C23000 – Red Brass (85% Cu, 15% Zn)
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C23000 – Red Brass (85% Cu, 15% Zn) Brochure
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Descriptions
C23000 Red Brass, also known as 85–15 Brass, is a high-copper alloy containing approximately 85% copper and 15% zinc. The alloy exhibits a deep reddish-gold color, positioned aesthetically between yellow brasses and bronzes.
Renowned for its excellent corrosion resistance — particularly in potable water systems, plumbing, and atmospheric environments — C23000 offers a superior balance of durability, formability, and visual warmth. It work-hardens slightly more than higher-copper brasses but still maintains good ductility and cold-forming characteristics, making it suitable for drawing, bending, forming, and moderate machining operations.
The alloy is especially valued in plumbing components, architectural fittings, and decorative hardware where both long-term performance and aesthetic appeal are important. Its ability to resist dezincification and maintain strength under exposure to water and weather makes it one of the most reliable materials in the red brass family.
Chemical Composition
C23000 Red Brass is a high-copper alloy consisting primarily of copper and zinc, with minimal impurities. It conforms to ASTM, UNS, and EN standards for 85–15 brass compositions.
| Element | Composition (wt%) |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 84.0 – 86.0 |
| Zinc (Zn) | Remainder (~14.0 – 16.0) |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.05 |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 0.05 |
| Other Residual Elements (Total) | ≤ 0.20 |
Note: The balance of the alloy consists primarily of zinc, with trace residual elements. C23000 (UNS C23000 / EN CuZn15) is often referred to as 85–15 Brass or Red Brass due to its composition and distinctive color.
Mechanical, Physical & Fabrication Properties
C23000 Red Brass combines good mechanical strength with excellent ductility, formability, and corrosion resistance. Depending on temper and product form, its properties make it suitable for a wide range of engineering, plumbing, and decorative applications.
| Property | Typical Range / Description |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (UTS) |
~250 – 300 MPa (Annealed) ~280 – 590 MPa (Cold-worked, depending on temper and product form) |
| Elongation | Typically 40 – 45% in annealed condition |
| Hardness |
Rockwell B: ~48 (Soft Annealed) up to ~80+ (Hard Tempers) Moderate hardness in quarter-hard to half-hard conditions |
| Density | 8.67 – 8.75 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | Solidus ~990 °C | Liquidus ~1030 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 140 – 160 W/m·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 18.4 – 19 µm/m·K (20 – 300 °C) |
| Formability | Excellent. Suitable for cold forming, bending, and drawing. Can be deep drawn with moderate work hardening compared to higher-copper brasses. |
| Machinability | Good; machinability rating ≈ 30% (Free-Cutting Brass = 100). Standard machining processes applicable with appropriate speeds and tools. |
| Joining / Fabrication | Excellent for soldering and brazing. Weldable with suitable precautions; gas and TIG methods preferred. Common forming methods include blanking, drawing, spinning, and bending. |
| Corrosion Resistance | Very good resistance to atmospheric and freshwater corrosion. Resists dezincification and stress corrosion in potable water systems when properly alloyed and finished. |
Applications
C23000 Red Brass is widely used in applications that demand both aesthetic appeal and long-term functional performance. Its deep reddish-gold color, high corrosion resistance, and excellent formability make it a preferred material across architectural, plumbing, electrical, and decorative industries.
- Plumbing & Water Systems: Fittings, service lines, pipe nipples, and other potable-water components requiring corrosion resistance and dezincification protection.
- Heat Exchanger & Condenser Tubing: Used for efficient thermal conductivity and durability in fresh-water and mild industrial environments.
- Architectural & Decorative: Trim, weather-stripping, decorative hardware, nameplates, medallions, and façade details that emphasize a warm bronze-red aesthetic.
- Hardware & Fasteners: Screws, fire-hose couplings, and general mechanical hardware requiring strength and corrosion resistance.
- Electrical Components: Sockets, screw shells, connectors, and terminals — valued for their conductivity and resistance to tarnish.
- Jewelry & Consumer Goods: Costume jewelry, lighting fixtures, and decorative accessories utilizing its rich color and easy formability.
- Outdoor Decorative Elements: Signage, railings, architectural ornaments, and artistic metalwork exposed to the elements.
Its durability in water, distinctive color tone, and good cold-forming ability make C23000 equally favored in both industrial engineering and design applications.
Standards & International Equivalents:
C23000 Red Brass is covered under multiple international standards and specifications for plate, sheet, strip, bar, wire, tube, and pipe forms. The alloy is recognized globally by the following designations:
| Standard Organization | Designation / Specification | Description / Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| UNS | C23000 | Unified Numbering System designation for Red Brass (85–15 Brass) |
| EN / DIN | CuZn15, CW502L | European / German equivalent grade for C23000 |
| ASTM |
B36 (plate, sheet, strip, rolled bar) B134 (wire) B43 / B698 (pipe) B135 (tube) Other standards depending on product form |
ASTM specifications covering wrought red brass products |
| BS / ISO | BS CZ102, ISO CuZn15 | British and International equivalents for 85–15 Brass |
Common Names & International Identifiers
C23000 Red Brass is known by several trade and international names across various standards and regions. It is commonly referred to as Red Brass or 85–15 Brass, and is recognized for its reddish-gold color and excellent corrosion resistance.
- Trade Names: Red Brass, 85–15 Brass, 85-15 Red Brass
- UNS / CDA: C23000 / CDA 230
- ISO / DIN: CuZn15
- EN (European): CW502L
- Common Industry Reference: “Nordic Brass” (used in architectural and design trades)
- Historical Designation: 85–15 Red Brass (used in legacy U.S. specifications)
Common Product Forms & Dimensions
C23000 Red Brass is supplied in a wide range of standard and custom product forms to meet architectural, plumbing, electrical, and decorative applications. Custom dimensions and tempers are available upon request.
| Form | Thickness (mm) | Width (mm) | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheet / Strip | 0.3 – 6.0 | 50 – 500 | Custom | — |
| Rod / Bar | — | — | Custom | 3 – 50 |
| Wire | — | — | Custom | 0.5 – 12 |
| Tube | 1 – 15 (wall) | — | Custom | 10 – 150 (OD) |
Note: Custom dimensions, tempers, and finishes can be provided based on specific project or engineering requirements.
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