HSMetal offers high‑quality ASTM B16 / ASME SB16 UNS C36000 Free Cutting Leaded Brass Bar– widely recognized as Alloy 360 free‑machining brass. Manufactured in strict accordance with ASTM B16, the standard specification for screw‑machine rod, bar and shapes, C36000 brass holds the industry‑leading machinability rating of 100% among all copper alloys – the benchmark against which all other machinable materials are compared.
The alloy's finely dispersed lead particles act as natural chip breakers, ensuring short, well‑controlled chips during high‑speed automatic lathe, CNC turning and thread‑rolling operations. This unique microstructure significantly reduces tool wear, extends cutting tool life, and delivers consistently superior surface finish, making C36000 the top choice for precision, high‑volume production.
Quality assurance is paramount. Every batch undergoes positive material identification (PMI), rigorous dimensional tolerance checks and thorough visual surface inspection. We provide full Material Test Reports (MTR) for complete traceability, ensuring you receive a product that meets both specification and performance expectations.
What is ASTM B16 UNS C36000 Leaded Brass Bar?
ASTM B16 (also designated ASTM B16/B16M) is the standard specification for free-cutting brass rod, bar, wire, and shapes of any specified cross-section produced from Copper Alloy UNS No. C36000 (and C36010), suitable for high-speed screw machining applications and moderate thread rolling. The standard covers chemical composition, temper, tensile strength, Rockwell hardness, and shape requirements.
UNS C36000 – also known as Free-Cutting Brass, 360 Brass, or C360 – is the most commonly used of all brass rod and bar items. The addition of lead (2.5–3.0%) to the copper-zinc matrix creates a highly machinable material that can be easily cut and shaped into precision components. C36000 brass is a wrought alloy formulated for primary forming into wrought products.
Standards & Specifications
HSMetal supplies UNS C36000 leaded brass bars in full compliance with leading international standards:
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| ASTM B16 / B16M | Free-cutting brass rod, bar, and shapes for screw machine applications |
| ASME SB16 | Pressure vessel and boiler code version |
| SAE J461 / J463 | Automotive engineering standards |
| AMS 4610 | Aerospace material specifications |
| MIL-V-18436 | Military specification for valves |
ASTM B16 establishes requirements for free-cutting brass rod, bar, wire, and shapes of any specified cross-section produced from Copper Alloy UNS Nos. C36000 or C36010.
Chemical Composition (UNS C36000)
ASTM B16 UNS C36000 Free Cutting Leaded Brass Bar adheres to strict composition standards per ASTM B16:
| Element | Content (wt%) |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 60.0 – 63.0% |
| Lead (Pb) | 2.5 – 3.0% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.35% |
| Zinc (Zn) | Balance |
The lead content is the key to C36000's exceptional machinability. Dispersed lead particles act as chip breakers during cutting operations, reducing tool wear and enabling high-speed production.
Mechanical Properties
ASTM B16 UNS C36000 Free Cutting Leaded Brass Bar exhibits excellent mechanical properties that vary with temper condition:
General Mechanical Properties (Typical)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 338–469 MPa (49–68 ksi) |
| Yield Strength | 125–310 MPa (18–45 ksi) |
| Elongation | 10%–53% (depending on temper) |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | 72–78 |
| Elastic Modulus | 97 GPa (14,100 ksi) |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.31 |
| Machinability Rating | 100% (baseline for all machinable alloys) |
Mechanical Properties by Temper (H02, Cold Drawn)
| Diameter | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| <12.7 mm | 345 MPa (50 ksi) | 170 MPa (25 ksi) | 10% |
| 38.1 mm | 310 MPa (45 ksi) | 115 MPa (17 ksi) | 15% |
| 76.2 mm | 275 MPa (40 ksi) | 105 MPa (15 ksi) | 20% |
Mechanical Properties by Temper (O60, Annealed)
| Diameter | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| <25.4 mm | 305 MPa (44 ksi) | 125 MPa (18 ksi) | 20% |
| 38.1 mm | 275 MPa (40 ksi) | 105 MPa (15 ksi) | 25% |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.50 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 899°C (1,650°F) |
| Electrical Conductivity | 22–26% IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | 106 W/(m·K) |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 19.7 × 10⁻⁶/K (20–300°C) |
Product Forms & Availability
HSMetal supplies ASTM B16 UNS C36000 Free Cutting Leaded Brass Bar in a wide range of product forms:
| Product Form | Shapes Available |
|---|---|
| Round Bar | Diameter 1.5 mm to 120 mm |
| Hexagonal Bar | Various cross-section dimensions |
| Square Bar | Various cross-section dimensions |
| Custom Shapes | Any specified cross-section per ASTM B16 |
Dimensional Tolerances (Round Bars)
| Diameter Range | Tolerance (mm) | Ovality (mm) | Straightness (mm/m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 ≤ Φ 3.0 | ±0.02 | 0.01 | 0.15 |
| 3.0 ≤ Φ 10 | ±0.04 | 0.02 | 0.15 |
| 10 ≤ Φ 25 | ±0.08 | 0.04 | 0.25 |
| 25 ≤ Φ 50 | ±0.12 | 0.06 | 0.35 |
| 50 ≤ Φ 60 | ±0.20 | 0.10 | 0.50 |
Custom sizes and specifications are available upon request.
