C48500 – Leaded Naval Brass
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C46400 – Naval Brass Brochure
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Descriptions
C48500 Leaded Naval Brass is a high-strength, corrosion-resistant copper–zinc–tin alloy with the addition of lead to enhance machinability. It is specifically formulated for marine and industrial applications where components are exposed to seawater and demanding service environments.
This alloy features a duplex (α + β) microstructure, offering an excellent combination of strength, ductility, and hot workability. The inclusion of tin provides improved resistance to seawater corrosion, dezincification, and stress-corrosion cracking, while lead improves chip formation and surface finish during machining.
C48500 Brass is widely used in marine hardware, pump and valve components, condenser tubes, and precision machined parts where both durability and corrosion resistance are essential.
Chemical Composition
C48500 Leaded Naval Brass is a copper–zinc–tin–lead alloy offering excellent machinability combined with superior resistance to seawater corrosion. The tin addition enhances dezincification and stress-crack resistance, while lead improves chip control and surface finish during machining operations.
| Element | Composition (wt%) |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 59.0 – 62.0 |
| Zinc (Zn) | Balance (≈ 37.5) |
| Lead (Pb) | 1.3 – 2.2 |
| Tin (Sn) | 0.5 – 1.0 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.1 |
| Other Elements (each) | ≤ 0.1 |
| Total (Cu + Named Elements) | ≥ 99.6 |
Note: The presence of lead (~2%) improves machinability, while tin (~1%) enhances seawater corrosion and dezincification resistance. This makes C48500 ideal for marine, pump, and valve components.
Mechanical, Physical & Fabrication Properties
C48500 Leaded Naval Brass exhibits a duplex α + β microstructure that provides an excellent balance between strength, ductility, and machinability. The alloy maintains good mechanical performance while resisting corrosion and dezincification in seawater and marine environments.
| Property | Typical Value | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Microstructure | Duplex α + β | Balanced structure offering strength and ductility |
| Tensile Strength | 379 – 531 MPa | Varies with temper and product form |
| Yield Strength | 172 – 365 MPa | Dependent on processing condition |
| Elongation | Up to 40% | Indicates excellent ductility in annealed state |
| Machinability | ≈ 70% (relative to C36000) | Improved by lead content (~2%) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 116 W/m·K | Good heat transfer properties for marine use |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 21.2 µm/m·°C | Typical for α+β brasses |
| Melting Point | Solidus: ~888°C / Liquidus: ~899°C | Narrow melting range ensures controlled casting and forging |
| Electrical Conductivity | ≈ 26% IACS | Moderate electrical conductivity |
These properties make C48500 Leaded Naval Brass ideal for marine components, valves, fittings, and precision-machined parts requiring a combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability.
Applications
C48500 Leaded Naval Brass is widely utilized in industries that demand excellent corrosion resistance, good strength, and reliable machinability. Its unique combination of copper, zinc, tin, and lead makes it ideal for service in marine, industrial, and precision engineering environments.
- Marine Industry: Used for valve stems, pump shafts, propeller hardware, and other components exposed to seawater and salt-laden atmospheres.
- Industrial Applications: Suitable for valve bodies, gears, light bearings, bushings, and screw-machine parts requiring long service life.
- Engineering Components: Ideal for fasteners, connectors, and machined components that demand high dimensional stability and corrosion resistance.
Summary: C48500 Leaded Naval Brass combines the durability of Naval Brass with improved machinability from lead addition — making it a reliable choice for marine fittings, valves, and high-performance engineering components.
Standards & International Equivalents:
C48500 Leaded Naval Brass conforms to several international and national standards that ensure consistent chemical composition, mechanical performance, and corrosion resistance across different product forms. These standards make the alloy suitable for marine, industrial, and engineering applications globally.
| Standard Organization | Designation / Specification | Description / Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| UNS | C48500 | Unified Numbering System designation for Leaded Naval Brass |
| ASTM |
B21/B21M – Naval Brass Rod, Bar, and Shapes B124/B124M – Copper & Copper-Alloy Forging Rod, Bar, and Shapes B283/B283M – Copper & Copper-Alloy Die Forgings |
Standard specifications for wrought and forged brass products |
| Federal Specification | QQ-B-639 | Brass, Naval — Flat Products (Plate, Bar, Sheet, and Strip) |
| EN / DIN | CW724R | European equivalent for Leaded Naval Brass (CuZn39Sn1Pb1) |
| BS | CZ134 | British Standard equivalent for Leaded Naval Brass |
| Indian Standard (IS) | IS 291:1988 | Naval Brass Rods and Sections for Machining Purposes |
These standards ensure C48500 maintains consistent performance in marine hardware, valve systems, pump components, and heavy-duty engineering applications across global manufacturing requirements.
