C46400 Naval Brass
Introduction to C46400 Naval Brass
C46400 Naval Brass is an alloy of copper, zinc, and small amounts of tin, iron, and lead, designed specifically to provide superior resistance to corrosion in marine environments. The addition of tin enhances its strength and resistance to dezincification, making it particularly effective in preventing the common corrosion issues faced by other brass alloys in seawater. Compared to other brass materials, C46400 offers greater durability in saltwater environments, making it a popular choice for marine and heavy industrial applications. For precision machining, C46400 Naval Brass is an excellent choice, allowing for the production of high-performance, complex components.
Thanks to its unique properties, C46400 Naval Brass is widely used in CNC machined parts such as propellers, valves, and pump components. Its high strength, excellent machinability, and corrosion resistance make it ideal for industries that require robust, durable components exposed to harsh environmental conditions, particularly in marine, aerospace, and power generation applications.
Chemical, Physical, and Mechanical Properties of C46400 Naval Brass
Chemical Composition (Typical)
Element | Composition Range (wt.%) | Key Role |
|---|---|---|
Copper (Cu) | 60.0–65.0% | Provides strength, conductivity, and corrosion resistance |
Zinc (Zn) | 32.0–37.0% | Enhances strength and hardness |
Tin (Sn) | 1.0–1.5% | Increases corrosion resistance and mechanical strength |
Lead (Pb) | ≤0.1% | Improves machinability and reduces friction |
Iron (Fe) | ≤0.5% | Increases strength and wear resistance |
Physical Properties
Property | Value (Typical) | Test Standard/Condition |
|---|---|---|
Density | 8.73 g/cm³ | ASTM B311 |
Melting Point | 900–940°C | ASTM E29 |
Thermal Conductivity | 130 W/m·K at 20°C | ASTM E1952 |
Electrical Conductivity | 20% 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 | 105 GPa | ASTM E111 |
Mechanical Properties (Annealed Temper)
Property | Value (Typical) | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|
Tensile Strength | 550–650 MPa | ASTM E8/E8M |
Yield Strength (0.2%) | 290–450 MPa | ASTM E8/E8M |
Elongation | 20–30% | ASTM E8/E8M |
Hardness | 80–100 HB | ASTM E10 |
Fatigue Strength | ~250 MPa | ASTM E466 |
Impact Resistance | Good | ASTM E23 |
Key Characteristics of C46400 Naval Brass
Excellent Corrosion Resistance
C46400 Naval Brass is highly resistant to corrosion, particularly in saltwater environments. This alloy’s ability to resist dezincification—the selective leaching of zinc from brass alloys—makes it ideal for marine applications such as boat fittings, propellers, and seawater valves. It outperforms many other alloys in harsh marine conditions, providing long-lasting durability.
Strong and Durable
C46400 Naval Brass combines high tensile strength and durability, making it ideal for parts that are exposed to continuous stress, such as mechanical components in pumps, valves, and propellers. Its superior resistance to corrosion and mechanical wear ensures extended service life, even in high-pressure environments.
Good Machinability
This alloy is well-known for its excellent machinability, allowing it to be processed into complex shapes with ease. C46400 can be easily turned, milled, and drilled to precise tolerances, making it ideal for intricate CNC machining operations that require high precision.
Dezincification Resistance
The resistance to dezincification is one of the standout features of C46400 Naval Brass. Unlike many other brass alloys, C46400 does not undergo the detrimental leaching process, where zinc is removed from the alloy when exposed to water or other corrosive environments. This makes it suitable for components exposed to constant water flow or underwater conditions, such as piping and seawater valves.
High Wear Resistance
C46400 Naval Brass is highly resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for high-friction applications. Bearings, bushings, and other moving parts made from this alloy can perform under extreme conditions without losing functionality or requiring frequent maintenance.
CNC Machining Challenges and Solutions for C46400 Naval Brass
Machining Challenges
Chip Formation Due to its high strength, C46400 Naval Brass can produce long, stringy chips that may obstruct machining processes.
Solution: Use chip breakers, adjust feed rates, and apply coolant or air to facilitate chip removal during machining.
Tool Wear The alloy’s hardness can lead to rapid tool wear, particularly when machining at high speeds.
Solution: Use carbide or ceramic cutting tools that offer higher resistance to wear and retain sharpness longer, ensuring smoother machining.
Surface Finish Achieving a smooth surface finish can be challenging, as C46400 Naval Brass tends to create rough edges during high-speed cutting.
Solution: Use sharp, high-quality tools and apply lubrication to reduce friction and improve the surface quality. Lower cutting speeds can also help reduce roughness.
Work Hardening Like other brass alloys, C46400 may experience work hardening if excessive pressure or speed is applied during machining.
Solution: Use moderate cutting speeds and proper coolant to prevent heat buildup and work hardening.
Optimized Machining Strategies
Parameter | Recommendation | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
Tool Material | Carbide or ceramic tools | Carbide and ceramic tools offer superior wear resistance. |
Geometry | Positive rake, sharp edges | Helps to improve chip flow and ensures smoother surface finishes. |
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 | Helps in heat dissipation and improves surface finish. |
C46400 Cutting Parameters (ISO 513 Compliance)
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 |
Typical Machining Methods for C46400 Naval Brass
Machining Process | Function and Benefit for C46400 Naval Brass |
|---|---|
Ideal for high-speed, precision machining of components like bushings, bearings, and gears. | |
Suitable for creating slots, grooves, and complex shapes in components like gears and bushings. | |
Used for turning cylindrical parts such as valves, bushings, and mechanical components. | |
Ideal for creating precise holes for fasteners and other components. | |
Ensures precision internal machining for components like bearings and bushings. | |
Provides smooth finishes for parts exposed to wear and tear, such as shafts and gears. | |
Ideal for producing complex, multi-featured parts in aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors. | |
Provides ultra-tight tolerances for high-performance components used in aerospace and medical devices. | |
Used for creating intricate features and fine details in parts such as electrical connectors and gears. |
Surface Treatment for C46400 Naval Brass CNC Parts
Electroplating: Enhances corrosion resistance and provides a shiny finish for parts such as connectors and valves.
Polishing: Achieves a high-gloss finish for decorative parts and improves their functionality.
Brushing: Creates satin or matte finishes for parts exposed to frequent handling, such as mechanical components.
PVD Coating: Adds a durable coating that increases wear resistance and extends the life of mechanical components.
Passivation: Improves corrosion resistance, especially for parts exposed to aggressive 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, ideal for mechanical applications.
Chrome Plating: Provides a glossy, durable coating that resists corrosion and enhances the appearance of components.
Industry Applications of C46400 Naval Brass
Aerospace Industry: Used for manufacturing high-strength components such as bushings, bearings, and connectors.
Electrical & Power: Ideal for electrical components requiring high conductivity and durability, including connectors and terminals.
Automotive Industry: Commonly used in automotive applications such as gears, bushings, and other high-performance components.
Marine Industry: Suitable for marine hardware and components exposed to seawater and other corrosive elements.
FAQs
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