C26000 – Cartridge Brass (70% Cu, 30% Zn)
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C26000 – Cartridge Brass (70% Cu, 30% Zn) Brochure
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Descriptions
C26000 Cartridge Brass, also known as 70–30 Brass, is a copper–zinc alloy composed of approximately 70% copper and 30% zinc. It exhibits a bright golden-yellow color and is renowned for its exceptional combination of ductility, strength, and workability.
The alloy can be cold-formed into thin sheets, spun, stamped, drawn, or bent with ease, making it highly versatile for both industrial and decorative applications. Its outstanding balance between formability and mechanical strength makes C26000 one of the most widely used brasses in wrought form.
Commonly used in the manufacture of cartridge cases, decorative hardware, electrical connectors, and architectural fittings, this alloy is valued for its excellent surface finish, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability. Whether applied in engineering, design, or aesthetics, C26000 delivers reliable performance and timeless appeal.
Chemical Composition
C26000 Cartridge Brass is a copper–zinc alloy primarily composed of 70% copper and 30% zinc. It conforms to ASTM and UNS specifications for 70–30 brass and provides an ideal balance of strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance.
| Element | Composition (wt%) |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 68.5 – 71.5 |
| Zinc (Zn) | Remainder (≈ 28.5 – 31.5) |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 0.07 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.05 |
| Other Residual Elements (Total) | ≤ 0.15 |
Note: The balance of the alloy is zinc, with trace residual elements permitted under standard composition limits. C26000 is also designated as CuZn30 in international standards.
Mechanical, Physical & Fabrication Properties
C26000 Cartridge Brass offers an excellent balance of strength, ductility, and formability. Its mechanical properties vary depending on temper, ranging from soft annealed to fully hard conditions. The alloy is easily cold-worked, brazed, and soldered, making it one of the most versatile and widely used brasses.
| Property | Typical Range / Description |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (UTS) | Approx. 303 – 896 MPa (varies with temper) |
| Yield Strength | Approx. 76 – 448 MPa |
| Elongation | Up to 66% in soft / annealed condition |
| Hardness / Tempers |
Available in tempers H01 (Quarter-Hard), H02 (Half-Hard), H04 (Hard), H06, etc. Hardness increases with cold working while ductility decreases. |
| Melting Point | Solidus: 916 – 920 °C | Liquidus: 954 – 965 °C |
| Density | ~8.53 g/cm³ |
| Thermal Conductivity | 120 – 121 W/m·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 19 – 20 × 10⁻⁶ /°C |
| Formability | Excellent cold working characteristics. Suitable for deep drawing, spinning, and bending. Performs exceptionally in cartridge case forming and complex stampings. |
| Machinability | Moderate – rated about 30% (compared to free-cutting brass = 100). Recommended for light machining operations with sharp tooling. |
| Joining & Fabrication | Excellent brazing and soldering characteristics. Gas-shielded arc welding acceptable with suitable technique and filler. |
Applications
C26000 Cartridge Brass is among the most versatile and widely used copper–zinc alloys. Its exceptional ductility, strength, and golden appearance make it ideal for both industrial and decorative applications across multiple sectors.
- Ammunition: Cartridge cases and shell casings — the alloy’s name “Cartridge Brass” originates from its use in ammunition due to excellent formability and strength.
- Decorative Hardware: Knobs, hinges, door handles, escutcheons, and trim — valued for its bright finish and corrosion resistance.
- Electrical Components: Connectors, terminals, and conductive parts requiring both mechanical strength and reliable electrical performance.
- Plumbing Fixtures: Faucet parts, fittings, and flanges used in potable-water applications where corrosion resistance is essential.
- Textile & Fashion Hardware: Buttons, lamp fittings, and costume jewelry where decorative appearance and formability are required.
- Automotive: Radiator cores, tanks, heater cores, and related heat-transfer components.
- Coins, Badges & Medallions: Spun, stamped, or drawn components that take advantage of the alloy’s malleability and surface finish.
C26000 is preferred wherever ease of forming, corrosion resistance, and appearance are equally critical — making it a staple material in engineering, electrical, architectural, and artistic applications.
Standards & International Equivalents:
C26000 Cartridge Brass is recognized under multiple international standards for sheets, strips, bars, wires, and tubes. It is one of the most commonly specified brass alloys in both commercial and defense applications.
| Standard Organization | Designation / Specification | Description / Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| UNS | C26000 | Unified Numbering System designation for 70–30 Brass |
| EN | CW505L | European standard equivalent for C26000 |
| ISO | CuZn30 | International designation under ISO system |
| BS | CZ106 | British Standard equivalent for Cartridge Brass |
| JIS | C2600 | Japanese Industrial Standard designation |
| ASTM / SAE / MIL |
ASTM B36/B36M (Plate, Sheet, Strip, Rolled Bar) ASTM B134 (Wire), ASTM B135 (Tube), ASTM B19 SAE J461, J463 MIL-C-10375, MIL-S-22499 |
Common wrought and military specifications covering C26000 brass products |
Common Names & International Identifiers
C26000 Cartridge Brass is widely known by several trade and international names. It is one of the most common and versatile brass alloys, valued for its bright golden color, formability, and balance of strength and ductility.
- Trade Names: Cartridge Brass, 70–30 Brass, Yellow Brass 70/30
- UNS / CDA: C26000 / CDA Alloy 260
- ISO / DIN: CuZn30
- EN (European): CW505L
- Alternate Industry Terms: “Spring Brass” or “Spinning Brass” (used for deep-drawn or formed components)
Common Product Forms & Dimensions
C26000 Cartridge Brass is available in a comprehensive range of standard and custom product forms to serve industries including ammunition, electrical, architectural, and decorative hardware. Custom sizes, tempers, and finishes can be supplied upon request.
| Form | Thickness (mm) | Width (mm) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheet / Strip | 0.2 – 6.0 | 50 – 600 | Custom | — |
| Rod / Bar | — | — | Custom | 3 – 50 |
| Wire | — | — | Custom | 0.3 – 12 |
| Tube | 1 – 12 (wall) | — | Custom | 10 – 150 (OD) |
Note: Custom dimensions, tempers, and finishes are available upon request to meet specific project or engineering requirements.
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