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Brass, Copper & Bronze

Brass, Copper & Bronze

Bar, sheet, tube and bushing stock in copper alloys.

Also searched as: brass barcopper sheetbronze barc360copper tube

About brass, copper & bronze

Copper alloys, encompassing brass, bronze, and pure copper, are widely utilized in applications requiring good electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and machinability. This category includes bar, sheet, tube, and bushing stock. Bar stock is available in various profiles such as round, square, hex, and flat, commonly in alloys like C360 (free-machining brass), C110 (electrolytic tough pitch copper), and C954 (aluminum bronze). Sheet and plate are offered in gauges from thin foil to heavy plate, with alloys like C260 (cartridge brass) and C110 being prevalent for their formability and conductivity. Tube stock, both seamless and welded, is specified by outside diameter, wall thickness, and length, with common applications including plumbing (e.g., C122, DHP copper) and heat exchangers. Bushing stock, often in continuous cast bronze alloys such as C932 (bearing bronze) or C954, is selected for its wear resistance and low friction properties in bearing applications. Material temper, such as annealed (O61) or half-hard (H02), significantly influences mechanical properties and formability. Dimensions are typically specified in imperial or metric units, with tolerances adhering to standards like ASTM B16, B42, or B152 depending on the product form and alloy.

How to choose

When selecting brass, copper, or bronze stock, first determine the required form: bar, sheet, tube, or bushing. Next, identify the primary performance requirement; for example, high electrical conductivity points to C110 copper, while wear resistance suggests C932 or C954 bronze. Third, specify the exact dimensions, including outer diameter, inner diameter (for tube/bushing), thickness (for sheet), or cross-section (for bar), along with the required length. Fourth, consider the necessary mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, yield strength, and hardness, which will dictate the appropriate alloy and temper (e.g., annealed for forming, half-hard for rigidity). Finally, evaluate any specific environmental or machining considerations, such as a need for lead-free material or enhanced machinability (e.g., C360 brass).