Key Performance Advantages
Exceptional Machinability
UNS C36000 is the benchmark for machinability among all copper alloys, with a machinability rating of 100% – the standard against which all other machinable alloys are measured. The dispersed lead particles create small, well-formed chips during cutting, reducing clogging and tool wear, resulting in faster cycle times and lower manufacturing costs, particularly in automated high-speed screw machining processes. On the basis of strength alone, C36000 can safely be substituted for leaded steel in many applications.
Excellent Corrosion Resistance
C36000 offers fair to excellent corrosion resistance in a wide range of environments. It performs well in applications exposed to moisture, oils, and mild chemicals, making it suitable for marine, automotive, and industrial applications.
Non-Sparking
Brass is wear and spark resistant, making it safe for use in environments where sparking is a concern.
Good Strength & Durability
C36000 provides good mechanical strength and durability, making it useful for industrial applications where both machinability and structural integrity are required. The alloy achieves its strength through cold working rather than heat treatment.
Excellent Fabricability
Machining: Excellent – the industry standard,Soldering: Excellent,Brazing: Good,Hot forming: Fair,Cold working: Fair
Attractive Finish
Leaded brass offers a visually appealing finish, making it suitable for decorative and architectural applications.
Equivalent Designations
UNS C36000 is recognized under multiple equivalent designations worldwide:
| Country/Region | Designation |
|---|---|
| USA (UNS) | C36000 |
| ISO | CuZn36Pb3 (CW603N) |
| Germany (DIN) | CuZn36Pb3 |
| Japan (JIS) | C3603 |
| China (GB) | HPb62-3 (C36000) |
| EN | CW603N |
| SAE | J461, J463 |
| ASTM | B16 |
Related Alloys:C37700 – Forging Brass, C38500 – Architectural Bronze, C36010 – Also covered under ASTM B16
Applications
ASTM B16 UNS C36000 Free Cutting Leaded Brass Bar finds extensive applications across multiple industries:
Mechanical Engineering Fabricates connecting components such as nuts, bolts, gears, shaft sleeves, bushings and plain bearings. The alloy's superior machinability and mechanical strength guarantee component precision and durability.
Valves & Pipe Fittings Applied for valve bodies, valve stems, valve cores and sealing elements. Favorable corrosion resistance and mechanical performance ensure flexible valve operation and reliable sealing over long‑term service.
Hot Forging & Lock‑Set Manufacturing For hot‑forged valve blanks and lock production, C36000 serves as a core raw material thanks to its excellent machinability, high strength and good wear resistance.
Clocks, Watches & Precision Instruments Meeting strict requirements for high machining accuracy and surface finish, C36000 is widely used for watch cases, gears and miniature precision parts, securing both high processing efficiency and finished‑part quality.
Automotive & Industrial Components Used to produce flexible bushings, bearing sleeves and assorted mechanical connectors. The alloy maintains stable performance under high‑temperature and high‑load conditions to extend service life.
About Us
HSMetal is a professional global supplier of copper‑alloy products, nickel‑based corrosion‑resistant alloys and new‑energy metallic materials.
We deliver ASTM‑standard metallic materials including ASTM B16 UNS C36000 free‑cutting leaded brass bar, alongside a broad range of brass, bronze, Monel and special copper‑nickel alloys. Every batch undergoes strict PMI, dimensional and surface inspection, with complete MTR reports provided for full material traceability.
Equipped with mature manufacturing and quality‑control workflows, we serve mechanical engineering, valve & fitting, automotive, hardware and instrument‑making industries worldwide. Our technical team supports custom sizing, cut‑to‑length and material‑selection consultation for mass‑production and precision‑component projects.
Committed to stable product quality, efficient lead times and responsive customer support, HSMetal aims to be your trusted long‑term partner for special‑alloy procurement.
Company Capability
Rolling Mill Equipment
Brass Rod Straightening Production Line
Copper Drawbench
Rotating+Passing Eddy Current Flaw Detector
Electron Microscope
German Spike Spectral Analyzer
Why Choose HSMetal?
- Full compliance with international standards – ASTM B16/B16M, SAE J461/J463, AMS 4610
- Comprehensive product range – Round, hexagonal, square bars, and custom shapes
- Strict quality control – Rigorous inspection including dimensional testing, mechanical property testing, and chemical composition analysis
- Competitive pricing – Direct from manufacturer
- Fast delivery – Standard 7–15 working days after order confirmation
- Global shipping – FOB, EXW, CIF, CFR terms available
- Customization – Tailored dimensions, tempers, and lengths to meet specific project requirements
FAQ
Q1: What is ASTM B16 UNS C36000 free-cutting leaded brass bar?
