Product
Product Details
C38500 Brass Forgings | Architectural Bronze | UNS C38500
C38500 Brass Forgings | Architectural Bronze | UNS C38500
C38500 (UNS C38500), commercially known as Architectural Bronze (despite containing no tin, making it technically a brass), is one of the most forgeable copper alloys available. With approximately 57% copper, 40% zinc, and 3% lead — the highest lead content of any standard forging brass — C38500 achieves exceptional plastic flow at forging temperatures and produces the best surface finish of any hot-forged brass alloy after polishing. The high zinc content gives it a rich yellow-gold color and the high lead content enables the finest machinability in the forging brass family. C38500 is predominantly used for architectural hardware forgings, decorative hardware, builders’ hardware, and plumbing trim where high visual quality and forgeability are paramount. It is specified in ASTM B124 (forging rod) and ASTM B283 (die forgings).
C38500 Chemical Composition
| Element | Cu | Zn | Pb | Fe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C38500 (ASTM) | 55.0–59.0% | Balance (~40%) | 2.5–3.5% | max 0.35% |
International Equivalents – C38500 Architectural Bronze
| Standard | Designation | Region |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM B124 | C38500 (Architectural Bronze) | USA |
| EN 12167 | CW617N / CW614N (nearest) | Europe |
| BS 2874 | CZ122 / CZ121 (nearest) | UK |
| IS 319 | Grade 2 / Grade 1 (nearest) | India |
Mechanical Properties – C38500 Forgings
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (UTS) | 340–400 MPa (49–58 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | 120–160 MPa |
| Elongation | 20–30% |
| Hardness | 65–85 HRB |
| Machinability | 90% (vs C36000=100%) |
| Density | 8.47 g/cm³ |
| Forging Temperature | 625–720°C |
Applications of C38500 Brass Forgings
C38500’s combination of superb forgeability, excellent machinability, and high visual appeal after polishing make it ideal for: architectural door hardware (lever handles, door knobs, escutcheon plates, hinges); decorative plumbing fixtures (tap bodies, shower valve bodies, towel ring mounts); builders’ hardware (lock bodies, padlock shackles, window furniture); furniture and cabinet hardware; display and exhibit hardware; and precision optical instrument housings. The polished surface of C38500 forgings accepts lacquer, chrome, nickel, gold, and PVD coatings to a mirror standard not achievable with cast parts.
- Architectural door hardware: lever handles, door knobs, hinges, pull handles
- Decorative plumbing: bathroom tap bodies, shower valve bodies, tub fillers
- Builders’ hardware: lock bodies, padlock components, window stays and espagnolettes
- Furniture hardware: cabinet pulls, drawer handles, furniture mounts
- Precision housings: optical instrument bodies, camera lens mounts
- Decorative exhibit and display hardware requiring polished brass finish
Pricing
Indicative Price: US$ 13.30 per kilogram (CIF). Surface finishing (polished, lacquered, chrome-plated, nickel-plated, PVD) available. Contact us for finishing specification and firm quotation.
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See also: Brass Forging Parts Overview | CW617N Hot Forging Brass | C36000 Free-Cutting Brass | C37700 ASTM Brass