C83600 Leaded Red Brass

C83600 Leaded Red Brass is a free-machining copper alloy with excellent corrosion resistance and is ideal for CNC machining in plumbing, automotive, and electrical industries. Meta Description

Introduction to C83600 Leaded Red Brass

C83600 Leaded Red Brass is a copper alloy containing copper, tin, and small amounts of lead, zinc, and other trace elements. This alloy stands out for its excellent machinability, strength, and superior corrosion resistance, especially in harsh environments such as water, steam, and chemical exposures. Compared to other brass alloys, C83600 offers the perfect balance of ease of machining and performance, making it ideal for parts requiring tight tolerances and extended service life. For precision machining, C83600 Leaded Red Brass is a great choice, ensuring smooth cutting and minimal tool wear.

C83600 Leaded Red Brass is widely used in CNC machined parts such as plumbing fittings, valves, pumps, and electrical connectors, where strength and corrosion resistance are essential. Its excellent machinability makes it ideal for producing complex shapes and intricate features required in manufacturing high-performance components across various industries.

Chemical, Physical, and Mechanical Properties of C83600 Leaded Red Brass

Chemical Composition (Typical)

Element

Composition Range (wt.%)

Key Role

Copper (Cu)

85.0–90.0%

Provides strength, conductivity, and corrosion resistance

Tin (Sn)

5.0–6.5%

Enhances strength and corrosion resistance

Lead (Pb)

1.5–2.5%

Improves machinability and reduces friction during machining

Zinc (Zn)

≤2.0%

Strengthens the alloy and improves hardness

Physical Properties

Property

Value (Typical)

Test Standard/Condition

Density

8.4 g/cm³

ASTM B311

Melting Point

900–950°C

ASTM E29

Thermal Conductivity

70 W/m·K at 20°C

ASTM E1952

Electrical Conductivity

12% 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

Mechanical Properties (Annealed Temper)

Property

Value (Typical)

Test Standard

Tensile Strength

350–400 MPa

ASTM E8/E8M

Yield Strength (0.2%)

220–250 MPa

ASTM E8/E8M

Elongation

25–30%

ASTM E8/E8M

Hardness

60–80 HB

ASTM E10

Fatigue Strength

~180 MPa

ASTM E466

Impact Resistance

Good

ASTM E23

Key Characteristics of C83600 Leaded Red Brass

Improved Machinability

C83600 Leaded Red Brass is a free-machining alloy, meaning it can be cut, drilled, and shaped easily, making it ideal for high-speed CNC machining operations. The presence of lead significantly improves machinability, ensuring smooth operations and minimal downtime.

Corrosion Resistance

This alloy offers excellent resistance to corrosion, particularly in water and steam environments. However, it is unsuitable for prolonged seawater exposure, making it ideal for plumbing, water systems, and electrical connection applications.

Good Strength and Durability

C83600 Leaded Red Brass offers a good balance of strength and toughness, allowing it to perform well in components that are exposed to mechanical stress, such as valves, pumps, and other mechanical parts.

Excellent Formability

C83600 is an easy-to-form material that can be bent, stamped, or machined into intricate shapes without cracking. This makes it versatile for producing parts requiring complex designs and geometries.

Aesthetic Appeal

With its reddish color and bright finish, C83600 Leaded Red Brass is often used in applications where appearance is important, such as decorative hardware and trim pieces.

CNC Machining Challenges and Solutions for C83600 Leaded Red Brass

Machining Challenges

  • Chip Formation While C83600 is a free-machining alloy, it can still produce long chips that can obstruct the machining process.

    Solution: Use chip breakers to manage chip formation and adjust feed rates to avoid chip buildup. Use coolant to assist with chip removal.

  • Tool Wear Despite its good machinability, C83600 can cause tool wear, particularly during high-speed operations.

    Solution: Use high-performance carbide or ceramic tools to extend tool life and reduce wear during CNC machining.

  • Surface Finish Quality Achieving a smooth, fine surface finish may be challenging due to the hardness of the alloy, which can lead to rough edges.

    Solution: Use sharp tools, apply adequate lubrication, and reduce cutting speeds to achieve smoother finishes.

  • Work Hardening C83600 Leaded Red Brass can experience work hardening, especially when machining at higher speeds.

    Solution: Moderate cutting speeds, sharp tools, and the application of sufficient coolant can reduce work hardening.

Optimized Machining Strategies

Parameter

Recommendation

Rationale

Tool Material

Carbide or ceramic tools

Carbide and ceramic tools provide high wear resistance and better cutting performance.

Geometry

Positive rake, sharp edges

Improves 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.

C83600 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 C83600 Leaded Red Brass

Machining Process

Function and Benefit for C83600 Leaded Red Brass

CNC Machining

Ideal for high-speed, precision machining of components like valves, bushings, and connectors.

CNC Milling

Suitable for creating slots, grooves, and complex shapes in components like gears and bushings.

CNC Turning

Used for turning cylindrical parts such as valves, bushings, and mechanical components.

CNC Drilling

Ideal for creating precise holes for fasteners and other components.

CNC Boring

Ensures precision internal machining for components like bearings and bushings.

CNC Grinding

Provides smooth finishes for parts exposed to wear and tear, such as gears and shafts.

Multi-Axis Machining

Ideal for producing complex, multi-featured parts in aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors.

Precision Machining

Provides ultra-tight tolerances for high-performance components used in aerospace and medical devices.

EDM Machining

Used for creating intricate features and fine details in parts such as electrical connectors and mechanical components.

Surface Treatment for C83600 Leaded Red 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 plumbing 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, which are ideal for mechanical applications.

  • Chrome Plating: Provides a glossy, durable coating that resists corrosion and enhances the appearance of components.

Industry Applications of C83600 Leaded Red 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.

  • Plumbing Industry: Perfect for producing plumbing fittings, faucets, and valves due to its corrosion resistance.

FAQs

  1. What are the key considerations when selecting C83600 Leaded Red Brass for CNC machining?

  2. How does the machining speed affect the surface finish of C83600 Leaded Red Brass?

  3. Can C83600 Leaded Red Brass be effectively used for high-precision CNC machined parts?

  4. What are the common challenges faced during CNC machining of C83600 Leaded Red Brass?

  5. How does the cost of CNC machining C83600 Leaded Red Brass compare to other copper alloys?

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