When it comes to materials that combine strength, machinability, and corrosion resistance, CuZn36Pb3—also known as Leaded Brass—is a standout performer. Whether you’re designing for automotive components, plumbing fixtures, or electrical connectors, this alloy’s properties make it a popular choice in a wide range of industries. But what exactly makes CuZn36Pb3 so special? Why is it preferred over other brass alloys? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about CuZn36Pb3, from its composition and properties to its applications, advantages, and limitations.
We’ll also take a deep dive into pricing, suppliers, and specifications, and provide detailed comparisons to other materials. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a crystal-clear understanding of why CuZn36Pb3 is such a popular material and how you can use it to enhance your projects.
Overview
CuZn36Pb3 is a brass alloy consisting of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb). It typically contains around 36% zinc and 3% lead, which gives it unique properties such as excellent machinability and good corrosion resistance. This alloy is commonly referred to as Leaded Brass because of the addition of lead, which improves its machinability by acting as a lubricant during the cutting process. As a result, CuZn36Pb3 is often used in applications where parts need to be easily machined, such as in the automotive, plumbing, and electrical industries.
Key Features :
- Highly machinable: The lead content facilitates smooth machining and reduces tool wear.
- Corrosion resistance: Good resistance to corrosion in environments such as freshwater and mildly aggressive atmospheres.
- Excellent electrical conductivity: Suitable for electrical connectors and terminals.
- Ductility: Can be easily formed into complex shapes without compromising strength.
- Good mechanical properties: Offers a balance between strength, ductility, and hardness.
Composition and Properties
The composition of CuZn36Pb3 gives it a unique combination of strength, ductility, and machinability. The presence of lead in the alloy significantly enhances its ease of machining without compromising its corrosion resistance or mechanical properties.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 60 – 62 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 35 – 37 |
| Lead (Pb) | 2.5 – 3.5 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.1 |
| Other Elements | Trace amounts |
Mechanical and Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 350 – 480 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 150 – 300 MPa |
| Elongation | 20 – 35% |
| Density | 8.47 g/cm³ |
| Hardness (HB) | 80 – 130 HB |
| Thermal Conductivity | 120 – 140 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 26 – 30% IACS |
| Melting Point | 870 – 900°C |
Notable Properties
- Machinability: The lead content (up to 3.5%) allows for excellent machinability compared to other brass alloys. This makes it a popular choice for precision parts requiring complex shapes or fine threads.
- Corrosion Resistance: While not as corrosion-resistant as high-copper alloys, CuZn36Pb3 holds up well in environments such as freshwater, mildly acidic, and alkaline atmospheres.
- Workability: It offers good ductility, meaning it can be easily bent, drawn, or formed without breaking. This makes it versatile for cold forming operations.
- Thermal and Electrical Conductivity: CuZn36Pb3 boasts decent thermal conductivity, making it suitable for heat dissipation applications, and its electrical conductivity is sufficient for low-power electrical components.
Applications
CuZn36Pb3’s unique combination of machinability and corrosion resistance makes it a go-to material across several industries. It can be found in everything from automobile parts to plumbing fixtures and electrical connectors. Below, we’ll explore the most common applications of this versatile alloy.
Where CuZn36Pb3 Is Used
| Industry | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
| Automotive | Valve bodies, fuel connectors, sensor housings |
| Plumbing | Fittings, valves, faucets, and pipe connectors |
| Electrical | Terminals, connectors, and switch components |
| Machinery | Gears, bushings, and precision mechanical components |
| Aerospace | Electrical connectors, fasteners, and hydraulic components |
| Consumer Goods | Decorative hardware, locks, and keys |
Why CuZn36Pb3 Is Ideal for These Applications
- Automotive: CuZn36Pb3’s high machinability allows for the production of complex valve bodies and sensor housings, where precision is critical. Its corrosion resistance makes it ideal for components exposed to engine fluids and harsh environments.
- Plumbing: With its good corrosion resistance, CuZn36Pb3 is widely used in valves and fittings, where exposure to water and steam is common. It also complies with many lead content regulations for potable water systems.
- Electrical: CuZn36Pb3’s conductivity is suitable for electrical connectors and terminals, particularly in low-voltage applications. Its formability allows for the creation of complex shapes, ensuring reliable electrical connections.
- Machinery: Because of its wear resistance and machinability, CuZn36Pb3 is often used for gears and bushings, where precision and durability are key.
Specifications, Sizes, and Standards
Like most engineering materials, CuZn36Pb3 is available in a variety of sizes, grades, and forms to suit different manufacturing processes. Below are the most common specifications and standards for this alloy.
Common Specifications and Standards
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| ASTM B16 | Standard specification for free-cutting brass rod |
| EN 12164 | European standard for copper and copper alloys |
| DIN 17660 | German standard for wrought copper alloys |
| JIS H3250 | Japanese standard for brass rods |
Sizes and Forms Available
| Form | Size Range |
|---|---|
| Rods | Diameter: 5 mm to 150 mm |
| Sheets/Plates | Thickness: 0.5 mm to 50 mm |
| Tubes | Diameter: 6 mm to 100 mm |
| Wires | Diameter: 0.5 mm to 10 mm |
Suppliers and Pricing
Pricing for CuZn36Pb3 can vary depending on market conditions, supplier, and the form in which it’s purchased (e.g., rods, sheets, tubes). Below is an overview of potential suppliers and pricing for CuZn36Pb3.
