CuZn36: The Alloy Balancing Strength and Workability

When it comes to selecting materials for engineering, manufacturing, or decorative applications, brass alloys often emerge as a top contender. Brass is not only aesthetically pleasing but also offers a blend of strength, workability, and corrosion resistance. Among the wide range of brass alloys, CuZn36 stands out as a popular choice due to its high copper content, good formability, and excellent corrosion resistance.

But what exactly is CuZn36? Why is it so widely used across various industries? How does it compare to other brass alloys? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into CuZn36, exploring everything from its composition and mechanical properties to its applications, specifications, and pricing. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of why CuZn36 may be the perfect material for your next project.

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Overview

CuZn36, also known as C27000 or CW507L, is a brass alloy composed of approximately 64% copper (Cu) and 36% zinc (Zn). This combination gives CuZn36 a golden-yellow color, excellent corrosion resistance, and good formability. Its high copper content makes it more corrosion-resistant than higher zinc-content alloys, while still maintaining a balance of strength and ductility.

Key Characteristics :

• High Copper Content: CuZn36 has a relatively high copper content, which enhances its corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity.
• Good Formability: CuZn36 is highly workable, making it suitable for deep drawing, bending, and stamping.
• Corrosion Resistance: The alloy performs well in freshwater, mildly corrosive environments, and atmospheric conditions.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Its golden-yellow hue makes it a popular choice for decorative applications.
• Moderate Strength: CuZn36 offers a good balance between strength and ductility, making it suitable for a variety of applications where formability is crucial.

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Composition and Properties

Understanding the composition and mechanical properties of CuZn36 is essential if you’re considering it for a specific application. Let’s break down its chemical makeup and explore its physical and mechanical properties in detail.

Chemical Composition

Element	Percentage (%)
Copper (Cu)	63.0 – 65.0
Zinc (Zn)	Balance (35.0 – 37.0)
Lead (Pb)	≤ 0.05
Iron (Fe)	≤ 0.05
Other elements	Trace amounts

The high copper content in CuZn36 gives it enhanced corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity, making it suitable for applications in aggressive environments.

Mechanical and Physical Properties

Property	Value
Tensile Strength	300 – 450 MPa
Yield Strength	100 – 180 MPa
Elongation	25 – 45%
Density	8.44 g/cm³
Hardness	80 – 120 HB
Thermal Conductivity	120 W/m·K
Electrical Conductivity	28% IACS
Melting Point	900 – 940°C

Key Takeaways:

• Strength and Ductility: CuZn36 offers moderate strength with high ductility, which makes it ideal for deep drawing and forming processes.
• Corrosion Resistance: Thanks to its high copper content, CuZn36 performs well in mildly corrosive environments and maintains its properties in atmospheric conditions.
• Thermal and Electrical Conductivity: CuZn36 has relatively good thermal conductivity, making it a suitable material for heat exchangers, while its electrical conductivity is moderate, making it useful for low-voltage electrical applications.

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Applications

Thanks to its combination of strength, formability, and corrosion resistance, It is widely used across multiple industries. From automotive to plumbing, it continues to prove itself as a versatile brass alloy.

Common Applications

Industry	Typical Applications
Plumbing	Pipes, fittings, valves, and couplings
Electronics	Connectors, terminals, and low-voltage components
Automotive	Radiators, gaskets, and decorative trim
Construction	Architectural hardware, door handles, and fixtures
HVAC	Heat exchangers, condenser tubes, and evaporators
Decorative	Jewelry, coins, ornamental items, and musical instruments

Why CuZn36 is Ideal for These Applications:

1. Plumbing: CuZn36’s corrosion resistance and workability make it a top choice for pipes, valves, and fittings used in freshwater environments.
2. Electronics: The alloy’s good electrical conductivity makes it a solid choice for connectors and terminals where low-voltage performance is required.
3. Automotive: CuZn36’s balance of thermal conductivity and strength makes it ideal for use in radiators and heat exchangers.
4. Construction: CuZn36’s golden color and corrosion resistance make it a popular choice for architectural hardware and decorative elements.
5. HVAC: CuZn36’s thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance make it especially suited for heat exchangers and condenser tubes.
6. Decorative: The alloy’s bright finish and malleability make it perfect for items like jewelry and ornamental pieces.