Common Names & International Identifiers
C48500 Leaded Naval Brass is recognized worldwide under several common and trade designations. It is often referred to as a high-leaded version of Naval Brass offering enhanced machinability and excellent corrosion resistance in marine environments.
- Common Names: Leaded Naval Brass, High Leaded Naval Brass
- Trade Designations: C48500, UNS C48500, CW724R (EN), CZ134 (BS)
- CDA Alloy Number: 485
C48500 is commonly used in marine, plumbing, and engineering hardware as a superior alternative to standard Naval Brass (C46400) where machinability and corrosion resistance are both required.
Common Product Forms & Dimensions
C48500 High Leaded Naval Brass is supplied in a wide range of solid, hollow, and custom-shaped sections suitable for machining, forging, and fabrication. Products are manufactured as per ASTM B21/B124 standards and can be supplied in as-extruded or cold-drawn delivery conditions.
| Shape | Dimensions / Range | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Solid Round Bars | Dia 7 mm up to 120 mm | Standard mill finish or machined surface |
| Solid Hex Bars | A/F 7 mm up to 100 mm | Precision hexagonal profiles for machining and fittings |
| Solid Square Bars | A/F 7 mm up to 90 mm | Used in hardware, connectors, and decorative applications |
| Solid Rectangle Bars | 7 × 10 mm up to 100 × 50 mm | Custom extruded rectangular sections for industrial and marine parts |
| Hollow Bars |
Outer Diameter: 30 mm – 120 mm Inner Diameter (Round): 20 mm – 80 mm |
Available in round, hexagonal, and square forms |
| Profiles & Sections | As per customer drawings | Custom extruded shapes to meet specific design needs |
| Bar Length | Up to 4 meters | Supplied in straight lengths, as-extruded or cold-drawn |
Surface Finishing Options
- Straight Knurling – Available based on shape and size feasibility
- Cross Knurling – Available upon request for enhanced grip or decorative finish
Note: Custom extrusions, cut lengths, and special tolerances are available upon request. All bars and profiles undergo strict quality control and can be supplied with Mill Test Certificates (MTCs).
C48500 High Leaded Naval Brass is typically supplied in Round and Hexagonal Bars for marine, industrial, and precision machining applications. These bars are manufactured to ASTM B21 standards and provided in H02 (Half-Hard) temper with standard 12-foot mill lengths. The tables below list standard diameters, tolerances, and approximate weights per foot.
Round Bars – ASTM B21 (H02 Half Hard)
| Diameter (Inches) | Diameter Tolerance (± Inch) | Weight (Pounds per Foot) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25 | 0.0015 | 0.1796 |
| 0.2812 | 0.0015 | 0.2272 |
| 0.375 | 0.0015 | 0.404 |
| 0.4375 | 0.0015 | 0.5499 |
| 0.5 | 0.0015 | 0.7188 |
| 0.5625 | 0.002 | 0.92 |
| 0.625 | 0.002 | 1.1223 |
| 0.75 | 0.002 | 1.6161 |
| 0.875 | 0.002 | 2.1997 |
| 1.0 | 0.002 | 2.8731 |
| 1.125 | 0.0025 | 3.6363 |
| 1.25 | 0.0025 | 4.4892 |
| 1.3125 | 0.0025 | 4.9494 |
| 1.375 | 0.0025 | 5.432 |
| 1.5 | 0.0025 | 6.4645 |
| 1.625 | 0.0025 | 7.5868 |
| 1.75 | 0.0025 | 8.7989 |
| 2.0 | 0.0025 | 11.4924 |
| 2.0625 | 0.003 | 12.2219 |
| 3.0* | 0.005 | 25.8579 |
*M30 size available as hot-extruded.
Hexagonal Bars – ASTM B21 (H02 Half Hard)
| Size (Inches) | Weight (Pounds per Foot) |
|---|---|
| 0.875 | 2.4286 |
| 1.25 | 4.9563 |
Note: Bars are available in custom diameters and lengths upon request. Additional tempers and surface finishes can be supplied based on project requirements.
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