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Leaded Brass Rods
Product Overview
Leaded Brass Rods offered by R V Metal Corporation are precision-engineered copper-zinc alloys with controlled lead content, specifically designed to deliver superior machinability, dimensional accuracy, and surface finish. The presence of lead acts as a natural lubricant during cutting operations, resulting in reduced tool wear, excellent chip breakability, and high-speed machining performance. These rods are widely preferred for high-volume CNC and automatic lathe components where consistency and productivity are critical.
Manufactured from high-purity raw materials and produced under strict metallurgical control, Leaded Brass Rods are available in various diameters, tempers, and surface finishes to meet diverse industrial requirements. They offer a balanced combination of strength, corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, and ease of fabrication. Typical applications include precision fittings, valves, plumbing components, electrical connectors, fasteners, automotive parts, and general engineering components where tight tolerances and smooth machining are mandatory.
R V Metal Corporation supplies Leaded Brass Rods in compliance with international standards such as ASTM, EN, IS, and UNS specifications, ensuring global acceptance and reliability. Custom sizes, cut-to-length options, and OEM-specific grades are also available on request, making these rods a dependable choice for manufacturers seeking consistent quality, repeatability, and cost-efficient production.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product | Leaded Brass Rods |
| Material Type | Copper–Zinc–Lead Alloy (Free Cutting Brass) |
| Typical Lead Content | 1.5% – 3.5% Pb (grade dependent) |
| Available Grades | C36000, C37700, CW614N, CW617N, IS 319 Type I / II |
| Manufacturing Process | Hot Extruded / Drawn |
| Form | Round Rods (Hex / Square on request) |
| Diameter Range | 5 mm to 100 mm (custom sizes available) |
| Standard Length | 3 m, 4 m, 6 m or Cut-to-Length |
| Temper / Condition | Soft (Annealed), Half-Hard, Hard |
| Tensile Strength | 300 – 550 MPa (depending on grade & temper) |
| Yield Strength | 150 – 350 MPa (approx.) |
| Elongation | 10% – 35% |
| Density | 8.4 – 8.6 g/cm³ |
| Machinability Rating | Excellent (≈100% reference machinability) |
| Surface Finish | Smooth Drawn / As-Extruded / Polished |
| Dimensional Tolerance | As per ASTM / EN / IS standards |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good (not recommended for potable water in lead-restricted zones) |
| Electrical Conductivity | 26 – 30 % IACS |
| Compliance Standards | ASTM B16 / B453, EN 12164, IS 319, JIS H3250 |
| Typical Applications | CNC Machined Parts, Valves, Fittings, Fasteners, Electrical & Automotive Components |
Chemical Composition
| Element | C36000 (Free Cutting Brass) |
C37700 | CW614N (CuZn39Pb3) |
CW617N (CuZn40Pb2) |
IS 319 Type I |
IS 319 Type II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 60.5 – 63.5% | 57.0 – 61.0% | 57.0 – 59.0% | 57.0 – 59.0% | 57.0 – 61.0% | 60.0 – 63.0% |
| Zinc (Zn) | Balance | Balance | Balance | Balance | Balance | Balance |
| Lead (Pb) | 2.5 – 3.7% | 1.0 – 2.5% | 2.5 – 3.5% | 1.5 – 2.5% | 1.0 – 3.0% | 1.0 – 2.0% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.35% | ≤ 0.30% | ≤ 0.30% | ≤ 0.30% | ≤ 0.30% | ≤ 0.30% |
| Tin (Sn) | ≤ 0.30% | ≤ 0.30% | ≤ 0.30% | ≤ 0.30% | ≤ 0.20% | ≤ 0.20% |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.30% | ≤ 0.30% | ≤ 0.30% | ≤ 0.30% | ≤ 0.30% | ≤ 0.30% |
| Aluminium (Al) | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.05% |
| Other Impurities | ≤ 0.10% | ≤ 0.10% | ≤ 0.10% | ≤ 0.10% | ≤ 0.10% | ≤ 0.10% |
UNS Codes & Grades
| UNS Code | Common Grade Name | European Grade (EN) | Indian Standard (IS) | Typical Lead Content (%) | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C36000 | Free-Cutting Brass | CW603N | IS 319 Type I | 2.5 – 3.7 | Excellent machinability, best for high-speed CNC turning |
| C37700 | Forging Brass | CW617N | IS 319 Type II | 1.0 – 2.5 | Good strength, suitable for hot forging and machining |
| C38500 | Architectural Brass | CW614N | IS 319 Type I | 2.0 – 3.0 | Balanced machinability and corrosion resistance |
| C35300 | High-Leaded Brass | — | — | 3.0 – 4.0 | Superior chip-breaking, used for precision components |
| C33500 | Low-Leaded Brass | — | — | 0.5 – 1.5 | Moderate machinability with improved ductility |
| CW614N | Machining Brass | CW614N | IS 319 Type I | 2.5 – 3.5 | Widely used for valves, fittings, and turned parts |
| CW617N | Forging Brass | CW617N | IS 319 Type II | 1.5 – 2.5 | Higher strength, suitable for pressure components |