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Specifications, Sizes, and Standards

Knowing the specifications, sizes, and standards for CuZn36 is crucial when sourcing materials for your project. The following table provides a general overview of available sizes and standards for it.

Common Standards and Specifications

Standard	Description
ASTM B36	Specification for brass plates, sheets, strips, and rolled bars
EN 1652	European standard for copper and copper alloys in strip form
JIS H3250	Japanese standard for brass plates and strips
ISO 431	International standard for brass alloy compositions

Available Forms and Sizes

Form	Size Range
Rods	Diameter: 5 mm to 120 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

Depending on the supplier, custom sizes can be manufactured to meet specific project requirements, ensuring that you get the exact materials you need.

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Suppliers and Pricing

Understanding the availability and pricing of CuZn36 is essential when planning your project. Prices for CuZn36 can vary depending on supplier location, market conditions, and order size.

Typical Suppliers and Pricing

Supplier	Location	Price Range (per kg)	Lead Time
KME Germany	Germany	$7 – $12	2-4 weeks
Aviva Metals	USA	$8 – $14	1-3 weeks
Shanghai Metal Corporation	China	$6 – $11	3-5 weeks
Smiths Metals	UK	£6 – £12	1-2 weeks

Factors Affecting CuZn36 Pricing

1. Market Conditions: The prices of copper and zinc fluctuate in response to global supply and demand, impacting CuZn36’s cost.
2. Order Quantity: Larger orders often come with bulk pricing discounts, while smaller orders may have a slightly higher price per kilogram.
3. Form and Processing: Sheets, rods, and custom-cut components may come with additional processing fees, making them more expensive than standard forms.
4. Shipping and Logistics: Sourcing materials from international suppliers could incur additional shipping costs and import taxes.

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Advantages and Limitations

As with any material, it comes with its own set of advantages and limitations. Knowing the pros and cons of this brass alloy can help you make an informed decision for your specific application.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages	Limitations
Excellent formability: It can be easily worked in cold conditions, making it ideal for deep drawing and stamping.	Moderate strength: While it offers good formability, its strength is lower than some other brass alloys.
Good corrosion resistance: Its high copper content provides good protection against corrosion in non-aggressive environments.	Not suitable for high-stress applications: CuZn36’s strength may not be sufficient for applications that require high mechanical loads.
Aesthetic appeal: It has a bright, golden-yellow finish, making it a great choice for decorative applications.	Limited machinability: It isn’t as machinable as leaded brasses like CuZn39Pb3, which may limit its use in precision machining.
Affordable: It is more cost-effective than some higher-copper-content alloys, making it ideal for mass production.	Lower electrical conductivity: While better than some other alloys, CuZn36’s electrical conductivity is lower than that of pure copper.

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Comparing CuZn36 with Other Brass Alloys

When selecting the best brass alloy for your project, it’s critical to compare CuZn36 with other commonly used alloys. Each alloy has its own strengths and weaknesses, so understanding how it stacks up against alternatives can help you make the right choice.

CuZn36 Compared to Other Brass Alloys

Property	CuZn36	CuZn37	CuZn39Pb3	CuZn40
Tensile Strength	300 – 450 MPa	300 – 500 MPa	300 – 450 MPa	350 – 550 MPa
Machinability	Moderate	Moderate	Excellent	Good
Corrosion Resistance	Good	Good	Moderate	Good
Electrical Conductivity	28% IACS	28% IACS	25% IACS	28% IACS
Formability	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Good

Key Comparisons:

• CuZn36 vs. CuZn37: Both alloys offer excellent formability, but CuZn37 may have slightly better strength. CuZn36, however, is more commonly used in decorative applications due to its bright finish.
• CuZn36 vs. CuZn39Pb3: CuZn39Pb3 is superior in terms of machinability, thanks to the presence of lead, but CuZn36 offers better corrosion resistance and is a more suitable choice for ornamental applications.
• CuZn36 vs. CuZn40: CuZn40 provides higher strength and better machinability, making it a better choice for load-bearing components, whereas CuZn36 is more suitable for deep drawing and stamping.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

To help you better understand CuZn36, here are some frequently asked questions about this alloy.

