Copper Alloy C38500 · finish state · default condition
Copper Alloy C38500 As Extruded
Properties of the As Extruded condition, compared with the other C38500 tempers.
Standard supply condition for architectural shapes, door/window sections and general machined parts.
What is C38500 As Extruded?
C38500 As Extruded is C38500 supplied in the As Extruded condition — standard supply condition for architectural shapes, door/window sections and general machined parts. C38500 As Extruded has a yield strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) — weaker than 61% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 30% and the elastic modulus is 97 GPa (14.1 Msi). C38500 As Extruded has a density of 8.47 g/cm³ (0.306 lb/in³), lighter than 68% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 875°C (1,607 °F).
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 90/100, better than 98% of copper alloy grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 85/100, better than 92% of copper alloy grades
Limitations
- Low stiffness — 97 GPa (14.1 Msi), worse than 89% of copper alloy grades
- Difficult to weld — 20/100, worse than 88% of copper alloy grades
C38500 As Extruded properties
Typical room-temperature values for C38500 As Extruded — 12 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every C38500 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the copper alloy grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
C38500 As Extruded has a density of 8.47 g/cm³ (0.306 lb/in³), lighter than 68% of copper alloy grades. It melts at 875°C (1,607 °F).
Mechanical14
C38500 As Extruded has a yield strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) — weaker than 61% of copper alloy grades. Elongation at break is 30% and the elastic modulus is 97 GPa (14.1 Msi).
Thermal6
C38500 As Extruded is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 123 W/m·K (71.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 69% of copper alloy grades. Thermal expansion is 20.9 µm/m·K (11.6 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
C38500 As Extruded conducts electricity at 27 % IACS, better than 66% of copper alloy grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), worse than 86% of copper alloy grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of C38500 As Extruded takes about 55 MJ of energy and emits 3.6 kg of CO₂ — less than 72% of copper alloy grades. Typical recycled content is 80%.
Manufacturability8
C38500 As Extruded's machinability is excellent (90/100, better than 98% of copper alloy grades); weldability poor (20/100); formability poor (30/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other C38500 tempers and conditions
C38500 is also supplied in 4 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the C38500 overview.
- As ExtrudedDefaultStandard supply condition for architectural shapes, door/window sections and general machined parts.170 MPa yield · 100 HB
- H04Maximum strength and stiffness for small-diameter rod, wire and screw stock; very limited bending.415 MPa yield · 150 HB
- H02Cold-drawn condition for CNC turning stock and load-bearing hardware needing higher yield strength.340 MPa yield · 130 HB
Working with C38500 As Extruded
Is C38500 easy to machine?
Outstanding free-machining behaviour: high speeds, 0° to slightly negative rake, chip-breaking lead phase, minimal tool wear — a benchmark alloy for high-volume turning.
Can C38500 be welded?
Not recommended for fusion welding (lead embrittles the weld); join by soft soldering or silver brazing with low-heat input, or use mechanical fasteners.
Can C38500 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent hot extrusion and hot forging (650–750 °C); cold bending/forming is poor — design for extruded profiles rather than cold work.
What surface finishes work on C38500?
Buffs to a bright gold colour; commonly given statuary/oxidized chemical finishes, satin brushing plus clear lacquer, or Ni/Cr/PVD plating — no anodizing.
C38500 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| CuCuZn39Pb3/CW614N is narrower: 57.0–59.0 | 55 – 59 | 57 |
| Pbfree-machining phase | 2.5 – 3.5 | 3 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.35 | — |
| Znremainder, nominally ~40% | balance | — |
C38500 As Extruded — frequently asked
What is C38500 As Extruded used for?
C38500 As Extruded is typically used for architectural extrusions, decorative trims and hinges. In short: decorative brass; golden finish.
What is the yield strength of C38500 As Extruded?
C38500 As Extruded has a typical yield strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) — weaker than 61% of copper alloy grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is C38500 As Extruded easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (90/100, better than 98% of copper alloy grades). Outstanding free-machining behaviour: high speeds, 0° to slightly negative rake, chip-breaking lead phase, minimal tool wear — a benchmark alloy for high-volume turning.
Can C38500 As Extruded be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (20/100). Not recommended for fusion welding (lead embrittles the weld); join by soft soldering or silver brazing with low-heat input, or use mechanical fasteners.
What surface finishes work on C38500 As Extruded?
Buffs to a bright gold colour; commonly given statuary/oxidized chemical finishes, satin brushing plus clear lacquer, or Ni/Cr/PVD plating — no anodizing.
Can C38500 As Extruded be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent hot extrusion and hot forging (650–750 °C); cold bending/forming is poor — design for extruded profiles rather than cold work.
What is the maximum service temperature of C38500 As Extruded?
C38500 As Extruded is rated for continuous use to about 200°C (392 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between C38500 As Extruded and C38500-H04?
As Extruded is the default condition — standard supply condition for architectural shapes, door/window sections and general machined parts. H04: maximum strength and stiffness for small-diameter rod, wire and screw stock; very limited bending. Yield strength is 170 MPa in As Extruded versus 415 MPa in H04.
Can FabDigit make parts in C38500 As Extruded?
Yes — C38500 As Extruded is available for CNC machining with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM B455 — Copper Alloy (UNS C38000/C38500) Extruded Shapes and Bars — ASTM (2020)
- EN 12164/12165 — Copper and copper alloys, rod and forging stock (CW614N, CuZn39Pb3) — CEN (2016)
- C38500 Architectural Bronze alloy datasheet — Copper Development Association (copper.org) (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.