1. Common Applications of C28000 Brass
1.1 Marine & Coastal Applications
Ship Hull Sheathing & Marine Hardware: One of the primary applications of C28000. Its resistance to saltwater corrosion, biofouling (prevents barnacle growth), and mechanical strength make it ideal for ship hull cladding, propeller shafts, rudders, and marine fasteners (bolts, nuts, washers). Unlike pure copper, its higher zinc content enhances strength without compromising corrosion resistance in marine environments.
Coastal Infrastructure: Used in coastal bridges, piers, and offshore platform components (e.g., handrails, brackets, cable fittings). It withstands salt spray, humidity, and alternating wet-dry cycles without significant degradation.
Marine Piping & Valves: Fabricated into pipes, valves, and fittings for seawater cooling systems, ballast tanks, and bilge systems. Its machinability allows for precise threading and assembly, while corrosion resistance ensures long-term reliability in saltwater.
1.2 Architectural & Construction
Architectural Trim & Cladding: Employed in decorative trim, door frames, window sills, and building facades. C28000's bright golden-yellow color (when polished) and ability to develop a rich patina (dark brown to greenish-brown) over time add aesthetic value to both historic and modern buildings. It is also used for roofing panels in coastal areas due to corrosion resistance.
Plumbing & Sanitary Fixtures: Used in vintage-style plumbing fixtures (e.g., faucets, showerheads, pipe fittings) and decorative hardware. Its machinability enables intricate designs, and corrosion resistance to potable water makes it suitable for residential and commercial plumbing systems.
Structural Components: Utilized in non-load-bearing structural elements such as handrails, staircases, and ornamental grilles. Its strength-to-weight ratio and formability allow for custom shapes and configurations.
1.3 Industrial Machinery & Fabrication
Machined Parts & Components: Widely used for gears, bushings, bearings, and valve stems in industrial machinery. C28000's excellent machinability (rated 80–90 on the brass machinability scale) allows for high-speed cutting, drilling, and threading, reducing production time and costs. It also exhibits good wear resistance, making it suitable for moving parts.
Heat Exchangers & Condensers: Used in low-temperature heat exchangers, condensers, and evaporators for industrial refrigeration and HVAC systems. Its thermal conductivity (≈110 W/m·K) and corrosion resistance to coolants (e.g., water, glycol) ensure efficient heat transfer and durability.
Fasteners & Hardware: Manufactured into screws, bolts, nuts, and washers for general industrial use. Its combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability makes it a cost-effective alternative to steel fasteners in corrosive environments.
1.4 Electrical & Electronic Components
Electrical Connectors & Terminals: Used in low-voltage electrical connectors, terminals, and switchgear components. C28000's good electrical conductivity (≈25% IACS) and corrosion resistance ensure reliable electrical contact, while its machinability allows for precise manufacturing of contact points.
Transformer Bushings & Insulators: Employed in transformer bushings and electrical insulators for power distribution systems. Its strength and resistance to electrical arcing make it suitable for high-voltage applications.
Electronic Enclosures & Hardware: Fabricated into enclosures, brackets, and hardware for electronic devices. Its corrosion resistance protects internal components from environmental damage, and its formability allows for custom enclosure designs.
1.5 Other Applications
Ammunition Casings: Historically used for ammunition casings (hence the name "Cartridge Brass" for similar high-zinc brasses), though modern casings often use C26000 (70/30 brass) for higher ductility. C28000 is still used in some specialized ammunition and ordnance components.
Musical Instruments: Used in the production of brass instruments such as trombones, trumpets, and tubas. Its bright tone, malleability, and corrosion resistance make it a preferred material for instrument bells and valves.
Automotive Components: Utilized in automotive radiator cores, fuel lines, and brake fittings. Its corrosion resistance to automotive fluids (coolant, oil, fuel) and mechanical strength make it suitable for under-hood applications.
2. Specifications for C28000 Brass
2.1 Primary International/Regional Standards
2.2 National Standards (Key Markets)
GB/T 5231-2012: C28000 is equivalent to Chinese grade H62 (Cu 60.5–63.5%, Zn 36.5–39.5%, Pb ≤0.08%).
GB/T 1527-2017: Covers C28000/H62 seamless tubes for HVAC applications.
GB/T 18033-2022: Specifies requirements for C28000/H62 tubes for potable water systems.
JIS H3100: Copper and Copper Alloy Plates, Sheets and Strips: C28000 is equivalent to JIS C2800 (Cu 58.0–61.0%, Zn 39.0–42.0%, Pb ≤0.07%).
JIS H3300: Seamless Copper Tubes: Covers C28000/C2800 tubes for marine, industrial, and architectural applications.
DIN EN 12164:2015 (adopted from CEN): Governs C28000 (CuZn40, CW617N) tubes for hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
DIN EN 1962:2021: Applies to C28000 tubes for plumbing and heating, with identical requirements to EN 1962.
2.3 Critical Standard Requirements for C28000
Chemical Composition: The 60/40 Cu-Zn ratio is critical for forming the alpha-beta duplex microstructure, which balances strength and machinability. Impurities such as lead (≤0.07%), iron (≤0.10%), and nickel (≤0.30%) are strictly limited to avoid reducing corrosion resistance or causing brittleness.
Mechanical Properties (Typical Annealed State):
Tensile Strength: 345–485 MPa
Yield Strength (0.2% Offset): ≥125 MPa
Elongation (50 mm): ≥30%
Hardness (HB): 100–140