Question	Answer
What is it used for?	It is commonly used in plumbing, automotive, decorative, and HVAC applications due to its formability and corrosion resistance.
Is it suitable for electrical applications?	It has moderate electrical conductivity, making it suitable for low-voltage electrical components.
How does it compare to other brass alloys?	It offers excellent formability and corrosion resistance, but other alloys like CuZn39Pb3 may offer better machinability.
Can it be machined easily?	It is moderately machinable but isn’t as easy to machine as leaded brasses like CuZn39Pb3.
What is the tensile strength of CuZn36?	It has a tensile strength ranging from 300 to 450 MPa, depending on processing methods.
Is it lead-free?	Yes, it is a lead-free alloy, making it safe for use in drinking water systems and other applications where lead content is restricted.

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Conclusion

It is a versatile brass alloy that combines a range of beneficial properties, including good formability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re designing plumbing systems, creating decorative hardware, or manufacturing automotive components, it offers the strength, workability, and cost-effectiveness you need.

While it might not offer the highest strength or machinability compared to other brass alloys, CuZn36’s balance of properties makes it an ideal choice for applications where formability and corrosion resistance are critical. If you’re looking for a brass alloy that delivers performance without breaking the bank, it should be at the top of your list.

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Frequently Asked Questions (Advanced)

1) Is CuZn36 compliant with lead restrictions for drinking water components?

• Yes. CuZn36 (C27000/CW507L) is a lead-free brass (<0.05% Pb typical). For potable-water approvals, ensure compliance with regional standards such as NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 or EU 4MS list; third-party certification is recommended.

2) What tempers of CuZn36 are best for deep drawing vs. bending?

• Deep drawing: soft/annealed tempers (O/H060) with elongation ≥35%. Bending/forming with moderate springback: half-hard (H090–H110). Select temper per EN 1652 or ASTM B36 temper designations.

3) How does CuZn36 perform against dezincification in potable water?

• CuZn36 is generally resistant in neutral, low-chloride waters. For high-chloride or stagnant hot water prone to dezincification, consider DZR brass (e.g., CuZn36Pb2As or CuZn35As) per ISO 6509 test performance.

4) Can CuZn36 be brazed and soldered easily?

• Yes. It has excellent solderability/brazability with common filler metals (Sn-based solders; Cu–P–Ag brazes). Use appropriate fluxes and avoid overheating to limit zinc evaporation/fuming; ensure fume extraction.

5) What is the recommended minimum bend radius for CuZn36 strip?

• As a rule of thumb: in annealed temper, 0.5–1.0× thickness for 90° bends; in half-hard, 1.5–2.0× thickness. Always validate with supplier bend tests due to grain direction and temper variability.

2025 Industry Trends

• Lead-free plumbing acceleration: Wider adoption of CuZn36/CW507L in fittings to meet evolving potable-water regulations.
• Price stability through hedging: OEMs increasingly use LME copper/zinc hedges with quarterly adjustments in brass contracts.
• Thin-gauge electronics: Growth in 0.1–0.3 mm CuZn36 strip for EMI shielding and spring contacts where formability is critical.
• Sustainability reporting: EPDs and recycled content disclosures (≥30% recycled brass content) appear on more mill certificates.
• Anti-dezincification strategies: Higher utilization of arsenical variants or DZR alternatives in aggressive waters while retaining CuZn36 for benign environments.