A:ASTM B16 UNS C36000 is a free-cutting leaded brass bar manufactured in accordance with ASTM B16 / B16M, the standard specification for free-cutting brass rod, bar, wire, and shapes for use in screw machines. UNS C36000, also known as Alloy 360, Free-Cutting Brass, or C360, is a copper-zinc-lead alloy with a copper content of 60.0–63.0% and a lead content of 2.5–3.7%. It is the most commonly used of all brass rod and bar items and is the industry-recognized benchmark for machinability among all copper alloys, with a 100% machinability rating.
Q2: What does ASTM B16 cover? What other standards apply to C36000?
A:ASTM B16 / B16M establishes the requirements for free-cutting brass rod, bar, wire, and shapes of any specified cross-section produced from Copper Alloy UNS Nos. C36000 or C36010, suitable for high-speed screw machining applications and moderate thread rolling. The standard details chemical composition, temper, tensile strength, Rockwell hardness, and shape requirements.
Q3: What is the difference between UNS C36000 and C36010?
A:ASTM B16 covers both UNS C36000 and UNS C36010. The key difference lies in the lead content range. C36000 requires a lead content of 2.5–3.0%, while C36010 requires a lead content of 3.1–3.7%. Both alloys offer excellent machinability, with C36010 providing slightly higher lead content for even faster cutting speeds in certain specialized applications.
Q4: What standard applies to UNS C36000 free‑cutting brass bar?
A: Our UNS C36000 leaded brass bar complies with ASTM B16 / ASME SB16, the specification for free‑cutting brass rod, bar and shapes for screw‑machine service. MTR documents can be provided upon request.
Q5: Why is UNS C36000 called 100% machinability benchmark?
A: UNS C36000 contains controlled lead additives, which create short self‑breaking chips during cutting. It serves as the reference standard for measuring machinability of all copper alloys, ideal for high‑speed automatic lathe and CNC mass production.
Q6: What shapes of C36000 brass bar does HSMetal supply?
A: We supply round bar, hex bar, flat bar and custom cross‑section shapes, supporting custom diameter and cut‑to‑length processing.
Q7: Can C36000 brass bar be welded?
A: Welding is not recommended because lead will vaporize under high heat. Soldering and brazing operations are well‑suited for C36000 assemblies.
Q8: What are the main application scenarios for ASTM B16 C36000 brass bar?
A: Widely used for screw‑machine parts, valve & plumbing fittings, automotive sensor components, pneumatic connectors, hardware and instrumentation precision parts.
Q9: Why is lead added to C36000 brass?
A:Lead is the key additive that gives C36000 its exceptional machinability. Finely dispersed lead particles act as natural chip breakers during cutting operations. This results in short, well-controlled chips that are easily freed from the work, significantly reducing tool wear and minimizing downtime during high-speed machining.
Q10: Are there restrictions on using leaded brass?
A:C36000 contains lead and is therefore subject to certain regulatory restrictions in specific applications, particularly those involving potable water or food contact in some regions. However, it remains the material of choice for industrial, automotive, and general engineering applications where machinability is the primary requirement.
Q11: What temper conditions are available for C36000 bars?
A:HSMetal supplies C36000 bars in various temper conditions:
- O60 – Annealed: Maximum ductility, lower strength
- H02 – Half-Hard (1/2 Hard): Balanced strength and ductility – most commonly requested
- H04 – Hard: Maximum strength, lower ductility
- M30 – As-extruded: Intermediate properties
Q12: Why is C36000 preferred over other brasses for screw machine parts?
A:C36000 offers the best combination of machinability, strength, and corrosion resistance among all brass alloys. Its 100% machinability rating allows manufacturers to achieve the highest production speeds with the lowest tooling costs. In volume, C36000 rod is probably used more than all other copper alloys combined.
Q13: What is the typical delivery time?
A:Standard delivery time is 7–15 working days after order confirmation, depending on quantity and custom requirements.
Q14: What are the shipping terms available?
A:HSMetal offers flexible shipping terms including FOB, EXW, CIF, and CFR. Global shipping is available to all major destinations.
Q15: Does HSMetal offer custom sizes and specifications?
A:Yes. HSMetal supports diversified customization including custom dimensions, profiles, tempers, and lengths to meet specific project requirements.
Q16 Can I get free samples?
A: Yes, we support sample supply for performance verification. Standard-size samples (with length 300mm) are available but need you pay for freight cost. Custom-size or special-condition samples incur material and machining costs, if you are old customers these costs can be fully credited toward your next formal order.
Q17: How about the MOQ?
A: Normally MOQ is 200kg, We always expect more opportunities with you. But for some special material or special size let's communicate the actual status.
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