1
Siimpurity limit≤ 0.05
Niimpurity limit≤ 1
Total impuritiestotal impurities≤ 1.5
Znbalance, about 33%balance

What surface finishes work on ZCuZn33Pb2?

Polishes and buffs well; readily nickel/chrome or gold electroplated for sanitary hardware, or chemically polished and lacquered — no anodizing.

Surface treatments FabDigit runs on copper alloy parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).

Equivalent designations

Standards and trade names that resolve to Copper Alloy ZCuZn33Pb2 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.

Similar grades
CC750S

How much does ZCuZn33Pb2 cost?

ZCuZn33Pb2 is a premium-cost copper alloy ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.

ZCuZn33Pb2 — frequently asked

What is ZCuZn33Pb2 used for?

ZCuZn33Pb2 is typically used for sanitary fittings, hardware castings and decorative parts. In short: free-machining sanitary brass; highest conductivity here; low strength, low hardness.

What is the yield strength of ZCuZn33Pb2?

ZCuZn33Pb2 has a typical yield strength of 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) — weaker than 90% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.

Is ZCuZn33Pb2 easy to machine?

Yes — machinability is rated excellent (85/100, better than 93% of copper alloy grades). Excellent free-cutting behaviour — use sharp neutral-rake carbide or HSS tools, high speed, light feed, water-soluble coolant; chips break short thanks to the lead phase.

Can ZCuZn33Pb2 be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated poor (25/100). Poor for fusion welding (lead cracking, zinc fume); repair by brazing or soldering with proper fume extraction instead.

What surface finishes work on ZCuZn33Pb2?

Polishes and buffs well; readily nickel/chrome or gold electroplated for sanitary hardware, or chemically polished and lacquered — no anodizing.

Can ZCuZn33Pb2 be formed, bent or molded?

Good gravity sand/die casting fluidity; use adequate gating and risers, pour ~1000–1050 °C and cover the melt to limit zinc loss.

What is the maximum service temperature of ZCuZn33Pb2?

ZCuZn33Pb2 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 ZCuZn33Pb2-S and ZCuZn33Pb2-La?

S is the default condition — standard, most-stocked condition for valve bodies and hardware castings of moderate size and complexity. La: best when machining semi-finished bar or tube stock: highest soundness and strength, ready for automatic lathes. Yield strength is 80 MPa in S versus 110 MPa in La.

How much does ZCuZn33Pb2 cost?

ZCuZn33Pb2 is a premium-cost copper alloy ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.

Sources

  1. EN 1982 Copper and copper alloys — Ingots and castings (CuZn33Pb2-C / CC750S) — CEN (2017)
  2. ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  3. CDA copper alloy datasheets (leaded yellow brass castings) — Copper Development Association (2023)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.