C28000 – Muntz Metal (60% Cu, 40% Zn)
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C28000 – Muntz Metal (60% Cu, 40% Zn) Brochure
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Descriptions
C28000 Muntz Metal, also known as 60–40 Brass, is a classic alpha+beta (duplex) copper–zinc alloy characterized by its warm bronze-yellow appearance. Containing approximately 60% copper and 40% zinc, it was originally developed by George F. Muntz in 1832 as a cost-effective, hot-workable alternative to pure copper for marine hull sheathing and architectural applications.
Today, C28000 remains widely used for its combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal. Its duplex structure provides excellent hot-workability while retaining good cold-forming characteristics. The alloy’s rich bronze-gold tone makes it ideal for architectural panels, decorative trim, condenser plates, heat-exchanger tubes, and heavy-duty marine fittings.
With its blend of economy, durability, and visual elegance, Muntz Metal continues to serve as a trusted material in both engineering and design-driven applications where performance and appearance must go hand in hand.
Chemical Composition
C28000 Muntz Metal is a duplex alpha + beta copper–zinc alloy containing roughly 60% copper and 40% zinc. This composition provides an excellent balance of strength, hot-workability, and corrosion resistance, especially in marine and architectural environments.
| Element | Composition (wt%) |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 59.0 – 63.0 (nominal ~60%) |
| Zinc (Zn) | Remainder (~37 – 41) |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.07 |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 0.09 |
Note: The combined content of copper plus named elements equals at least 99.7% of the total composition. C28000 corresponds to the CuZn40 designation in EN/ISO standards.
Mechanical, Physical & Fabrication Properties
C28000 Muntz Metal is an alpha + beta (duplex) brass offering a unique balance of strength, hardness, and hot-workability. The dual-phase microstructure provides higher mechanical strength and wear resistance than low-zinc brasses while maintaining good corrosion performance.
| Property | Typical Range / Description |
|---|---|
| Microstructure | Alpha + Beta (Duplex). Provides higher strength and hardness but reduces cold ductility; work-hardens rapidly. |
| Tensile Strength | ~330 – 610 MPa (depending on temper and product form) |
| Yield Strength | ~150 – 370 MPa |
| Elongation | ~10 – 45% |
| Hardness | Rockwell B ~55 – 78 |
| Density | 8.4 – 8.5 g/cm³ |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~25 – 30% IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~120 W/m·K |
| Hot Workability | Excellent – suitable for hot rolling, forging, and stamping |
| Cold Formability | Fair to limited – work-hardens quickly, requiring frequent annealing |
| Machinability | Moderate (approx. 30–40% compared to free-cutting brass) |
| Joining Characteristics |
Excellent soldering and brazing. Gas–oxy welding good; gas-shielded arc welding fair. |
Applications
C28000 Muntz Metal has a long history of use dating back to the 19th century, when it replaced pure copper as a cost-effective material for ship hull sheathing. Today, it remains a popular choice for both industrial and architectural applications that demand strength, formability, and a distinctive bronze-yellow appearance.
- Historic Use: Hull sheathing for wooden ships — developed as a durable, lower-cost substitute for pure copper to prevent biofouling and corrosion.
- Modern Applications: Condenser and evaporator plates, heat exchanger components, and tubing for thermal systems.
- Architectural Panels & Trim: Used for building facades, cladding, handrails, and other decorative metalwork requiring a warm bronze finish.
- Hot-Forged & Machined Components: Valves, fittings, flanges, and large fasteners where high strength and corrosion resistance are important.
- Brazing & Welding Consumables: Commonly used for brazing rods and filler materials due to its good hot-working and joining properties.
- Marine Hardware: Occasionally used in boat and dock fittings; however, naval brasses (e.g., C46400) are preferred where dezincification resistance is critical.
With its combination of strength, hot-workability, and visual appeal, Muntz Metal (C28000) continues to serve as a reliable material for engineering, decorative, and architectural applications.
Standards & International Equivalents:
C28000 Muntz Metal is recognized under multiple international specifications covering plate, sheet, tube, and other wrought product forms. Its global equivalents are commonly referenced in architectural, marine, and industrial standards.
| Standard Organization | Designation / Specification | Description / Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| UNS | C28000 | Unified Numbering System designation for Muntz Metal (60/40 Brass) |
| EN / DIN | CW509L / CuZn40 | European / German equivalent designation |
| BS | CZ109 | British Standard equivalent for 60–40 Brass |
| ISO | CuZn40 | International designation under ISO for Muntz Metal |
| ASTM / ASME |
ASTM B111 / ASME SB111 (Seamless Tubes) ASTM B171 / ASME SB171 (Plate, Sheet, Strip) ASTM B135 (Tubes) ASTM B36/B36M (Sheet, Plate, Rolled Bar) |
Common product standards for wrought copper–zinc alloys |
Common Names & International Identifiers
C28000 Muntz Metal is widely known across global markets by various trade and industrial names. Its distinctive color, strength, and cost-effectiveness have made it one of the most recognized brass alloys used in engineering, marine, and architectural applications.
- Trade / Common Names: Muntz Metal, 60/40 Brass, Yellow Metal
- Chemical / ISO Designation: CuZn40
- UNS / CDA: C28000
- European (EN): CW509L
- British Standard (BS): CZ109
- Other Trade References: Ms60 (common commercial or mill name)
Common Product Forms & Dimensions
C28000 Muntz Metal is supplied in a wide range of wrought and forged forms, suitable for marine, architectural, and heat-exchanger applications. It is easily hot-worked into plates, rods, tubes, and forgings. Custom dimensions and tempers can be provided as per client or project requirements.
| Form | Thickness (mm) | Width (mm) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheet / Plate | 1.0 – 50.0 | 200 – 2000 | Custom | — |
| Rod / Bar | — | — | Custom | 10 – 150 |
| Tube | 1.5 – 12.0 (Wall) | — | Custom | 20 – 300 (OD) |
| Forging Stock | — | — | Custom | 50 – 500 |
Note: Custom dimensions and tempers are available upon request. Standard manufacturing covers a wide range suitable for marine fittings, condenser plates, and architectural fabrications.
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