Metals and alloys have become vital to various industries due to their unique mechanical and physical properties. UNS C35600 alloy is a copper-casting material used in different industrial applications, primarily within the electrical industry. The alloy has excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, considerable strength and elasticity, and corrosion-resistant properties. This blog post will delve into the composition, properties, uses, and welding aspects of UNS C35600 alloy, providing a comprehensive understanding of this critical material.
UNS C35600 Alloy Composition
UNS C35600 Alloy is a high-leaded brass that belongs to the family of copper alloys. The alloy primarily contains copper (Cu) and lead (Pb), with small additions of tin (Sn) and zinc (Zn). The lead content in C35600 alloy ranges between 1.5% and 3.0%, promoting the alloy’s machinability. The alloy can also incorporate small amounts of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni) to enhance its properties.
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Cu | 63 |
| Pb | 2.5 |
| Zn | 34.5 |
UNS C35600 Alloy Physical Properties
UNS C35600 Alloy has excellent physical properties, including high thermal and electrical conductivity, low melting point (890-950 deg C), and low coefficient of thermal expansion. Moreover, it displays excellent formability and ductility. The specific gravity ranges between 8.8-9.04, and the density is 8.8-9.1 g/cm^3.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 8.50 g/cm3 | 0.307 lb/in³ |
| Melting point | 885°C | 1630°F |
UNS C35600 Alloy Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of UNS C35600 Alloy depend mainly on the lead content, significantly improving its machinability. The alloy has moderate strength, varying from 350 to 550 MPa, with an elongation range between 12 and 40%. The alloy’s hardness and tensile strength can change based on the heat treatment.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 338 – 510 MPa | 49000 – 74000 psi |
| Yield strength (depending on temper) | 117 – 414 MPa | 17000 – 60000 psi |
| Elongation at break (in 177.8 mm) | 50% | 50% |
| Elastic modulus | 117 GPa | 17000 ksi |
| Poisson’s ratio | 0.34 | 0.34 |
| Machinability (UNS C36000 (free-cutting brass) = 100) | 100 | 100 |
| Shear modulus | 37 GPa | 5370 ksi |
UNS C35600 Alloy Thermal Properties
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal expansion co-efficient (@ 20-300°C/ 68-572°F) | 20.5 µm/m°C | 11.4 µin/in°F |
| Thermal conductivity (@ 20°C/ 68°F) | 115 W/mK | 798 BTU in/hr.ft².°F |
UNS C35600 Alloy Equivalent
- ASTM B121
- ASTM B453
UNS C35600 Alloy Uses
UNS C35600 Alloy has numerous applications within the electrical industry, particularly in switches, fuse clips, and receptacle contacts. Its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity efficiently converts electrical energy into heat or mechanical energy. It is also used in plumbing applications, including fittings, valves, and toilet tank levers.
UNS C35600 Alloy Hardness
The hardness of UNS C35600 Alloy depends significantly on the heat treatment. The alloy can be heat treated to improve its strength and hardness, measured using Rockwell hardness (HRB) or Vickers hardness (HV). A fully annealed UNS C35600 has an HRB of 50, while spring temper C35600 has an HRB of 85-90 and an HV of 250-300.
UNS C35600 Alloy Heat Treatment
UNS C35600 Alloy can be heat-treated using different methods to adjust its mechanical and physical properties. The optimal heat treatment process depends on the alloy’s use. For example, the alloy is treated with a precipitation-hardening treatment to enhance its strength. On the other hand, annealing UNS C35600 alloy is ideal when low hardness and high ductility are needed.
UNS C35600 Alloy Welding
UNS C35600 Alloy can be welded using various welding processes, including gas tungsten arc welding, gas metal arc welding, and spot welding. Before welding, the alloy must be thoroughly cleaned or degreased to remove any oil and impurities that may cause porosity, weld defects, or reduced strength. Welding parameters must be carefully monitored and controlled, including welding current, speed, and heat input.
UNS C35600 Alloy Corrosion Resistant
UNS C35600 Alloy displays high resistance to corrosion and oxidation, particularly in the presence of freshwater, seawater, and alkaline environments. Its excellent corrosion-resistant properties make it an ideal material for marine applications, including valves, underwater connectors, and fittings.
Conclusion:
UNS C35600 Alloy is an exceptionally versatile brass alloy with outstanding properties and a wide range of industrial applications. Its unique mechanical and physical properties make it an ideal choice for various electrical and plumbing materials. The alloy’s machinability, ductility, and corrosion-resistant properties make it attractive for use in the marine industry. Understanding the composition, properties, uses, and welding aspects of UNS C35600 alloy is critical in selecting the ideal material for specific applications and ensuring optimal performance.
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