Copper and Copper Alloys | Brass
CW614N Brass Flat Bar and Profiles
Brasses are alloys of Copper and Zinc. They may also contain small amounts of other alloying elements to impart advantageous properties. Brasses have high corrosion resistance and high tensile strength. They are also suited to fabrication by hot forging. Free machining grades of brass set the standard for machining, by which other metals are compared.
Brasses are divided into two classes. The alpha alloys, with less than 37% Zinc, and the alpha/beta alloys with 37-45% Zinc. Alpha alloys are ductile and can be cold worked. Alpha/beta or duplex alloys have limited cold ductility and are harder and stronger. CZ121 / CW614N is an alpha/beta alloy.
Brass alloy CZ121 / CW614N is used for machining. It has Lead added to the composition to improve machinability. The Lead remains insoluble in the microstructure of the brass and the soft particles act as chip breakers.
Applications - CZ121/CW614N is typically used in:
High speed machined components
Architectural extrusions
Locks
Hinges
Chemical Composition
|
EN 12167:2011 CW614N Brass |
|
|---|---|
| Chemical Element | % Present |
| Zinc (Zn) | balance |
| Aluminium (Al) | 0.05 max |
| Others (Total) | 0.2 max |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.3 max |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0.3 max |
| Tin (Sn) | 0.3 max |
| Lead (Pb) | 2.5 - 3.5 |
| Copper (Cu) | 57 - 59 |
Alloy Designations
CZ121/CW614N corresponds to the following designations but may not be a direct equivalent:
UNS C38500
CuZn39Pb3
Supplied Forms
CZ121/CW614N is typically supplied as round, flat, square and hexagon bar
- Bar
- Hollow Bar
Generic Physical Properties
| Physical Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.47 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 875 °C |
| Thermal Expansion | 20.9 x10^-6 /K |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 97 GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | 123 W/m.K |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.062 x10^-6 Ω .m |
Mechanical Properties
|
EN 12167:2011 Flat Bar & Profiles - 3mm to 20mm Thick |
|
|---|---|
| Mechanical Property | Value |
| Proof Stress | 220-350 MPa |
| Tensile Strength | 360-500 MPa |
| Hardness Brinell | 90 to 160 HB |
| Elongation A | 20 to 5 % |
Mechanical properties vary widely according to condition (soft/half hard/etc)
Corrosion Resistance
The corrosion resistance of CZ121/CW614N is fair to excellent.
Cold Working
Cold working of CZ121/CW614N is poor and is not recommended. It can, however, be knurled if required.
Hot Working
Fabrication of CZ121/CW614N by hot working is excellent. It is recommended that hot working be done between 630 and 730°C.
Heat Treatment
Solution treatment or annealing can be done by rapid cooling after heating to 430-600°C.
Machinability
The machinability of alloy CZ121/CW614N is excellent. It has a machinability rating of 100 and is the standard against which the machinability of other alloys is measured.
Weldability
Soldering of CZ121/CW614N is rated as excellent and brazing is good. Butt welding is fair but all other welding methods are not recommended.