Alloy 260， Rod，UNS N03260,E FORU

British Specs:，American Specs: AMS 5890 Bar and Forgings，German Specs:

### **Technical Datasheet: Alloy 260 (Cartridge Brass, 70/30) Rod** **Product Name:** Alloy 260 Brass Rod **UNS Designation:** UNS C26000 **Common Names:** Cartridge Brass, 70/30 Brass #### **Overview** Alloy 260, known commercially as Cartridge Brass, is a copper-zinc alloy containing approximately 70% copper and 30% zinc. It is the most common and widely used of all brass alloys, offering an excellent combination of high ductility, excellent cold-working properties, and good strength. The name "Cartridge Brass" originates from its historical and primary use in the manufacture of cartridge cases, a application that perfectly leverages its deep-drawing capabilities. Supplied in rod form, it is ideal for machining into precision components across various industries. #### **Key Characteristics** * **Excellent Cold Workability:** Superior ductility for deep drawing, bending, and forming operations. * **High Machinability:** Rated as 100% (Free-Cutting Brass = 100%) in rod forms optimized for machining. * **Good Strength and Hardness:** Can be further enhanced through cold working. * **Attractive Gold-Like Appearance:** Offers good aesthetic appeal for decorative applications. * **Excellent Electrical and Thermal Conductivity:** Though lower than pure copper, it remains highly effective. * **Good Corrosion Resistance:** Performs well in a variety of atmospheric, fresh water, and seawater environments, though it can be susceptible to dezincification in specific conditions. --- #### **Chemical Composition (Weight % - Typical)** The composition conforms to standard specifications for UNS C26000. | Element | Content (%) | | :--- | :--- | | Copper (Cu) | 68.5 - 71.5 | | Zinc (Zn) | Remainder | | Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.05 | | Lead (Pb) | ≤ 0.07 | | Other Elements | ≤ 0.15 total | *Note: The low lead content distinguishes it from free-machining brasses like C36000, making it suitable for applications with stricter environmental or potable water requirements.* --- #### **Physical Properties (Typical)** | Property | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Density | 8.53 g/cm³ (0.308 lb/in³) | | Melting Point (Liquidus) | 955 °C (1750 °F) | | Melting Point (Solidus) | 915 °C (1680 °F) | | Electrical Conductivity | 28% IACS (at 20°C) | | Thermal Conductivity | 120 W/m·K (at 20°C) | | Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 20.2 x 10⁻⁶/°C (20-300°C) | --- #### **Mechanical Properties (for Rod - Typical)** Properties vary with temper (condition). H0X tempers are achieved by cold working. | Condition | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (0.5% Ext) (MPa) | Elongation (% in 2 in) | Hardness (Rockwell F) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **O60 (Annealed)** | 325 - 410 | 75 - 145 | 55 - 65 | 55 - 65 | | **H01 (1/4 Hard)** | 380 - 450 | 125 - 240 | 40 - 55 | 65 - 75 | | **H02 (1/2 Hard)** | 415 - 485 | 205 - 330 | 25 - 45 | 75 - 85 | | **H04 (Hard)** | 485 - 565 | 395 - 485 | 8 - 20 | 88 - 93 | | **H08 (Spring)** | 520 - 600 | 450 - 520 | 5 - 12 | 91 - 96 | --- #### **International Standards** Alloy 260/C26000 is recognized and specified by numerous international standards organizations. * **ASTM (USA):** * **B16:** Standard Specification for Free-Cutting Brass Rod, Bar and Shapes for Use in Screw Machines. * **ASME (USA):** * **SB16:** Same scope as ASTM B16, for pressure vessel applications. * **SAE (USA):** * **SAE J461:** Wrought Copper and Copper Alloys. * **EN (European Norm):** * **CW508L (Formerly CW505L):** Material designation. * **EN 12164:** Copper and copper alloys - Rod for free machining purposes. * **EN 12165:** Copper and copper alloys - Wrought and unwrought forging stock. * **DIN (Germany):** * **DIN 17660:** CuZn30 (CZ106). * **JIS (Japan):** * **JIS H3250:** C2600. --- #### **Product Applications** Alloy 260 rod is extensively used in automatic screw machines (swiss-type) and CNC lathes to produce a vast array of components. Key application areas include: * **Fasteners and Hardware:** Screws, nuts, bolts, rivets. * **Electrical Components:** Terminals, connectors, sockets, switch parts. * **Plumbing and Hydraulics:** Valve bodies, pump components, fittings (for non-potable water where dezincification is not a concern). * **Architectural and Decorative:** Door handles, hinges, decorative trim, architectural accents. * **Consumer Goods:** Zippers, pen barrels, musical instrument parts, ammunition components. * **General Engineering:** Bushings, bearings, gears, and other machined parts requiring good corrosion resistance and formability. --- #### **Disclaimer** This information is provided for reference purposes only. The properties and performance of Alloy 260 can be influenced by manufacturing processes, temper, and specific service environments. For critical applications, it is essential to consult with the material supplier and refer to the complete, official standard specifications.

Packing of Standard Packing: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 2808 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.