Leaded Bronze C83600
Material Introduction
Leaded Bronze C83600—often referred to as “Red Brass” or “Ounce Metal”—is one of the most widely used copper-based casting alloys, engineered for applications requiring excellent machinability, strong wear resistance, and superior bearing performance. With a balanced composition of copper, tin, lead, and zinc, C83600 combines structural stability with outstanding sliding characteristics, making it ideal for bushings, bearings, valves, pumps, plumbing components, and decorative cast hardware. Lead provides natural lubricity and excellent chip-breaking behavior, while tin increases strength and corrosion resistance. When produced through Neway’s precision copper die casting process and supported by advanced tool and die making, C83600 delivers consistent dimensional accuracy, low porosity, and exceptional long-term reliability in industrial, architectural, and mechanical systems.
Alternative Material Options
For higher mechanical strength or elevated-temperature performance, Aluminum Bronze C95400 offers increased hardness and wear resistance. If low friction and improved fatigue strength are priorities, Tin Bronze C90500 is an excellent alternative. For cost-efficient cast housings or non-bearing components, Brass 380 provides good machinability and castability. If environmental compliance requires low-lead alloys, C85700 Free-Cutting Brass or Silicon Brass C87850 may be chosen to meet RoHS or potable-water restrictions. Engineers can also consider High-Strength Silicon Bronze C87300 for applications requiring both corrosion resistance and structural performance.
International Equivalent / Comparable Grade
Country/Region | Equivalent / Comparable Grade | Specific Commercial Brands | Notes |
USA (ASTM/SAE) | C83600 | Belmont C83600, MetalTek C836, Concast C836 | Standard U.S. red brass for plumbing & bearing castings. |
Europe (EN) | CC491K / CuSn7Zn4Pb7 | Wieland CC491K, Diehl Metall CC491K | Most commonly used EN red-bronze equivalent. |
UK (BS) | LG2 | Sarval LG2, Avon LG2 | Traditional British red bronze; similar chemistry. |
China (GB/T) | ZCuSn5Zn5Pb5 | Local foundry ZCuSn series | Widely used for valves, pumps, and plumbing castings. |
Japan (JIS) | BC6 | UACJ BC6, Mitsubishi BC6 | Functional equivalent for general cast bronze components. |
Design Purpose
C83600 was developed as a versatile, general-purpose bronze alloy that delivers excellent machinability and wear resistance while maintaining good corrosion resistance in water, steam, mild chemicals, and lubricated environments. Its lead content provides natural self-lubricating properties, making it ideal for bearings, guides, and sliding components. The alloy’s balanced Cu–Sn matrix ensures strength and dimensional stability, while zinc contributes castability and fluidity. Engineers typically choose C83600 for components requiring frequent motion, vibration damping, impact resistance, or long-term sealing reliability. The alloy is also well-suited for decorative architectural hardware thanks to its warm red-bronze appearance and excellent response to polishing and finishing.
Chemical Composition
Element | Copper (Cu) | Tin (Sn) | Lead (Pb) | Zinc (Zn) | Iron (Fe) | Nickel (Ni) | Other |
Composition (%) | 84–86 | 4.0–6.0 | 4.0–6.0 | 4.0–6.0 | ≤0.30 | ≤0.30 | Trace |
Physical Properties
Property | Density | Melting Range | Thermal Conductivity | Electrical Conductivity | Thermal Expansion |
Value | ~8.7 g/cm³ | ~930–1030 °C | ~60–75 W/m·K | ~15–20% IACS | ~17–19 µm/m·°C |
Mechanical Properties
Property | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength | Elongation | Hardness | Compressive Strength |
Value | ~240–310 MPa | ~100–130 MPa | ~10–20% | ~65–80 HB | ~380–480 MPa |
Key Material Characteristics
Excellent machinability due to lead content and chip-breaking behavior.
Outstanding wear resistance and natural lubricity for sliding or rotating components.
Strong corrosion resistance in water, steam, mild acids, and industrial fluids.
Good impact resistance and vibration damping for dynamic mechanical assemblies.
Stable casting performance with low porosity and well-defined surfaces.
Warm bronze appearance suitable for luxury or architectural components.
Good pressure-tightness for valves, pump housings, plumbing fittings, and fluid control devices.
Low friction coefficient ideal for bushings, bearings, and wear-plates.
Strong dimensional stability, even under repeated load cycles.
Manufacturability And Post Process
Copper die casting: C83600 flows well in complex molds, making it suitable for precision copper die casting of bushings, valve bodies, and decorative hardware.
Sand & gravity casting: For large, thick-walled, or low-volume components, sand casting provides good structural integrity and a consistent microstructure.
Post machining: C83600 machines exceptionally well on CNC machining centers, producing smooth surfaces and precise fits with minimal tool wear.
Threading, drilling, and reaming: Lead content ensures easy chip control and excellent finish quality for threaded components.
Tumbling and deburring: Tumbling or vibratory finishing removes burrs and sharp edges, preparing surfaces for finishing.
Assembly operations: C83600 is compatible with fasteners, press-fits, brazing, and joining systems used in fluid handling and mechanical assemblies.
Inspection and dimensional validation: Components—especially valves and pump bodies—are checked under Neway’s inspection and testing equipment for leak-tightness and internal quality.
Suitable Surface Treatment
Polishing: C83600 responds exceptionally well to polishing for decorative or architectural components.
Clear coating: Transparent protective films prevent patina in aesthetic applications.
Plating (Ni, Cr): Offers improved wear resistance and enhanced surface appearance.
Powder coating: Provides durable color finishes for industrial housings and consumer hardware.
Oil impregnation: Enhances lubrication for bearing and bushing applications.
Bead blasting: Creates uniform matte texture prior to coating or assembly.
Laser marking: Enables durable part identification for mechanical and fluid-handling components.
Common Industries and Applications
Valves, pumps, and plumbing fixtures.
Bearings, bushings, and sliding components.
Hydraulic and pneumatic system hardware.
Architectural and decorative bronze hardware.
Marine equipment requiring corrosion-resistant alloys.
Fluid-control housings and sealing components.
When to Choose This Material
When superior machinability and chip control are required.
When designing sliding, rotating, or bearing components.
When corrosion resistance in water and fluid systems is critical.
When vibration damping and impact resistance improve service life.
When attractive bronze appearance is desired in decorative hardware.
When long-term sealing or pressure-tight performance is necessary.
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