Copper alloys remain a vital material in various industries. It is because copper alloys possess an excellent combination of unique properties like strength, durability, flexibility, and corrosion resistance. One of these copper alloys is the UNS C38500. This blog post will discuss everything you need about UNS C38500 copper alloy, including its composition, physical and mechanical properties, uses, and more.
UNS C38500 Copper Alloy Composition
UNS C38500 is a corrosion-resistant brass alloy belonging to the brass family. The chemical composition of this alloy is approximately 60% copper, 39% zinc, and 1% lead. The addition of lead makes the material easier to machine. It also enhances the wear resistance, improves the machinability, and reduces the friction coefficient of the alloy.
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Cu | 57.0 |
| Pb | 3.0 |
| Zn | 40.0 |
UNS C38500 Copper Alloy Physical Properties
UNS C38500 copper alloy boasts excellent physical properties such as high thermal and electrical conductivity, low magnetic permeability, and a coefficient of thermal expansion close to that of steel. The density of the material ranges from 8.44 to 8.48 g/cm3, while its melting point is around 900 to 930 °C.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 8.47 g/cm3 | 0.306 lb/in³ |
UNS C38500 Copper Alloy Mechanical Properties
UNS C38500 exhibits good mechanical properties such as high tensile strength, elongation, and toughness. The alloy can be easily formed into intricate shapes and resists deformation under high loads. The hardness of UNS C38500 is typically in the 70-90 HRB range.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness, Rockwell B (M30 temper) | 65 | 65 |
| Tensile strength (M30 temper) | 415 MPa | 60200 psi |
| Yield strength (@strain 0.500%, M30 temper) | 140 MPa | 20300 psi |
| Elongation at break (in 50 mm, M30 temper) | 30.00% | 30.00% |
| Machinability (UNS C36000 (free-cutting brass) = 100) | 90 | 90 |
| Shear modulus | 37.0 GPa | 5370 ksi |
| Shear strength (M30 temper) | 240 MPa | 34800 psi |
| Poisson’s ratio | 0.34 | 0.34 |
| Elastic modulus | 117 GPa | 16969 ksi |
UNS C38500 Copper Alloy Thermal Properties
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal expansion co-efficient (@20-300°C/68-572°F) | 20.9 µm/m°C | 11.6 µin/in°F |
| Thermal conductivity (@20°C/68°F) | 123 W/mK | 854 BTU in/hr.ft².°F |
UNS C38500 Copper Alloy Equivalent
- Equivalent materials to UNS C38500 architectural bronze alloys are ASTM B455 alloys.
UNS C38500 Copper Alloy Uses
UNS C38500 copper alloy is preferred in industries that demand corrosion resistance, like marine, plumbing, and electrical. It is also used in various applications, including electronics, industrial equipment, pumps, valves, and fittings.
UNS C38500 Copper Alloy Welding and Heat Treatment
UNS C38500 copper alloy is an excellent material to weld. The material should be washed thoroughly with solvents like acetone or alcohol, and then the joint should be heated to 500-600 °C. The alloy can be annealed at 350-450 °C before welding. For heat treatment, the material is typically annealed at 480-575 °C for 1-3 hours for the best result.
UNS C38500 Copper Alloy Corrosion Resistance
UNS C38500 copper alloy exhibits superior corrosion resistance, making it useful in various applications where the material is continuously exposed to corrosive environments like seawater or acidic solutions. The material is rust-resistant, allowing it to endure internal and external pressures without deteriorating.
Conclusion:
UNS C38500 copper alloy is an excellent material of choice in various industries thanks to its exceptional properties. The alloy is invaluable from its corrosion resistance to good machinability, formability and weldability. With the right welding and heat-treatment process, it is a reliable go-to material for industries that demand durability, corrosion-resistant properties, and excellent performance in high-pressure environments.
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