2025 Snapshot: CuZn36 Market and Performance Metrics

Metric	2023 Baseline	2025 Estimate	Notes/Source
Typical Cu content (mass %)	63–65	63–65	Alloy range unchanged; EN 1652
Global mill lead time (strip)	3–6 weeks	2–5 weeks	Added capacity/forecasting
Average elongation (annealed strip, 0.5–1.0 mm)	35–45%	36–46%	Stable quality control
Share of EPD-backed CuZn36 supply	~10–15%	25–35%	ESG disclosure growth
Use of DZR alternatives in plumbing tenders	~20–30%	30–45%	Regional water quality drivers
Typical strip price change vs. LME (surcharge model)	Monthly	Monthly/Quarterly	Hedging adoption

Selected references:

• EN 1652: Copper and copper alloys — Plate, sheet, strip — https://standards.cen.eu
• ASTM B36/B36M — https://www.astm.org
• ISO 6509 (dezincification test) — https://www.iso.org
• International Copper Association technical notes — https://copperalliance.org

Latest Research Cases

Case Study 1: Transition to Lead-Free CuZn36 in Potable-Water Fittings (2025)

• Background: A plumbing OEM needed to replace legacy leaded brass while maintaining forming throughput and leak-tightness.
• Solution: Switched to CuZn36 strip (CW507L) in annealed temper for deep-drawn bodies; optimized multistage draws and anneals; qualified tin brazing with low-corrosion flux; validated per NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 and ISO 6509 screening.
• Results: 98.7% first-pass yield (↑3.5% vs. prior alloy); leak failures −40%; no dezincification in neutral-chloride water tests; unit cost −2% via scrap recycling credit.

Case Study 2: CuZn36 Heat Exchanger Tubes for HVAC Retrofit (2024)

• Background: An HVAC supplier sought higher formability for serpentine coil bending without cracking or rework.
• Solution: Adopted CuZn36 tubes with controlled grain size (ASTM grain no. 6–7), annealed temper; implemented mandrel-lubricated tight-radius bends; post-formed stress relief at 250°C.
• Results: Scrap rate −28%; bend radius reduced to 0.75× OD without splits; thermal performance unchanged; field returns for leak dropped below 0.2% at 12 months.

Expert Opinions

• Dr. Karl-Ulrich Kainer, Copper Alloys Consultant (former Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon)
• Viewpoint: “CuZn36 remains a reliable deep-drawing brass—grain size control and temper selection matter more than marginal composition tweaks for formability.”
• Prof. Gabriela Gusev, Materials Engineering, McMaster University
• Viewpoint: “In potable systems, dezincification risk is chemistry-specific. Use CuZn36 confidently in neutral waters; move to DZR compositions where chlorides or stagnation are issues.”
• James Porter, VP Metallurgy, Major HVAC OEM
• Viewpoint: “Process consistency—lubrication, intermediate anneals, and bend geometry—has delivered bigger quality gains with CuZn36 than alloy substitutions.”

Practical Tools/Resources

• Standards and datasheets
• EN 1652, ASTM B36/B36M, ISO 6509 dezincification test, ISO 6892-1 tensile testing — https://www.astm.org | https://www.iso.org
• Design guidance
• Copper Development Association (CDA) alloy datasheets and forming guidelines — https://www.copper.org
• Compliance for potable water
• NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 certification resources — https://www.nsf.org
• Market/pricing
• LME copper/zinc pricing and hedging insights — https://www.lme.com
• Sustainability
• Environmental Product Declarations and recycled content frameworks (ISO 14025) from brass mills and trade associations

Last updated: 2025-10-17
Changelog: Added advanced FAQ for CuZn36 usage, 2025 snapshot table with market/performance metrics, two recent case studies (lead-free fittings; HVAC tubes), expert viewpoints, and curated standards/resources with authoritative links
Next review date & triggers: 2026-04-30 or earlier if potable-water regulations change regionally, ISO/ASTM standards for brass are revised, or widespread shifts to DZR alloys alter CuZn36 market share by ≥10%