We often see engineering drawings specifying C11000 pure copper for parts that act merely as housing, fasteners, or structural supports. From a procurement standpoint, that is a waste of budget.
C26000 (Cartridge Brass) is the "workhorse" of the metal industry. It is significantly cheaper than pure copper, stronger, and easier to form. But can you substitute it safely?
The Core Difference: Zinc Content
C11000 (Copper): 99.9% Pure Copper.
C26000 (Brass): 70% Copper + 30% Zinc.
Zinc is much cheaper than copper. This makes C26000 roughly 20-30% cheaper per kilogram than C11000 (market dependent). However, Zinc kills electrical conductivity.
Conductivity vs. Strength: The Trade-off
Performance Comparison
| Feature | C11000 (ETP Copper) | C26000 (Cartridge Brass) |
| Electrical Conductivity | 101% IACS | 28% IACS (Poor) |
| Tensile Strength (Hard) | ~345 MPa | ~520 MPa (Stronger) |
| Color | Red / Rose | Yellow / Gold |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Good (but risk of Dezincification) |
If your part carries high current (like a main busbar), NEVER use C26000. It will act like a heater resistor and potentially melt.
Why is C26000 Called "Cartridge" Brass?
It is famous for its Deep Drawing capability. The 70/30 mixture creates an alloy structure that allows the metal to be stretched significantly without cracking. This is why it is used for ammunition casings, lamp sockets, and door knobs.
International Standards
| Region | Standard | Grade Designation |
| USA | ASTM B36 | C26000 |
| Europe | EN | CW505L / CuZn30 |
| Japan | JIS | C2600 |
When to Choose Which?
Stick to C11000 if:
The part conducts electricity (Busbars, wires, contacts).
Thermal conductivity is critical (Heat sinks).
Switch to C26000 if:
You need a screw, bolt, or fastener.
You are making a housing, casing, or decorative trim.
You need to deep-draw a cup shape.
Product Forms We Can Provide
| Product Category | Material Standards | Common Alloys | Key Specifications (Can be Customized) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Tubes | ASTM B75, B88, B280,B111; EN 12449, 12451; DIN EN 12735; JIS H3300 | C10100 (OFE), C11000 (ETP), C12200 (DHP), C23000, C70600,C71500 | OD: 3mm - 300mm Wall Thickness: 0.5mm - 20mm Temper: Soft (O), Half-Hard (H50), Hard (H80) Form: Straight Lengths, Coils, U-Bends |
| Copper Sheets / Plates | ASTM B152, B248, B248M; EN 1652; DIN 1787; JIS H3100, H3250 | C10100 (OFE), C11000, C10200 (OF), C26000, C86200 | Thickness: 0.3mm - 100mm Width: Up to 1200mm Length: Up to 3000mm (or coils) Surface: Mill, Polished, Brushed |
| Copper Rods / Bars | ASTM B187, B301, B411; EN 12163, 12164; DIN 17672; JIS H3250 | C10100 (OFE), C11000, C14500, C36000, C63000 | Diameter/Rect. Size: 3mm - 300mm Shape: Round, Square, Hexagonal, Rectangular Condition: Drawn, Extruded, Hot Rolled |
| Copper Wires | ASTM B1, B2, B3, B258; EN 13601; IEC 60228; JIS H3100 | C10100 (OFE), C11000, C14420, C14500 | Diameter: 0.1mm - 20mm Temper: Soft, Annealed, Hard-Drawn Form: Bare, Tinned, Stranded, on Spools |
| Copper Foils / Strips | ASTM B103, B370; EN 1652; DIN 1787; JIS H3100 | C10100 (OFE), C10200, C11000, C19400, C26800 | Thickness: 0.02mm - 2.0mm Width: Up to 600mm Temper: Rolled, Annealed |
| CNC Machining Parts | As per Customer Drawing/Req. | All Common Copper Alloys (including C10100, C11000, C86200, etc.) | Process: Turning, Milling, Drilling, Tapping Tolerance: ±0.005mm - ±0.1mm Post-Processing: Deburring, Polishing, Plating |
Our factory
Our manufacturing facility operates a comprehensive and modern production line, equipped with advanced continuous casting, precision rolling, high-speed drawing, and multi-axis CNC machining centers, enabling us to process copper and copper alloys (such as C10100, C11000, C12200, C71500,C70600 etc.) into a full range of products including tubes, sheets, rods, wires, and foils. To ensure top-tier quality, we have implemented a rigorous in-process and final inspection system, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment such as spectrometers for material verification, digital tensile testers for mechanical property checks, precision dimensional gauges, and eddy current or ultrasonic testers for defect detection, guaranteeing that every product meets or exceeds international standards such as ASTM, EN, and JIS, as well as specific customer requirements.
