C22000 – Commercial Bronze (90% Cu, 10% Zn)
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C22000 – Commercial Bronze (90% Cu, 10% Zn) Brochure
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Descriptions
C22000 Commercial Bronze is a copper–zinc alloy containing approximately 90% copper and 10% zinc, recognized for its warm golden-bronze appearance and excellent corrosion resistance. It offers a balanced combination of strength, ductility, and malleability, making it suitable for cold-forming operations such as deep drawing, stamping, and coining without frequent annealing.
Also known as 90–10 Brass or Gilding Bronze, C22000 has long been used in builder’s hardware, decorative fittings, and architectural components. The alloy’s attractive color and high corrosion resistance in atmospheric and fresh-water environments make it ideal for use in electrical, marine, and artistic applications where appearance and performance are equally important.
Chemical Composition
C22000 Commercial Bronze is a high-copper brass alloy with approximately 90% copper and 10% zinc. It maintains excellent formability and corrosion resistance while providing a warm golden hue suitable for decorative and architectural applications.
| Element | Composition (wt%) |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 89.0 – 91.0 |
| Zinc (Zn) | Balance (approx. 9.0 – 11.0) |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.05 |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 0.05 |
| Other Elements (Total) | ≤ 0.20 |
Copper plus named alloying elements ≥ 99.8%. In practice, this alloy typically contains about 90% Cu and 10% Zn, commonly designated as CuZn10.
Mechanical & Technical Properties
C22000 Commercial Bronze offers a balanced combination of strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance. In the annealed condition, it maintains excellent cold workability and a distinctive warm golden appearance, making it ideal for both industrial and architectural use.
| Property | Description / Typical Values |
|---|---|
| Mechanical (Annealed) |
Tensile Strength: ~45 ksi (310 MPa) Yield Strength (0.2% offset): ~33 ksi (230 MPa) Elongation: 40–50% Hardness: ~70 HR30T Excellent ductility – can be deep drawn and bent without cracking. |
| Formability | Excellent. Easily cold-worked (blanking, coining, deep drawing, bending). Does not work-harden as rapidly as higher-zinc brasses. Malleability and ductility are key advantages. |
| Machinability | Moderate. Machines more easily than pure copper but is not a free-machining brass. Machinability rating ≈ 20% (Free-Cutting Brass = 100). Standard machining processes (turning, milling) can be used with adjusted speeds and tooling. |
| Corrosion Resistance | Very good in atmospheric and fresh-water environments. Resistant to stress-corrosion cracking and dezincification under normal service conditions. Commonly used for exterior hardware and marine fittings. Avoid prolonged exposure to high-sulfur or chloride-rich environments. |
| Thermal & Electrical |
Thermal Conductivity: ~109 BTU·ft/(ft²·hr·°F) ≈ 184 W/m·K Electrical Conductivity: ~44% IACS (≈ 25 MS/m) Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: ~10.2 × 10⁻⁶ /°F (20–300 °C) |
| Physical |
Density: ≈ 8.8 g/cm³ Young’s Modulus: ≈ 17,000 ksi (117 GPa) Typical Annealing Range: 800–1000 °F (427–538 °C) |
| Fabrication |
Weldability: Good – Gas (Oxy-Acetylene) & Brazing: Excellent;
Gas-Shielded Arc Welding: Acceptable with care. Soldering & Tinning: Excellent. Common fabrication methods include blanking, coining, drawing, bending, stamping, and hot forging. |
Applications
C22000 Commercial Bronze is a versatile, general-purpose brass alloy used across a wide range of industries for both functional and decorative applications. Its combination of formability, corrosion resistance, and attractive bronze color makes it suitable for architectural, marine, electrical, and ornamental uses.
- Architectural Hardware & Trim: Escutcheons, hinges, knobs, weather-stripping, kickplates, push plates, ornamental trim, and façade panels — valued for their warm bronze color and resistance to atmospheric corrosion.
- Marine & Fresh-Water Fittings: Boat hardware, pumps, valves, and connectors exposed to water. Performs reliably in fresh or brackish environments due to superior corrosion resistance.
- Ornamental & Consumer Goods: Decorative lighting fixtures, furniture inlays, medallions, jewelry, cosmetic cases (lipstick/compact), and other plated or stamped components.
- Ammunition & Military: Projectile rotating bands, bullet jacket cups, primer caps, and small-arms cartridge parts — C22000’s high formability and strength make it ideal for ammunition components.
- Electrical: Meter-jaw contacts, electrical connectors, and motor rotor bars (especially in HVAC and air-conditioning equipment).
- General Engineering: Bushings, gears, shafts, and low-load bearings — where low friction and corrosion resistance are required.
- Decorative & Architectural Hardware: Furniture hardware, stair rails, railings, and interior metalwork where a bronze-yellow aesthetic is desired.
Standards & International Equivalents:
C22000 Commercial Bronze is recognized under numerous international specifications and is widely referenced in both commercial and military standards. The following are key designations and equivalent grades:
| Standard Organization | Specification / Designation | Description / Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM | B36/B36M, B927/B927M, B134/B134M, B135/B135M, B130 | Plates, sheets, rods, bars, shapes, wire, tubes, and bullet jackets |
| SAE | J461, J463 | Wrought copper-alloy specifications (includes brasses like C22000) |
| EN / DIN | CuZn10 (EN CW501L) | European / German equivalent designation for 90/10 brass |
| BS | CZ101 (BS 2870) | British Standard equivalent for C22000 |
| JIS | H2200 / C2200 | Japanese Industrial Standard for 90/10 brass |
| ISO | CuZn10 | International ISO alloy designation |
| UNS / CDA | C22000 | Unified Numbering System / Copper Development Association ID 220 |
Note: C22000 is also referenced in certain MIL specifications for ordnance and ammunition applications. For complete listings, refer to applicable supplier and military standards.
Common Names & International Identifiers
C22000 is widely known by several trade and international names. It is most commonly referred to as Commercial Bronze or simply 90/10 Brass. In various industries and standards, it may also appear under the following equivalent names and designations:
- Trade Names: Commercial Bronze, 90/10 Brass, Gilding Metal (10% Zn Brass), Red Brass (90/10), 90% Copper Brass
- UNS / CDA: C22000 / CDA 220
- ISO / DIN: CuZn10
- EN: CW501L
- BS: CZ101
- JIS: C2200
- Chinese Standard: H90
- Common Industry Reference: “90/10 Brass” or “Commercial Bronze (90% Cu)”
Common Product Forms & Dimensions
C22000 Commercial Bronze is available in a wide range of standard and custom forms to meet diverse industrial and decorative requirements. Custom dimensions and tolerances can be supplied upon request.
| Form | Thickness (mm) | Width (mm) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheet / Strip | 0.2 – 6.0 | 50 – 500 | Custom | — |
| Rod / Bar | — | — | Custom | 3 – 50 |
| Wire | — | — | Custom | 0.3 – 12 |
| Tube | 1 – 15 (wall) | — | Custom | 10 – 150 (OD) |
Note: Custom dimensions, tempers, and finishes are available upon request to suit specific engineering, electrical, or decorative applications.
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