Mechanical, Physical & Fabrication Properties
| Property Category | Property | Typical Value / Range | Test Standard / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Properties | Tensile Strength | 350 – 550 MPa | ASTM B16 / EN 12164 |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | 150 – 350 MPa | Depends on temper (soft to hard) | |
| Elongation | 10 – 35 % | Higher in annealed condition | |
| Hardness | HB 80 – 160 | Brinell hardness | |
| Impact Resistance | Moderate | Not recommended for shock-loaded parts | |
| Physical Properties | Density | 8.45 – 8.55 g/cm³ | Varies with lead percentage |
| Melting Range | 880 – 940 °C | Solidus–liquidus range | |
| Thermal Conductivity | 110 – 130 W/m·K | Lower than pure copper due to lead | |
| Electrical Conductivity | 20 – 28 % IACS | Not suitable for high-current conductors | |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 19 – 21 ×10⁻⁶ /°C | 20–300 °C range | |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Not recommended for potable water | |
| Fabrication Properties | Machinability | 100 – 120 % | Benchmark material for CNC machining |
| Chip Formation | Excellent (short, broken chips) | Lead acts as internal lubricant | |
| Cold Workability | Fair | Limited due to lead phase | |
| Hot Workability | Good | Suitable for hot extrusion | |
| Weldability | Poor | Lead causes cracking & porosity | |
| Brazing / Soldering | Good | Use controlled heating |
Common Names & International Identifiers
| Common / Trade Name | UNS Code | EN / DIN Designation | ASTM / International Standard | Typical Lead Content | Primary Industry Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Cutting Brass | C36000 | CW614N | ASTM B16 / ASTM B453 | 2.5 – 3.7 % Pb | CNC Machining, Valves, Inserts |
| Leaded Brass Rod | C38500 | CW608N | ASTM B16 | 1.5 – 2.5 % Pb | Automotive & General Engineering |
| High-Speed Machining Brass | C35300 | CW600N | ASTM B16 | 1.5 – 2.0 % Pb | Precision Turned Components |
| Lead Bearing Brass | C37100 | — | ASTM B505 | 5 – 7 % Pb | Bearings, Bushings |
| Plumbing Machining Brass | C37700 | CW617N | ASTM B124 / EN 12164 | 1.5 – 2.5 % Pb | Fittings (non-potable) |
| European Free-Machining Brass | — | CW614N | EN 12164 / EN 12165 | 2.5 – 3.5 % Pb | OEM & Export Machining |
| ISI Free Cutting Brass | — | IS 319 (Gr 2 / Gr 3) | IS 319 | 2 – 3 % Pb | Indian Machining Industry |
Standards & International Equivalents
| Country / Region | Standard | Grade / Designation | Equivalent UNS Code | Typical Application Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | ASTM B16 / ASTM B453 | Free-Cutting Brass Rod | C36000 | CNC Machining, Valves, Inserts |
| USA | ASTM B16 | Leaded Brass Rod | C38500 | Automotive & Engineering Parts |
| Europe | EN 12164 / EN 12165 | CW614N | C36000 | Precision Machined Components |
| Europe | EN 12164 | CW608N | C38500 | General Machining & Turned Parts |
| Germany | DIN 17660 | CuZn39Pb3 | C36000 | High-Speed Machining |
| Japan | JIS H3250 | C3604 | C36000 | Automotive & Electrical Parts |
| India | IS 319 | Grade 2 / Grade 3 | Equivalent to C36000 | Machined Brass Components |
| International (ISO) | ISO 8952 | CuZn39Pb3 | C36000 | Global OEM Supply |
Applications
| Industry Segment | Typical Components | Why Leaded Brass Rods Are Used | Common Grades Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precision Machining (CNC) | Turned parts, bushings, spacers, pins | Excellent machinability, chip breaking, high surface finish | C36000, CW614N |
| Automotive Components | Fuel fittings, sensor housings, connectors | High dimensional accuracy and repeatability in mass production | C36000, C38500 |
| Electrical & Electronics | Terminal pins, connectors, contact parts | Good electrical conductivity with easy machining | C36000 |
| Valves & Flow Control | Valve stems, valve bodies, threaded inserts | Smooth threading, tight tolerances, low tool wear | C36000, CW614N |
| Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems | Couplings, adapters, manifolds | Pressure integrity with excellent machinability | C38500 |
| Fasteners & Hardware | Screws, nuts, rivets, anchors | Consistent machining, corrosion resistance | C36000 |
| Instrumentation | Gauge bodies, control knobs, precision housings | Dimensional stability and smooth finish | C36000 |
| General Engineering | Custom machined OEM components | Cost-effective, high productivity material | C36000, CW608N |
Standard Leaded Brass Rods Dimensional Chart
Below chart is for round leaded brass rods. Theoretical weights are calculated using an assumed density of 8.47 g/cc (typical leaded brass). Actual weight can vary with alloy chemistry (Pb%) and mill tolerance.
