Copper Alloy ZCuZn40Pb2-Li
Finish state
Li = centrifugally cast
Use centrifugal casting for bushing, sleeve and nut blanks of rotational form; the dense, low-porosity structure matches or slightly exceeds permanent mould at 310 MPa tensile.
Values for the Li condition
Other ZCuZn40Pb2 tempers and conditions
ZCuZn40Pb2 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at ZCuZn40Pb2.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SDefault Sand cast | Choose the common as-sand-cast supply state for one-off and small-batch valve bodies and fittings of complex shape, accepting 250 MPa tensile from the coarser structure. | 130 | 250 | 18 | 85 HB | 25 % IACS |
Permanent (metal) mould cast | Pick permanent metal mould casting for volume runs of thin-wall fittings and hardware: grain refinement gives 310 MPa tensile and 23 % elongation, both above sand cast. | 150 | 310 | 23 | 95 HB | 26 % IACS |
LiThis page Centrifugally cast | Use centrifugal casting for bushing, sleeve and nut blanks of rotational form; the dense, low-porosity structure matches or slightly exceeds permanent mould at 310 MPa tensile. | 150 | 310 | 22 | 95 HB | 25 % IACS |
What is ZCuZn40Pb2-Li?
ZCuZn40Pb2-Li is ZCuZn40Pb2 supplied in the Li condition — use centrifugal casting for bushing, sleeve and nut blanks of rotational form; the dense, low-porosity structure matches or slightly exceeds permanent mould at 310 MPa tensile. ZCuZn40Pb2-Li has a yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) — weaker than 69% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 98 GPa (14.2 Msi). ZCuZn40Pb2-Li has a density of 8.5 g/cm³ (0.307 lb/in³), lighter than 65% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 885°C (1,625 °F). S is the default condition FabDigit quotes; Li is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 2.8 kg CO₂/kg, better than 100% of copper alloy grades
- Easy to machine — 80/100, better than 86% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Low stiffness — 98 GPa (14.2 Msi), worse than 86% of copper alloy grades
- Difficult to weld — 25/100, worse than 78% of copper alloy grades
ZCuZn40Pb2-Li properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZCuZn40Pb2-Li; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZCuZn40Pb2 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among copper alloy grades.
Physical3
ZCuZn40Pb2-Li has a density of 8.5 g/cm³ (0.307 lb/in³), lighter than 65% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 885°C (1,625 °F).
Mechanical15
ZCuZn40Pb2-Li has a yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) — weaker than 69% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 98 GPa (14.2 Msi).
Thermal6
ZCuZn40Pb2-Li is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 105 W/m·K (60.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 56% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 21 µm/m·K (11.7 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZCuZn40Pb2-Li conducts electricity at 25 % IACS, better than 59% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (54/100), worse than 91% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZCuZn40Pb2-Li takes about 45 MJ of energy and emits 2.8 kg of CO₂ — less than 97% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 85%.
Manufacturability8
ZCuZn40Pb2-Li's machinability is very good (80/100, better than 86% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (25/100); formability poor (20/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ZCuZn40Pb2-Li
Is ZCuZn40Pb2 easy to machine?
Free-cutting grade: run high speed and heavy feed with 0° to negative rake tooling, with little or no cutting fluid needed. Chips break short and tool life is long.
Can ZCuZn40Pb2 be welded?
Fusion weldability is poor, with lead-induced hot cracking and zinc fume. Repair by brazing or with lead-bearing solders and use forced fume extraction.
Can ZCuZn40Pb2 be formed, bent or molded?
Casting alloy only: sand, permanent-mould and centrifugal casting are all suitable, and the high fluidity allows thin walls. Feed with risers, and control zinc vaporisation and shrinkage porosity.
What surface finishes work on ZCuZn40Pb2?
Can be polished, nickel or chrome plated, chemically passivated or lacquer-sealed. For long-term contact with chlorinated fresh water, evaluate dezincification resistance; the alloy cannot be anodised.
ZCuZn40Pb2 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 | 58 – 63 | 60.5 |
| Pbfree lead, improves machinability | 0.5 – 2.5 | 1.5 |
| Alimproves casting fluidity and strength | 0.2 – 0.8 | 0.5 |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.8 | — |
| impurities totaltotal impurities incl. Fe per GB/T 1176 | ≤ 1.5 | — |
| Znbalance, about 36-40% | balance | — |
ZCuZn40Pb2-Li — frequently asked
What is ZCuZn40Pb2-Li used for?
ZCuZn40Pb2-Li is typically used for valve bodies, pump parts, plumbing fittings and bushings. In short: best-machining cast brass; free-cutting valve alloy; poor fusion weldability.
What is the yield strength of ZCuZn40Pb2-Li?
ZCuZn40Pb2-Li has a typical yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) — weaker than 69% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is ZCuZn40Pb2-Li easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (80/100, better than 86% of copper alloy grades). Free-cutting grade: run high speed and heavy feed with 0° to negative rake tooling, with little or no cutting fluid needed. Chips break short and tool life is long.
Can ZCuZn40Pb2-Li be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (25/100). Fusion weldability is poor, with lead-induced hot cracking and zinc fume. Repair by brazing or with lead-bearing solders and use forced fume extraction.
What surface finishes work on ZCuZn40Pb2-Li?
Can be polished, nickel or chrome plated, chemically passivated or lacquer-sealed. For long-term contact with chlorinated fresh water, evaluate dezincification resistance; the alloy cannot be anodised.
Can ZCuZn40Pb2-Li be formed, bent or molded?
Casting alloy only: sand, permanent-mould and centrifugal casting are all suitable, and the high fluidity allows thin walls. Feed with risers, and control zinc vaporisation and shrinkage porosity.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZCuZn40Pb2-Li?
ZCuZn40Pb2-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 ZCuZn40Pb2-S and ZCuZn40Pb2-J?
S is the default condition — choose the common as-sand-cast supply state for one-off and small-batch valve bodies and fittings of complex shape, accepting 250 MPa tensile from the coarser structure. J: pick permanent metal mould casting for volume runs of thin-wall fittings and hardware: grain refinement gives 310 MPa tensile and 23 % elongation, both above sand cast. Yield strength is 130 MPa in S versus 150 MPa in J.
Sources
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties of Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- CDA Alloy Datasheets C85700 / C85800 (leaded yellow 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.