Copper Alloy ZCuZn38-Li
Finish state
Li = centrifugal cast
Used for bushings, sleeves and rings — centrifugal packing gives dense, porosity-free walls with properties at or above permanent-mould level.
Values for the Li condition
Other ZCuZn38 tempers and conditions
ZCuZn38 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at ZCuZn38.
Compare all 4 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SDefault Sand cast | Default general-purpose condition for one-off and small-batch hardware castings; lowest tooling cost, coarser grain and slightly lower hardness. | 105 | 320 | 32 | 62 HB | 27 % IACS |
Permanent (metal) mould cast | Choose for series production: faster solidification gives finer grain, tighter dimensions and about 15 % higher hardness at the same guaranteed strength. | 120 | 340 | 32 | 72 HB | 27 % IACS |
LiThis page Centrifugal cast | Used for bushings, sleeves and rings — centrifugal packing gives dense, porosity-free walls with properties at or above permanent-mould level. | 125 | 350 | 33 | 75 HB | 27 % IACS |
Continuous cast bar/tube | Stock bar and tube form for machined parts; directional fine structure, low porosity and the most uniform machining behaviour. | 130 | 350 | 30 | 78 HB | 28 % IACS |
What is ZCuZn38-Li?
ZCuZn38-Li is ZCuZn38 supplied in the Li condition — used for bushings, sleeves and rings — centrifugal packing gives dense, porosity-free walls with properties at or above permanent-mould level. ZCuZn38-Li has a yield strength of 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) — weaker than 77% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 33% and the elastic modulus is 100 GPa (14.5 Msi). ZCuZn38-Li has a density of 8.43 g/cm³ (0.305 lb/in³), lighter than 71% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 900°C (1,652 °F). S is the default condition FabDigit quotes; Li is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 33%, better than 78% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Low stiffness — 100 GPa (14.5 Msi), worse than 82% of copper alloy grades
- Low strength — 125 MPa (18.1 ksi), worse than 77% of copper alloy grades
ZCuZn38-Li properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZCuZn38-Li; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZCuZn38 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
ZCuZn38-Li has a density of 8.43 g/cm³ (0.305 lb/in³), lighter than 71% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 900°C (1,652 °F).
Mechanical15
ZCuZn38-Li has a yield strength of 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) — weaker than 77% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 33% and the elastic modulus is 100 GPa (14.5 Msi).
Thermal6
ZCuZn38-Li 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 20.8 µm/m·K (11.6 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZCuZn38-Li conducts electricity at 27 % IACS, better than 67% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (54/100), worse than 91% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZCuZn38-Li takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 72% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 80%.
Manufacturability8
ZCuZn38-Li's machinability is fair (52/100, better than 69% of copper alloy grades); weldability fair (45/100); formability fair (40/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ZCuZn38-Li
Is ZCuZn38 easy to machine?
Machines like unleaded 60/40 brass — sharp positive-rake tools, high speed, light feed; chips are stringier than HPb59-1, so add a chipbreaker or switch to a leaded grade for screw-machine work.
Can ZCuZn38 be welded?
Brazing and soldering are easy; fusion welding (TIG with Cu-Si or brass filler) causes zinc fuming, porosity and colour mismatch — preheat lightly, use fume extraction.
Can ZCuZn38 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent fluidity and short freezing range: pour ~1000–1050 °C with a cover flux, use adequate risers on heavy sections and control melt temperature to limit zinc loss.
What surface finishes work on ZCuZn38?
Not anodisable; buffs to a bright yellow finish and accepts Ni/Cr or lacquer coatings — protect against dezincification in wet service.
ZCuZn38 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CuGB/T 1176-2013 | 60 – 63 | 61.5 |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.8 | — |
| Alimpurity limit | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Sbimpurity limit | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Siimpurity limit | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Other (total impurities)total impurities ≤ 1.5% | ≤ 1.5 | — |
| Znbalance, about 37-40% | balance | — |
ZCuZn38-Li — frequently asked
What is ZCuZn38-Li used for?
ZCuZn38-Li is typically used for general hardware, decorative castings and plumbing fittings. In short: most ductile cast brass; unleaded general-purpose grade; good sand-casting fluidity.
What is the yield strength of ZCuZn38-Li?
ZCuZn38-Li has a typical yield strength of 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) — weaker than 77% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is ZCuZn38-Li easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (52/100, better than 69% of copper alloy grades). Machines like unleaded 60/40 brass — sharp positive-rake tools, high speed, light feed; chips are stringier than HPb59-1, so add a chipbreaker or switch to a leaded grade for screw-machine work.
Can ZCuZn38-Li be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (45/100). Brazing and soldering are easy; fusion welding (TIG with Cu-Si or brass filler) causes zinc fuming, porosity and colour mismatch — preheat lightly, use fume extraction.
What surface finishes work on ZCuZn38-Li?
Not anodisable; buffs to a bright yellow finish and accepts Ni/Cr or lacquer coatings — protect against dezincification in wet service.
Can ZCuZn38-Li be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent fluidity and short freezing range: pour ~1000–1050 °C with a cover flux, use adequate risers on heavy sections and control melt temperature to limit zinc loss.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZCuZn38-Li?
ZCuZn38-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 ZCuZn38-S and ZCuZn38-La?
S is the default condition — default general-purpose condition for one-off and small-batch hardware castings; lowest tooling cost, coarser grain and slightly lower hardness. La: stock bar and tube form for machined parts; directional fine structure, low porosity and the most uniform machining behaviour. Yield strength is 105 MPa in S versus 130 MPa in La.
Sources
- ASM Handbook Vol.2: Properties and Selection — Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13B: Corrosion — Materials — ASM International (2005)
- Copper Alloy Datasheets (C28000 / cast brass family) — 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.