C3601 Free machining brass, produced from a combination of copper and zinc, has the highest machinability of all copper alloys, and is the standard against which all the others are compared to. C3601 Brass, known for its strength and resistance to corrosion with properties closely resembling that of steel, is one of the most popular copper alloys used today. C3601 Brass can be precision machined easily. Although ductile in its softened state, C3601 Brass is a strong material to work with and maintains its strength even under some of the most demanding conditions. C3601 Brass forms a thin protective “patina”, which, unlike steel and iron, will not rust when exposed to the atmosphere. As a high-density material, C3601 Brass is ideal for heavy industrial parts. C3601 Brass is also valued for its high polished finish. C3601 Brass is available in rounds, flats, squares, hexagons, tube, plate, and sheet.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
| Elements | Min (%) | Max (%) |
| Cu | 59.00 | 63.00 |
| Pb | 1.80 | 3.70 |
| Fe | – | 0.30 |
| Sn+Fe | – | 0.50 |
| Zn | Remainder |
Mechanical Properties according To H3250 JIS C3601 (As Per Temper BD)
| Range | From | To | UTS Min (N/mm²) | PS Min | Elongation (%) | Hardness Min | Hardness Max |
| Round (Dia) | 6 | 50 | 345 | – | – | – | – |
| Hex (A/F) | 6 | 50 | 345 | – | – | – | – |
| Square (A/F) | 6 | 50 | 345 | – | – | – | – |
| Rectangle (Thickness) | 6 | 50 | 345 | – | – | – | – |
| PHYSICAL PROPERTIES |
| Melting Point – Liquidus°F | 1650 |
| Melting Point – Solidus°F | 1630 |
| Densitylb/cu in. at 68°F | 0.307 |
| Specific Gravity | 8.5 |
| Electrical Conductivity% IACS at 68°F | 26 |
| Thermal ConductivityBtu/ sq ft/ ft hr/ °F at 68°F | 67 |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 68-57210⁻⁶ per °F (68 – 572°F) | 11.4 |
| Specific Heat CapacityBtu/ lb /°F at 68°F | 0.09 |
| Modulus of Elasticity in Tensionksi | 14000 |
| Modulus of Rigidityksi | 5300 |
| FABRICATION PROPERTIES |
| Technique | Suitability |
| Soldering | Excellent |
| Brazing | Good |
| Oxyacetylene Welding | Not Recommended |
| Gas Shielded Arc Welding | Not Recommended |
| Coated Metal Arc Welding | Not Recommended |
| Spot Weld | Not Recommended |
| Seam Weld | Not Recommended |
| Butt Weld | Fair |
| Capacity for Being Cold Worked | Fair |
| Capacity for Being Hot Formed | Fair |
| Machinability Rating | 100 |
TYPICAL USES
- Automotive
- Builders Hardware
- Consumer
- Fasteners
- Industrial
- Plumbing
