What are the most common copper alloys used in die casting?

What Are the Most Common Copper Alloys Used in Die Casting?

Overview of Copper Alloys for Die Casting

Copper-based alloys are widely used in die casting due to their excellent thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and wear properties. These characteristics make copper alloys ideal for parts that demand both structural integrity and electrical or thermal performance.

At Neway, we offer a comprehensive range of copper die casting materials tailored to different industry needs, from plumbing fixtures and electrical hardware to industrial pump components and marine applications.

Commonly Used Copper Die Casting Alloys

1. Brass 360

Brass 360 is one of the most popular free-machining brasses. It offers good corrosion resistance, excellent machinability, and moderate strength. It’s widely used in electrical connectors, valves, and decorative hardware.

2. Brass 380

Brass 380 provides improved strength and hardness over Brass 360, with good castability and pressure tightness. Common applications include pump housings, plumbing fittings, and industrial valve bodies.

3. Brass 464 (Naval Brass)

Brass 464 includes a small percentage of tin for enhanced corrosion resistance in marine environments. It’s typically used in marine hardware and components exposed to saltwater.

4. C18200 (Chromium Copper)

C18200 features high electrical and thermal conductivity, making it suitable for spot welding electrodes, high-current connectors, and resistance welding components.

5. C95400 (Aluminum Bronze)

C95400 is a high-strength copper alloy with excellent wear and corrosion resistance. It’s commonly used in industrial bearings, marine components, and hydraulic fittings.

6. C83600 (Leaded Red Brass / Ounce Metal)

C83600 is known for its superior castability and is widely used in plumbing applications. It offers excellent machinability and moderate pressure resistance.

Alloy Selection Factors

When selecting copper alloys for die casting, key considerations include:

• Corrosion Resistance: For marine or aggressive environments, choose alloys like Brass 464 or C95400.

• Thermal and Electrical Conductivity: For electrical applications, use high-conductivity alloys like C18200 or Brass 360.

• Mechanical Strength: For high-load parts, aluminum bronzes like C95400 provide superior performance.

• Machinability: Alloys like Brass 360 and C83600 offer excellent post-casting machinability for tight-tolerance parts.

Recommended Copper Alloy Casting Services for Customers

To support optimal material selection and part performance, we offer:

• Copper Die Casting Services

  • Copper Die Casting: Custom casting solutions for brass, bronze, and copper-based alloys.

• Material Guidance and Selection

  • Copper Alloys: Full catalog of copper-based materials, including mechanical and corrosion-resistance profiles.

• Precision Engineering Support

  • Die Casting Engineering: Expert alloy consultation to match material properties with functional requirements.

Our integrated one-stop service provides end-to-end support—from alloy selection to casting, machining, and finishing—to ensure the success of every copper alloy component.