Copper Alloy ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li
Finish state
Li = centrifugal cast
Use centrifugal casting for sleeve, bearing shell and worm-gear blanks: the dense structure with few pores or inclusions reaches 520 MPa tensile, equal to or better than permanent mould.
Values for the Li condition
Other ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1 tempers and conditions
ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SDefault Sand cast | Choose the general-purpose as-sand-cast state for medium and large worm gears, bearing sleeves and structural castings in one-off or small-batch production at 480 MPa tensile. | 195 | 480 | 25 | 105 HB | 21 % IACS |
Permanent (metal) mould cast | Pick metal mould casting for volume production of small and medium parts: fast cooling and a fine structure give 510 MPa tensile and 115 HB, above sand cast, with 22 % elongation. | 230 | 510 | 22 | 115 HB | 20.5 % IACS |
Continuous cast | Choose continuously cast bar and tube stock when a uniform, dense structure is to be machined directly into sleeves, nuts and guide parts at 515 MPa tensile and 22 % elongation. | 230 | 515 | 22 | 115 HB | 20.5 % IACS |
LiThis page Centrifugal cast | Use centrifugal casting for sleeve, bearing shell and worm-gear blanks: the dense structure with few pores or inclusions reaches 520 MPa tensile, equal to or better than permanent mould. | 235 | 520 | 22 | 118 HB | 21 % IACS |
What is ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li?
ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li is ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1 supplied in the Li condition — use centrifugal casting for sleeve, bearing shell and worm-gear blanks: the dense structure with few pores or inclusions reaches 520 MPa tensile, equal to or better than permanent mould. ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li has a yield strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) — stronger than 52% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 102 GPa (14.8 Msi). ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li has a density of 8.5 g/cm³ (0.307 lb/in³), lighter than 65% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 880°C (1,616 °F). S is the default condition FabDigit quotes; Li is available on request or by drawing note.
Limitations
- Limited formability — 18/100, worse than 75% of copper alloy grades
ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li has a density of 8.5 g/cm³ (0.307 lb/in³), lighter than 65% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 880°C (1,616 °F).
Mechanical15
ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li has a yield strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) — stronger than 52% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 102 GPa (14.8 Msi).
Thermal6
ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 85 W/m·K (49.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 52% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 20.5 µm/m·K (11.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li conducts electricity at 21 % IACS, better than 53% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (60/100), worse than 68% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 3.8 kg of CO₂ — less than 72% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 70%.
Manufacturability7
ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li's machinability is poor (32/100, worse than 57% of copper alloy grades); weldability fair (35/100); formability poor (18/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li
Is ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1 easy to machine?
Machinability is about 30% of free-cutting brass, and the iron-rich hard phases wear cutting edges. Use carbide tooling with a large positive rake at moderate speed with ample coolant.
Can ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1 be welded?
Repair welding is possible by GTAW/GMAW with aluminium-bronze or silicon-bronze filler. Preheat to 150-200 °C, control zinc evaporation and the aluminium oxide film, and cool slowly after welding to avoid cracking.
Can ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1 be formed, bent or molded?
Casting alloy: pour at approximately 1000-1050 °C using bottom gating and steady mould filling, with enough feeders to prevent slag entrapment and shrinkage porosity. Keep wall-thickness transitions gradual.
What surface finishes work on ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1?
Can be machined and polished to a mirror finish, nickel- or chrome-plated, or chemically passivated. Not anodizable; in seawater service combine with sacrificial anodes to limit dezincification.
ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cu | 57 – 65 | 60 |
| Alstrengthens and improves wear resistance | 0.5 – 2.5 | 1.5 |
| Mn | 1 – 3 | 2 |
| Ferefines grains; forms hard Fe-rich phase | 0.5 – 2 | 1 |
| Pbimpurity limit | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Snimpurity limit | ≤ 1 | — |
| Niimpurity / permitted residual | ≤ 3 | — |
| Siimpurity limit | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Znbalance, about 35% | balance | — |
ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li — frequently asked
What is ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li used for?
ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li is typically used for gears, bushings and worm wheels. In short: high-strength complex brass; good wear resistance; moderate machinability only.
What is the yield strength of ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li?
ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li has a typical yield strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) — stronger than 52% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (32/100, worse than 57% of copper alloy grades). Machinability is about 30% of free-cutting brass, and the iron-rich hard phases wear cutting edges. Use carbide tooling with a large positive rake at moderate speed with ample coolant.
Can ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (35/100). Repair welding is possible by GTAW/GMAW with aluminium-bronze or silicon-bronze filler. Preheat to 150-200 °C, control zinc evaporation and the aluminium oxide film, and cool slowly after welding to avoid cracking.
What surface finishes work on ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li?
Can be machined and polished to a mirror finish, nickel- or chrome-plated, or chemically passivated. Not anodizable; in seawater service combine with sacrificial anodes to limit dezincification.
Can ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li be formed, bent or molded?
Casting alloy: pour at approximately 1000-1050 °C using bottom gating and steady mould filling, with enough feeders to prevent slag entrapment and shrinkage porosity. Keep wall-thickness transitions gradual.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li?
ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li 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 ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-S and ZCuZn35Al2Mn2Fe1-Li?
S is the default condition — choose the general-purpose as-sand-cast state for medium and large worm gears, bearing sleeves and structural castings in one-off or small-batch production at 480 MPa tensile. Li: use centrifugal casting for sleeve, bearing shell and worm-gear blanks: the dense structure with few pores or inclusions reaches 520 MPa tensile, equal to or better than permanent mould. Yield strength is 195 MPa in S versus 235 MPa in Li.
Sources
- EN 1982 Copper and copper alloys — Ingots and castings — CEN (2017)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2: Properties and Selection — Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- CDA Alloy Datasheet C86500 (manganese/high-strength brass) — Copper Development Association (2020)
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.