Brass C715, also known as Naval Brass, is a high-strength copper-zinc alloy that contains small amounts of tin to enhance its corrosion resistance, especially in seawater environments. Brass C715 offers superior mechanical properties compared to other brass alloys and is particularly known for its outstanding resistance to dezincification. This makes it ideal for applications requiring strength and resistance to harsh conditions. Brass C715 is highly suitable for precision machining and is widely used in industries like marine and aerospace.
Commonly used in CNC machined parts, Brass C715 is perfect for manufacturing components that need to withstand harsh environments, including marine hardware, valves, and fittings. Its excellent corrosion resistance and good strength make it ideal for critical parts in the marine, automotive, and industrial sectors.
Element | Composition Range (wt.%) | Key Role |
---|---|---|
Copper (Cu) | 58.0–63.0% | Provides strength, conductivity, and corrosion resistance |
Zinc (Zn) | 36.0–40.0% | Enhances strength and hardness |
Tin (Sn) | 1.5–2.5% | Increases corrosion resistance, particularly to seawater |
Iron (Fe) | ≤0.3% | Minimal impact on properties |
Property | Value (Typical) | Test Standard/Condition |
---|---|---|
Density | 8.7 g/cm³ | ASTM B311 |
Melting Point | 900–950°C | ASTM E29 |
Thermal Conductivity | 90 W/m·K at 20°C | ASTM E1952 |
Electrical Conductivity | 15% IACS at 20°C | ASTM B193 |
Coefficient of Expansion | 19 µm/m·°C | ASTM E228 |
Specific Heat Capacity | 380 J/kg·K | ASTM E1269 |
Elastic Modulus | 110 GPa | ASTM E111 |
Property | Value (Typical) | Test Standard |
---|---|---|
Tensile Strength | 400–500 MPa | ASTM E8/E8M |
Yield Strength (0.2%) | 300–400 MPa | ASTM E8/E8M |
Elongation | 20–30% | ASTM E8/E8M |
Hardness | 80–100 HB | ASTM E10 |
Fatigue Strength | ~250 MPa | ASTM E466 |
Impact Resistance | Fair | ASTM E23 |
Brass C715 excels in its resistance to corrosion, especially in seawater and other harsh environmental conditions. This makes it ideal for marine hardware, shipbuilding, and applications that require protection against dezincification.
This alloy offers high tensile strength and good fatigue resistance, making it suitable for high-stress applications. Its durability ensures that it can withstand harsh environments while maintaining its structural integrity.
Brass C715 is highly machinable, which makes it suitable for high-speed CNC machining operations. Its excellent machinability reduces tool wear and minimizes downtime during production.
Brass C715, like other copper alloys, offers good electrical conductivity, making it an ideal material for electrical connectors and terminals in applications where electrical efficiency is critical.
Brass C715 has a bright golden color that provides an aesthetically pleasing finish. It is often used in decorative applications such as hardware, fittings, and marine accessories.
Chip Formation Brass C715 can produce long, stringy chips that can cause machining inefficiencies and blockages in the cutting process.
Solution: Use chip breakers to manage long chips, adjust feed rates, and apply coolant to clear chips efficiently.
Tool Wear Although Brass C715 is known for its machinability, it can still cause tool wear, especially when machining at high speeds.
Solution: Use high-performance carbide or ceramic tools to extend tool life and improve cutting performance.
Surface Finish Quality Achieving a smooth surface finish can be challenging due to Brass C715's toughness and potential for burr formation.
Solution: Employ high-speed cutting with sharp tools and ensure proper lubrication to achieve smooth, high-quality finishes.
Work Hardening Brass C715 is prone to work hardening if machining conditions are not properly controlled.
Solution: Use moderate cutting speeds, sharp tools, and adequate coolant to minimize work hardening during machining.
Parameter | Recommendation | Rationale |
---|---|---|
Tool Material | Carbide or ceramic tools | These materials provide superior wear resistance and cutting performance. |
Geometry | Positive rake, sharp edges | Improves chip flow and ensures a smooth surface finish. |
Cutting Speed | 150–250 m/min | Reduces heat generation and prevents material deformation. |
Feed Rate | 0.10–0.20 mm/rev | Ensures smooth cutting and reduces burr formation. |
Coolant | Flood coolant or air blast | Reduces heat and enhances surface finish. |
Operation | Speed (m/min) | Feed (mm/rev) | Depth of Cut (mm) | Coolant Pressure (bar) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Roughing | 150–200 | 0.15–0.20 | 2.0–3.5 | 25–35 |
Finishing | 200–250 | 0.05–0.10 | 0.5–1.0 | 30–50 |
Machining Process | Function and Benefit for Brass C715 |
---|---|
Ideal for high-speed, precision machining of components like connectors, bushings, and other marine hardware in the aerospace and marine industries. | |
Suitable for creating slots, grooves, and complex shapes in components like valves, fittings, and marine accessories. | |
Used for turning cylindrical parts such as bushings, shafts, and mechanical components in industrial and marine applications. | |
Ideal for creating precise holes for fasteners and mechanical parts, widely used in the marine and automotive industries. | |
Ensures precision internal machining for parts like bearings and bushings, commonly used in industrial and marine systems. | |
Provides smooth finishes for parts that experience wear, such as gears and shafts, used in aerospace and automotive applications. | |
Ideal for producing complex, multi-featured parts in the aerospace and marine industries. | |
Provides ultra-tight tolerances for high-performance components used in aerospace, marine, and industrial applications. | |
Used for creating intricate features and fine details in components like connectors and switches in aerospace and marine applications. |
Electroplating: Enhances corrosion resistance and provides a shiny finish for electrical connectors and other components.
Polishing: Achieves a high-gloss finish for decorative parts and improves functionality.
Brushing: Creates satin or matte finishes for components exposed to frequent handling.
PVD Coating: Adds a durable coating that increases wear resistance and extends the part's life.
Passivation: Improves corrosion resistance, especially for components exposed to chemicals.
Powder Coating: Provides a thick, protective finish ideal for parts exposed to UV light and harsh conditions.
Teflon Coating: Adds non-stick and chemical-resistant properties, which are ideal for mechanical applications.
Chrome Plating: Provides a glossy, durable coating that resists corrosion and enhances appearance.
Aerospace Industry: Used for manufacturing electrical connectors, bushings, and other components exposed to high stresses and harsh conditions.
Electrical & Power: Ideal for electrical components that require high conductivity and durability, such as terminals and connectors.
Automotive Industry: Commonly used in automotive connectors, bushings, and fittings for their strength and corrosion resistance.
Marine Industry: Used extensively in marine hardware and shipbuilding due to its excellent corrosion resistance in seawater.
How does Brass C715 compare to other copper alloys regarding corrosion resistance?
What are the best surface treatments for Brass C715 to enhance its performance?
Can Brass C715 be used in high-temperature marine environments?
How does Brass C715 perform in freshwater applications compared to seawater?
What industries commonly use Brass C715 for CNC machining?