Suppliers and Price Range
| Supplier | Location | Price Range (per kg) | Typical Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| ThyssenKrupp | Germany | $10 – $25 | 1-3 weeks |
| Aviva Metals | USA | $12 – $28 | 2-4 weeks |
| Shanghai Metal Corp | China | $8 – $20 | 3-5 weeks |
| Smiths Metal Centres | UK | £9 – £22 | 1-2 weeks |
Pricing Considerations
- Form: Prices vary based on whether you’re purchasing rods, sheets, or tubes. Typically, rods and wires tend to be more expensive due to the extra processing involved.
- Supplier Location: Due to shipping costs and import duties, prices can fluctuate significantly depending on where the supplier is located.
- Market Conditions: Copper and zinc prices can vary, which impacts the overall cost of CuZn36Pb3. When copper prices rise, expect the price of this alloy to follow suit.
Advantages and Limitations
Like all materials, CuZn36Pb3 comes with its own set of advantages and limitations. Below, we’ll break down the pros and cons of using this alloy.
Advantages and Limitations
| Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Excellent machinability: Thanks to lead content, CuZn36Pb3 is easy to machine, reducing tool wear and increasing production efficiency. | Lead content: While lead improves machinability, it may be restricted or regulated in certain applications, especially in potable water systems. |
| Good corrosion resistance: Suitable for freshwater and mildly aggressive environments. | Corrosion in aggressive environments: CuZn36Pb3 is not suited for highly corrosive environments, such as seawater or chemical exposure. |
| Cost-effective: Compared to higher copper alloys, CuZn36Pb3 is more affordable, making it a cost-effective choice for many applications. | Lower strength: CuZn36Pb3 may not offer the same strength as other copper alloys, which can limit its use in high-load applications. |
| Good electrical conductivity: Suitable for electrical applications where moderate conductivity is required. | Not suitable for high-current applications: Due to its lower conductivity compared to pure copper, CuZn36Pb3 isn’t ideal for high-current electrical applications. |
| Formability: Can be easily formed into complex shapes without cracking. | Environmental concerns: Lead content may pose environmental and health concerns during disposal or recycling. |
CuZn36Pb3 vs. Other Brass Alloys
When selecting the right material for your project, it’s important to compare CuZn36Pb3 with other similar materials. Let’s take a look at how CuZn36Pb3 stacks up against other brass alloys and copper-based materials.
CuZn36Pb3 Compared to Other Alloys
| Property | CuZn36Pb3 | CuZn39Pb3 (CW614N) | CuZn37 (CW508L) | CuZn40Pb2 (CW617N) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 350 – 480 MPa | 360 – 450 MPa | 330 – 450 MPa | 350 – 470 MPa |
| Machinability | Excellent (due to lead) | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Very Good | Moderate | Good |
| Electrical Conductivity | 26 – 30% IACS | 26 – 30% IACS | 27% IACS | 25% IACS |
| Formability | Good | Good | Very Good | Good |
Key Takeaways
- CuZn36Pb3 vs CuZn39Pb3: CuZn36Pb3 and CuZn39Pb3 are very similar in terms of machinability and corrosion resistance, but CuZn39Pb3 might offer slightly better corrosion resistance in certain environments.
- CuZn36Pb3 vs CuZn37: While CuZn37 offers better formability, CuZn36Pb3 excels when it comes to machinability, making it the better choice for machined components.
- CuZn36Pb3 vs CuZn40Pb2: CuZn40Pb2 shares a similar machinability profile but may offer slightly better strength for applications requiring higher tensile strength.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To help you better understand CuZn36Pb3, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions that address common concerns and queries.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is it used for? | It is primarily used in automotive parts, plumbing fixtures, electrical connectors, and precision mechanical components. |
| Is it easy to machine? | Yes, it has excellent machinability due to the addition of lead, making it ideal for precision machining. |
| How much does it cost? | The price of CuZn36Pb3 typically ranges from $8 to $28 per kg, depending on the supplier and material form. |
| Can it be used in potable water systems? | While it is used in plumbing, its lead content may not comply with all potable water regulations, so alternatives may be needed. |
| What is the tensile strength of it? | The tensile strength of CuZn36Pb3 typically ranges from 350 to 480 MPa, making it strong enough for many mechanical applications. |
| Is it resistant to corrosion? | It offers good corrosion resistance in freshwater and mild environments but may not be suitable for highly corrosive settings like seawater. |
Conclusion
It is an incredibly versatile brass alloy that offers a winning combination of machinability, strength, and corrosion resistance, making it a popular choice for a wide range of industrial applications. Whether you’re manufacturing precision automotive parts, plumbing fixtures, or electrical connectors, CuZn36Pb3’s properties deliver reliable performance.
While its lead content may limit its use in certain potable water systems, its cost-effectiveness and ease of machining make it an excellent choice for many other applications. By understanding its composition, properties, and limitations, you can confidently select it as the material for your next project.
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