Chemical Composition
The primary constituents of C21000 brass are copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), with the copper content ranging between 94.0% and 96.0%, and zinc constituting the remainder. It also contains trace elements such as iron (Fe ≤ 0.05%), lead (Pb ≤ 0.05%), and nickel (Ni = 0.5%), with the total impurity content not exceeding 0.3%. This compositional design enables C21000 brass to maintain relatively high strength while also possessing good electrical/thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Physical Properties
Density: Approximately 8.86 g/cm³.
Electrical Conductivity: ≥54% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard), with a conductivity reaching up to 31.32 MS/m.
Thermal Conductivity: 234 W/(m·K), demonstrating excellent thermal performance.
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 18.0 × 10⁻⁶ /K.
Modulus of Elasticity: 115 GPa.
Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength: ≥205 MPa (some sources indicate ≥215 MPa or ≥275 MPa, which may be related to the specific temper or testing conditions).
Elongation: ≥35% (some sources indicate ≥30% or ≥45%, again possibly related to the specific temper or testing conditions).
Vickers Hardness: ≤90 (for condition M).
Heat Treatment Processes
Annealing: Conducted at temperatures between 540°C and 600°C to enhance plasticity and toughness.
Solution Treatment: Conducted at temperatures between 775°C and 850°C to improve strength and hardness.
Application Fields
Due to its excellent properties, C21000 brass is widely used in various industrial fields:
Electrical Industry: Used in the manufacture of electrical wires, cables, and electrical connectors. Its high conductivity ensures efficient current transmission.
Thermal Engineering: Used in the manufacture of heat sinks and heat exchangers. Its high thermal conductivity facilitates rapid heat transfer and dissipation.
Automotive Industry: Used in the manufacture of various fasteners and decorative components. Its high strength and wear resistance ensure the long-term stable operation of these parts.
Construction Field: Used in the manufacture of water pipes, heating pipes, and decorative materials. Its corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal allow these components to maintain good performance and appearance in harsh environments.
Marine Industry: Due to its good corrosion resistance, making it less susceptible to seawater erosion and oxidation, C21000 brass finds extensive applications in fields such as submarine cables, marine electrical equipment, and heat exchangers.
C21000 vs. C22000
| Property | C21000 (Gilding Metal) | C22000 (Commercial Bronze) | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | ~95% Cu, ~5% Zn | ~90% Cu, ~10% Zn | C22000 has slightly lower copper content. |
| Color | Red-gold | Medium gold, slightly less red than C21000 | Colors are similar; C21000 is slightly redder. |
| Mechanical | Softer, more ductile | Slightly stronger and harder | The differences are subtle; both are highly ductile. |
| Conductivity | Slightly higher | Slightly lower | Both have good conductivity; C21000 is marginally better. |
| Primary Uses | Jewelry, fine decorative work | Architectural bronze, grillwork, nameplates, costume jewelry | Uses overlap significantly. C22000 is a common "architectural bronze." |
| Cost | Slightly higher | Slightly lower | Cost difference is usually minor. |
How to Choose:
Choose C21000 for applications demanding the absolute highest formability or the warmest red-gold hue.
Choose C22000 when a slightly harder, more economical alternative is acceptable for general architectural or decorative applications where the color difference is negligible.
Our factory
Our supply scope covers a comprehensive range of high-performance copper and copper alloy products tailored to diverse industrial applications. We provide precision-engineered copper tubes for HVAC and refrigeration systems, sheets and plates for architectural cladding and electrical components, rods and bars for machining and fabrication, wires for conductive and mechanical purposes, as well as strips and foils for electronic and automotive industries. All products are available in various alloys - including pure copper, brass, bronze, phosphor bronze, copper-nickel, and specialty alloys - and can be supplied in standard sizes or customized dimensions, tempers, and finishes to meet your exact specifications.