| Leaded Brass Rods – Standard Diameter & Theoretical Weight | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter (mm) | Diameter (inch) | Theoretical Weight (kg/m) | Weight per 3 m (kg) |
| 5 | 0.197 | 0.166 | 0.499 |
| 6 | 0.236 | 0.239 | 0.718 |
| 8 | 0.315 | 0.426 | 1.277 |
| 10 | 0.394 | 0.665 | 1.996 |
| 12 | 0.472 | 0.958 | 2.874 |
| 15 | 0.591 | 1.497 | 4.490 |
| 16 | 0.630 | 1.703 | 5.109 |
| 18 | 0.709 | 2.155 | 6.466 |
| 20 | 0.787 | 2.661 | 7.983 |
| 22 | 0.866 | 3.220 | 9.659 |
| 25 | 0.984 | 4.158 | 12.473 |
| 28 | 1.102 | 5.215 | 15.646 |
| 30 | 1.181 | 5.987 | 17.961 |
| 32 | 1.260 | 6.812 | 20.436 |
| 35 | 1.378 | 8.149 | 24.447 |
| 38 | 1.496 | 9.606 | 28.818 |
| 40 | 1.575 | 10.644 | 31.931 |
| 45 | 1.772 | 13.471 | 40.413 |
| 50 | 1.969 | 16.631 | 49.892 |
| 55 | 2.165 | 20.123 | 60.370 |
| 60 | 2.362 | 23.948 | 71.845 |
| 65 | 2.559 | 28.106 | 84.318 |
| 70 | 2.756 | 32.596 | 97.789 |
| 75 | 2.953 | 37.419 | 112.258 |
| 80 | 3.150 | 42.575 | 127.725 |
| 90 | 3.543 | 53.884 | 161.651 |
| 100 | 3.937 | 66.523 | 199.570 |
Weight formula (round): kg/m = ρ × (π/4) × D², where D is in meters. If your alloy is heavier/lighter than 8.47 g/cc, the weight chart must be recalculated (don’t “approximate” it on an EPC submittal).
| Leaded Brass Rods – Standard Supply Condition (Typical) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Parameter | Standard Offering | Notes | R V Metal Corporation Supply |
| Form | Round rod (extruded / drawn) | Turned/polished possible on request | Stock & cut-to-length |
| Standard Length | 3 m / 3.66 m (12 ft) / 4 m / 6 m | Export packing in bundles or wooden crates | As per PO / project schedule |
| Diameter Tolerance | As per relevant ASTM/EN/IS rod standard | Tolerance depends on diameter range and temper | Mill test certificate (MTC) on request |
| Straightness | As per standard | Critical for CNC auto-lathes / bar feeders | Project-controlled supply possible |
| Temper | Soft / Half-hard / Hard (by agreement) | Machinability vs formability trade-off | As per application |
| Surface Finish | Mill finish / bright drawn | Bright finish preferred for precision machining | As required |
| Common Leaded Brass Rod Grades (Project Reference) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Family | Typical UNS | Typical Use | Key Reason Selected |
| Leaded Free-Cutting Brass | C36000 (typical) | CNC turned parts, inserts, connectors | Excellent machinability |
| Leaded Brass (general machining) | C37700 / C38500 (typical) | Valves, fittings parts, hardware | Good strength + machinability |
