Copper Alloy ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-Li
Finish state
Li = centrifugal cast
Use centrifugal casting for shaft-sleeve and bushing blanks of rotational form; the dense, low-porosity structure gives 350 MPa tensile, close to permanent mould.
Values for the Li condition
Other ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2 tempers and conditions
ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2.
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 small to medium batches of moderately complex medium-load parts, accepting 265 MPa tensile and 13 % elongation. | 110 | 265 | 13 | 75 HB | 22 % IACS |
LiThis page Centrifugal cast | Use centrifugal casting for shaft-sleeve and bushing blanks of rotational form; the dense, low-porosity structure gives 350 MPa tensile, close to permanent mould. | 155 | 350 | 20 | 85 HB | 22 % IACS |
Permanent (metal) mould cast, as-cast | Pick permanent mould casting for volume production needing higher strength: rapid cooling and a finer structure raise tensile to 370 MPa and elongation to 22 % over sand cast. | 160 | 370 | 22 | 85 HB | 23 % IACS |
Continuous cast bar / tube | Pick continuous-cast bar or tube when turning bushings and sleeve-type parts directly: stable dimensions and small machining allowance, with 360 MPa tensile and 20% elongation as-cast. | 160 | 360 | 20 | 85 HB | 23 % IACS |
What is ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-Li?
ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-Li is ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2 supplied in the Li condition — use centrifugal casting for shaft-sleeve and bushing blanks of rotational form; the dense, low-porosity structure gives 350 MPa tensile, close to permanent mould. ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-Li has a yield strength of 155 MPa (22.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) — weaker than 65% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 98 GPa (14.2 Msi). ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-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.
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 3.2 kg CO₂/kg, better than 92% of copper alloy grades
- Easy to machine — 75/100, better than 80% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Low fracture toughness — 26 MPa·√m (23.7 ksi·√in), worse than 94% of copper alloy grades
- Low stiffness — 98 GPa (14.2 Msi), worse than 86% of copper alloy grades
- Limited formability — 18/100, worse than 75% of copper alloy grades
ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-Li properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-Li; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-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).
Mechanical16
ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-Li has a yield strength of 155 MPa (22.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) — weaker than 65% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 98 GPa (14.2 Msi).
Thermal6
ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-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
ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-Li conducts electricity at 22 % IACS, better than 55% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (60/100), worse than 68% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-Li takes about 45 MJ of energy and emits 3.2 kg of CO₂ — less than 97% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 80%.
Manufacturability8
ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-Li's machinability is very good (75/100, better than 80% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (30/100); formability poor (18/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-Li
Is ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2 easy to machine?
The lead phase breaks chips short, so both carbide and HSS tooling run at high speed. Machinability is roughly 70% of free-cutting brass.
Can ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2 be welded?
Poor weldability: lead promotes hot cracking and zinc volatilizes at temperature. Restrict work to brazing or local repair, with preheat and full fume extraction.
Can ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2 be formed, bent or molded?
Fluidity is good in sand, permanent-mould, centrifugal and continuous casting. Pour at approximately 980-1050 °C with good venting and directional solidification to avoid shrinkage porosity.
What surface finishes work on ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2?
Polishes well and accepts nickel or chrome plating and chemical passivation. Not anodizable; in seawater or ammonia-bearing environments add a coating or stress-relieve at 250-300 °C to resist stress corrosion.
ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2 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 – 60 | 58.5 |
| Mn | 1.5 – 2.5 | 2 |
| Pb | 1.5 – 2.5 | 2 |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.8 | — |
| Alimpurity limit | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Snimpurity limit | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Siimpurity limit | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Niimpurity limit | ≤ 1 | — |
| Sbimpurity limit | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| impurities totaltotal impurities | ≤ 2 | — |
| Zn | balance | — |
ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-Li — frequently asked
What is ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-Li used for?
ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-Li is typically used for valve bodies, gears and bushings. In short: free-machining cast brass; casts in all common moulds; poor fusion weldability.
What is the yield strength of ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-Li?
ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-Li has a typical yield strength of 155 MPa (22.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) — weaker than 65% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-Li easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (75/100, better than 80% of copper alloy grades). The lead phase breaks chips short, so both carbide and HSS tooling run at high speed. Machinability is roughly 70% of free-cutting brass.
Can ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-Li be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (30/100). Poor weldability: lead promotes hot cracking and zinc volatilizes at temperature. Restrict work to brazing or local repair, with preheat and full fume extraction.
What surface finishes work on ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-Li?
Polishes well and accepts nickel or chrome plating and chemical passivation. Not anodizable; in seawater or ammonia-bearing environments add a coating or stress-relieve at 250-300 °C to resist stress corrosion.
Can ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-Li be formed, bent or molded?
Fluidity is good in sand, permanent-mould, centrifugal and continuous casting. Pour at approximately 980-1050 °C with good venting and directional solidification to avoid shrinkage porosity.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-Li?
ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-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 ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-S and ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2-J?
S is the default condition — choose the general-purpose as-sand-cast state for small to medium batches of moderately complex medium-load parts, accepting 265 MPa tensile and 13 % elongation. J: pick permanent mould casting for volume production needing higher strength: rapid cooling and a finer structure raise tensile to 370 MPa and elongation to 22 % over sand cast. Yield strength is 110 MPa in S versus 160 MPa in J.
Sources
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- CDA Copper Alloy Datasheets (cast brasses) — 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.