What brass alloys are most corrosion-resistant for plumbing fittings?
What Brass Alloys Are Most Corrosion-Resistant for Plumbing Fittings?
Overview of Corrosion Resistance in Brass Plumbing Alloys
For plumbing applications exposed to water, pressure, and varying temperatures, corrosion resistance is critical to ensure long-term reliability and compliance with potable water standards. Brass alloys offer excellent corrosion resistance due to their copper-zinc composition and can be tailored to resist dezincification, stress cracking, and pitting. Among available options, Brass 464, C87850 Silicon Brass, and C84400 Semi-Red Brass are the most corrosion-resistant choices for die-cast plumbing fittings.
Top Corrosion-Resistant Brass Alloys for Plumbing
Brass 464 (Naval Brass)
Excellent resistance to saltwater and aggressive environments
Contains 0.5–1% tin, improving dezincification resistance
Ideal for marine and high-humidity plumbing applications
Meets ASTM B21 standards
Silicon Brass C87850
Specifically engineered to meet lead-free plumbing standards (NSF/ANSI 61, RoHS)
High resistance to corrosion and dezincification in chlorinated water systems
Stable mechanical properties for threaded and press-fit fittings
Semi-Red Brass C84400
Higher copper content (~81–85%) increases resistance to corrosion and erosion
Frequently used in water supply valves, pump bodies, and threaded fittings
Castable with excellent machinability and dimensional stability
Comparison Table of Recommended Brass Alloys
Alloy | Dezincification Resistance | Suitable for Potable Water | Application Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
Brass 464 | High | Yes | Valves, faucets, seawater plumbing |
C87850 Silicon Brass | Very High | Yes (lead-free) | Press fittings, residential plumbing |
C84400 Semi-Red Brass | Moderate to High | Yes | Water meters, couplings, backflow valves |
Standards and Certification Compliance
Neway ensures that brass alloys for plumbing fittings meet:
ASTM B584 – Standard for brass sand and permanent mold castings
NSF/ANSI 61 – Drinking water system components health effects
ISO 6509 – Measurement of dezincification depth
All castings are also tested for microstructure consistency and corrosion performance under simulated service conditions.
Customer-Oriented Brass Plumbing Fitting Solutions
Neway Die Casting delivers optimized casting and finishing for plumbing brass components:
Brass Die Casting Services: Precision-cast plumbing components with high corrosion resistance.
Post-Machining Services: Threaded ports, sealing faces, and tight-tolerance features machined to spec.
Surface Treatment Solutions: Coating and polishing for enhanced corrosion protection and finish quality.
